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Emmer: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Yesterday we kicked off the next phase of the Freedom and Prosperity Project. We are talking with different businesses around the state about the most important issue in this election: jobs. The first stop was at a restaurant where we listened to the owners talk about things state government could do to keep and grow jobs. They mentioned a tip credit, already in place in 43 other states including all of our neighboring states.

When a reporter asked if I supported the concept of a tip credit, I answered yes. I want the wait staff at a restaurant to be successful and make as much as they can, and a recent study published in Applied Economics Letters shows that tip credits have essentially no negative impact on wages for tipped employees. So contrary to what some people are saying, I have no interest in “cutting wages.”

Tip credits can impact jobs, and in a good way. Tip credits can help employers hire more people, or pay other employees higher wages. In today’s economy, we have to do everything we can to grow jobs, including hospitality jobs.

When the Legislature tried to raise the minimum wage, I supported a modest tip credit, freezing tipped employees at the current minimum wage to account for the wages they received as tips. This proposal was designed to prevent layoffs at bars and restaurants across the state as we headed into the recession. And, in fact, over 4000 jobs were lost last year in the hospitality industry as the recession took hold. Ultimately, our legislative leaders refused this modest concession.

I am a strong believer that a paycheck is better than an unemployment check. Job losses and business closings aren’t good for anybody. The United Auto Workers Union learned that lesson the hard way, as our auto industry almost collapsed at least partly due to an unwillingness to negotiate wage, benefit, and work rules that would have kept the industry afloat.

This election is about jobs, and ensuring that the government doesn’t keep getting in the way of job creation.

I will continue to focus on improving this economy to create and protect jobs in every part of the state.

Tom Emmer is everywhere!

The Emmer for Governor Campaign has kicked into hyperdrive. Last week Tom and Annette traveled the state on a 3-day bus tour. They were joined by all the Republican candidates for Constitutional offices, including Chris Barden for Attorney General, Dan Severson for Secretary of State, and Pat Anderson, our once and future State Auditor.

What a trip! Hundreds of supporters came out to greet us, media covered us wherever we went, and we even had time to enjoy a few cheese curds along the way.

If you are interested in seeing pictures and even videos from the trip, check out our facebook page: facebook.com/emmerforgovernor

On Monday we went to Saint Paul and Mankato to roll out the Jobs and Economy focus of the Freedom and Prosperity Project. On Tuesday we went on to Moorhead and Alexandria. We were scheduled to visit Bemidji and Duluth as well, but flying conditions were too dangerous to make that possible.

We are criss-crossing Minnesota to take our message of Freedom and Prosperity to all Minnesotans. With your hard work, we will succeed!

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