 We know the current system of having a separate lower minimum wage for tipped employees isn't working So what do we do about it? There's actually a bill in Congress right now that would raise the minimum wage and lift the tip minimum wage Until it's equal to 70% of the full minimum wage That's certainly a step in the right direction But maybe it's time we did away with the tip minimum wage altogether and let tip workers get paid as they would in any other job There are seven states that have already done this and the restaurant industry actually forecasts stronger growth in those states than in the rest of the country If tipped workers got the full minimum wage Then it would return tipping to being an expression of gratitude and not the paycheck that these workers rely on