Wages

On January 16, 2025, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan "No Tax on Tips Act," aiming to exempt gratuities from federal income taxation.

California Assemblyman Isaac Bryan has introduced legislation to increase pay for incarcerated individuals battling wildfires across the state.

As President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas approach the conclusion of their tenure on January 20, Mayorkas' border policies remain a significant point of contention. Reports indicate that by then, approximately 1.5 million illegal migrants will have entered the U.S. through parole programs established under Mayorkas' leadership.

President Joe Biden released a farewell letter to the nation on Wednesday ahead of his Oval Office address. The letter reflected on his tenure, showcasing what he claims are key accomplishments and personal triumphs during his presidency.

The New York Times editorial board proposed a sweeping plan to resolve America’s immigration challenges, advocating for increased legal migration while sidelining concerns of many Americans. The op-ed, titled “A Big Idea to Solve America’s Immigration Mess,” frames migrants as essential for economic growth while casting native-born Americans as a declining population incapable of meeting labor demands.

Seattle’s minimum wage, which rose to $20.76 per hour on January 1, has proven too costly for some business owners, resulting in the closure of a long-standing small business and highlighting broader economic consequences of such policies.

On Monday’s episode of The Alex Marlow Show, Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow sharply criticized the current use of H-1B visas, describing the system as a tool for corporate elites to undercut American workers. Marlow argued that the program, originally intended to fill labor shortages in specialized fields, has been abused to displace U.S. workers while driving down wages.

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) criticized the H-1B visa program during an appearance on Fox News Sunday, arguing that its misuse has harmed American workers and disrupted the economy. Schmitt highlighted the challenges faced by U.S. workers, particularly those impacted by outsourcing and wage competition.

Residents of Seattle, Washington, are expressing concerns about tipping as the city's minimum wage is set to increase to $20.76 an hour on January 1.

Starbucks workers in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle launched a five-day strike on Friday, expressing dissatisfaction with the company’s actions regarding collective bargaining and labor negotiations.