Service workers who rely on tips sang the praises of President Trump and Congress for passing a “Big, Beautiful Bill” that did away with taxes on tips. The South Shore Press Man on the Street asked them what they thought about it.
Amy Weinhauer, a server at the Country Cottage in Center Moriches, was an early supporter of the move. “It’s ridiculous that we have to work so hard and then the government comes in and takes our money,” she said, noting that when customers add a tip to their credit card payments, the workers hardly see the money. “It’s taken out of our paychecks before we even get it. Punishing people who work hard for a living was totally unfair. Thank you, President Trump and Congress, for giving us a break.”
Her coworker at the Cottage, Jillian Vigliarolo, agreed. “It’s hard enough to live on Long Island as it is. We earn tips by taking good care of our customers, and the government was always there with its hand in our pockets. Taxing hard-working people like this was just totally wrong.”
Happy for the servers is customer Mike Spillett of East Patchogue. “They deserve it,” he said. “They make their living by taking care of people. The better job they do, the more they make. The government should not be part of the equation. Just leave these hard-working people alone.”
“The American people voted for candidates who said ‘No taxes on tips’ and we finally got what we deserve,” Weinhauer concluded. “I’m also glad they got rid of taxes on overtime and Social Security. Giving wage earners and those who paid into the system a break was the right thing to do.”