Maryland considers increasing minimum wage to $25, ending tipped pay

Lawmakers in Maryland are debating a proposed change to the state’s minimum wage that could mean more money in workers’ pockets. The proposal, called the "Living Wage Act for All," would raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour and eliminate tips for restaurant employees. Currently, Maryland employers can pay tipped workers as little as $3.63 an hour, as long as tips bring them up to the state minimum wage. The House Labor Committee held its first hearing on the legislation Thursday. Even among tipped workers, there are differing opinions. Some told FOX 5 the change could result in lost income. "It would hurt. A lot. It would hurt not only the servers, the bartenders, but also the restaurants in general.," said James Hall, an employee at Silver Diner. "We think that it should be implemented and that the government should support small businesses that may be needing extra support to transition over time," said Nikki M.G. Cole.