149 - Restaurants, Tipped Workers, and Rising Costs - Chris Lane on the Economic Impacts of Question 5

• 149 Restaurants, Tipped Workers, and Rising Costs - Chris Lane on the Economic Impacts of Question 5  

  In this week's episode, Jennifer sits down with Chris Lane, the Director of Client Strategy at Cygnal and a seasoned political consultant and pollster. Chris has held multiple political roles, including campaign manager and finance director, and brings a wealth of experience to the discussion. His expertise is currently focused on national politics and a significant ballot question in Massachusetts concerning the minimum wage for restaurant workers. 

  Chris shares his insights into Question 5, which proposes raising the minimum wage for tipped workers from $6.75 to $15 per hour. The episode dives deep into the contentious issue, exploring the potential economic fallout on the restaurant industry, the misleading polling data, and misconceptions about tipped workers' earnings. Jennifer and Chris also discuss the broader national political landscape, predicting the Democratic and Republican paths in the upcoming elections. The conversation is rich with controversial ideas, including Chris's view on the Democratic Party's strategy concerning Kamala Harris. 

  “They’re driving prices up, saying it’s about fairness – it won’t help anyone.” – Jennifer 

  This week on Political Contessa: 

  • Restaurants campaigning against Question 5 

  • Concerns over rising food prices 

  • Polling data discrepancies 

  • Explaining minimum wage misconceptions for tipped workers 

  • Implications and risks of Question 5 

  • The importance of informed voting 

  • Impacts on the local economy and restaurant ecosystem 

  • Predictions on national politics and upcoming elections 

  Connect with Chris Lane: 
   

  • Cygnal Group on Twitter 

  • Email Chris Lane via Cygnal Group 
     

  Resources: 
   

  • Massachusetts Restaurant Association Website 

  • One Fair Wage Initiative Website 

  • WGBH News Segment on Question 5  

  Connect with Jennifer: PocketbookProject.org 

  • Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa 

  Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts. 

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