Oct. 23, 2024
The Arizona business community supports Prop 138, the Tipped Workers Protection Act. State and local business organizations representing thousands of employers from every corner of Arizona have formally endorsed Prop 138.
Prop 138 maintains the current tipping system in Arizona, while raising the base wage to guarantee tipped workers earn at least $2 above minimum wage. The ballot measure is necessary to protect Arizona against out-of-state union activists, who have pledged to eliminate the tip credit and install a California-style wage system in Arizona.
Below is what Arizona business leaders and organizations are saying about Prop 138:
“The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry supports Proposition 138 because it provides a fair and predictable wage structure that benefits both employees and businesses. The measure ensures tipped workers are compensated fairly while giving businesses the flexibility they need to manage labor costs and remain competitive, ultimately supporting the economic health of our small businesses.”
Danny Seiden, President & CEO, Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
“Rural Arizona needs Prop 138. Restaurants in small communities already operate on slim margins, and face a real threat in the form of special interests that seek to eliminate the tip credit system our state has utilized since 2006. Prop 138 will protect the tipping system – which helps workers earn more, employers contain their costs, and customers get an affordable meal.”
Olivia Ainza-Kramer, President & CEO, Nogales – Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Visitor & Tourism Center
“In Tucson, we know how vital our local food culture and restaurant scene is to our economy here, as the first City of Gastronomy in the US! We support Prop 138 because it keeps this industry strong by increasing wages for workers while also helping employers manage expenses and keep prices as low as possible for customers.”
Michael Guymon, President & CEO, Tucson Metro Chamber
“With Prop 138, Arizonans have an opportunity to both strengthen local businesses and support workers. We ask voters to join us in supporting Prop 138.”
Todd Sanders, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber
“The restaurant and hospitality industry is a critical component of southern Arizona’s economy, and is made possible by our workforce of tipped workers. Prop 138 will protect the tipping system these workers rely upon, while keeping costs down for employers and customers.”
Ted Maxwell, President & CEO, Southern Arizona Leadership Council
“Scottsdale is blessed with a vibrant and growing restaurant scene that attracts patrons from across the country and worldwide. Please join us in supporting Prop 138, which will help our restaurants and the servers and staff members who make them special.”
Mark Stanton, President & CEO, Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce
“The restaurant and hospitality industry is an important part of our fast-growing community. We support Prop 138 to keep costs down for employers and customers, while raising the base wage for tipped workers.”
Deanna Kupcik, President & CEO, Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce
“Glendale is poppin’ with some of the best spots in the state, and Prop 138 is our shot to keep that vibe alive. It’s all about lifting up small businesses and keeping the tipping system that our restaurant and hospitality crews rely on.”
Joshua Gunn, President & CEO, Glendale Chamber of Commerce
“This proposition reflects the interests of both restaurant owners and their employees, proving a balanced approach that ensures fairness and financial security for workers, while sustaining the flexibility that makes the service industry unique.
Betsy LaVoie, CEO & President, Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce
“Voting Yes on Prop 138 is really a win-win-win for our community. As someone that has previously worked in the service industry where tips were vital, Prop 138 ensures protections are in place for those that depend on that income to support themselves and their families, while also raising the guaranteed pay for servers by $2/hour. For our wonderful restaurant community, the current tipping system is crucial in allowing business owners greater ability to cover other expenses and hire more staff. For consumers, keeping the tip credit ensures that we – unlike other communities where we have seen this eliminated – don’t encounter extra surcharges and service fees on top of our bill. Let’s keep our vibrant and growing restaurant scene in Peoria and throughout the state of Arizona going strong with a Yes vote on Prop 138!”
Rhonda Carlson, President & CEO, Peoria Chamber of Commerce
Paid for by Save Our Tips AZ PAC with 8% from out-of-state contributors. Top Donors for Campaign Media Spending: Arizona Restaurant Association, Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Restaurant Association. Not authorized by any candidate.
