The Unlikely Alliance Formed by Nevada Democrats and Republicans

Two Democratic senators from Nevada rarely see eye-to-eye with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) — let alone with former Republican President Donald Trump.

However, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) signed on to a bill Cruz proposed to end federal taxes on tips, becoming the first Democrats to co-sponsor such a policy in either chamber. This move was backed by the influential Local 226 of the Culinary Workers Union, an old ally of the senators.

Trump proposed exempting tipped workers from taxes at an event in June in Las Vegas, claiming the idea came from a bartender. It was a fitting setting — Nevada, known for its hospitality industry, has the highest concentration of tipped workers in all states.

In their statements, both senators mentioned that eliminating taxes on tips is just one of many solutions — including raising the federal minimum wage and better enforcement of the tax code against corporations and the ultra-rich — they support to help tipped workers and achieve tax fairness. By joining Cruz's bill, the senators acknowledge the importance of the issue in Nevada and show their willingness to support a Republican-led effort.

"Nevada has a higher percentage of tipped workers than any other state, and eliminating the federal income tax on tips would provide immediate financial relief to service and hospitality staff across our state who are working harder than ever while facing rising prices," expressed Rosen.

Trump's proposal brought together strange political bedfellows. While many Republicans, including Cruz and Nevada Republican Senate candidate Sam Brown, embraced the idea, others were concerned about how the loss of revenue could negatively impact the deficit. Many Democrats, including Representative Susie Lee (D-NV), expressed openness to the idea but doubted Trump's sincerity in executing it. Rosen's campaign criticized Brown for promoting "hollow conversation topics" after Trump first raised this proposal, while still supporting tax relief for tipped workers.

The Culinary Union, a powerful hospitality workers union aligned with Democrats in Las Vegas, pointed out that while tipped workers need help and the group supports Cruz's bill, the idea was little more than a Trump campaign speech.

However, with the senators' support, the Culinary Union's secretary-treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, stated in a release that the union was pleased with the proposal.

"The Culinary Union applauds Senator Rosen, a former Culinary Union member and tipped employee, and Senator Cortez Masto for joining bipartisan legislation to provide relief to hospitality workers in Nevada," Pappageorge stated. "Real solutions are what workers trust, and we are proud to have senators fighting for real results for working families."

Cruz's bill has attracted four Republican co-sponsors in addition to the Nevada Democrats, including the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Steve Daines (R-MT), who stated he believes the proposal will help Republicans make inroads with the working class.

What do you think?

• Do you believe eliminating federal taxes on tips is a good idea?
• Is this alliance between Nevada Democrats and Republicans surprising to you?
• What other solutions do you think could benefit tipped workers?
• Should politicians from different parties work together more often on issues like this?