The new year means Seattle minimum wage is up to $20.76 an hour. It also means the end of a $2.72 cent hour tip credit that small businesses and restaurants have been using to help balance the books. The choice to let that credit expire was built into the law. But it’s not that simple.

We hear from Seattle Times reporter Jackie Varriano and bartender Chandler Sapp.

Legislative Preview hosted by Austin Jenkins

Legislative Preview hosted by Angela King

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The new year means Seattle minimum wage is up to $20.76 an hour. It also means the end of a $2.72 cent hour tip credit that small businesses and restaurants have been using to help balance the books. The choice to let that credit expire was built into the law. But it&rsquo;s not that simple.
We hear from Seattle Times reporter Jackie Varriano and bartender Chandler Sapp.
<a href="https://www.pugetsound.edu/stories/university-puget-sound-host-2025-washington-state-legislative-preview">Legislative Preview hosted by Austin Jenkins</a>
<a href="https://seattlecityclub.org/event/seattle-cityclub-2025-legislative-preview/?event_date=2025-01-10">Legislative Preview hosted by Angela King</a>
We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us.
Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed.
Got questions about local news or story ideas to share?
We want to hear from you! Email us at <a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org" data-stringify-link="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org" data-sk="tooltip_parent" aria-haspopup="menu">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at&nbsp;<a href="tel:2066166746" data-stringify-link="tel:2066166746" data-sk="tooltip_parent">(206) 616-6746</a>&nbsp;or leave us feedback online.
See <a href="http://omnystudio.com/listener" data-stringify-link="http://omnystudio.com/listener" data-sk="tooltip_parent">omnystudio.com/listener</a>&nbsp;for privacy information.

A smart, daily podcast for a curious city. Seattle Now brings you quick, informal, and hyper-local news updates every weekday.

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