Service Workers Rally Behind President Trump’s NO TAX ON TIPS

6/20/2025

Action Summary

  • Plan Overview: President Trump’s NO TAX ON TIPS plan is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at providing financial relief for hourly workers.
  • Survey Results: 83% of service, hospitality, and retail workers support the initiative, with only 4% in opposition, highlighting the strong demand for increased take-home pay.
  • Economic Relief: The initiative is designed to deliver more immediate income by eliminating taxes on tips, thereby stabilizing financial conditions for a large segment of the workforce.
  • Broader Policy Context: This plan is one facet of President Trump’s Day One commitment, which includes the largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans, tax cuts for seniors, and No Tax on Overtime, amid efforts to counter Bidenflation and stimulate blue-collar wage growth.

Risks & Considerations

  • The “NO TAX ON TIPS” plan could lead to increased disposable income for hourly workers, potentially affecting the local economy positively by increasing consumer spending. However, it may also result in reduced tax revenues, which could impact public services and funding for educational institutions.
  • Vanderbilt University may need to consider the broader economic implications of such tax policies, particularly if they lead to shifts in state or federal funding priorities that could affect university grants and financial aid programs.
  • The emphasis on tax cuts and wage growth for blue-collar workers might shift political and economic focus away from higher education funding, potentially impacting research grants and financial support for students.
  • There is a potential risk that the focus on immediate financial relief for hourly workers could overshadow long-term investments in education and workforce development, which are crucial for sustaining economic growth and innovation.

Impacted Programs

  • Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department may find opportunities to study the impacts of tax policies on local economies and workforce dynamics, potentially leading to new research initiatives and collaborations.
  • The Financial Aid Office might need to reassess its strategies if changes in tax policies affect the financial situations of students and their families, potentially altering the demand for financial aid.
  • Community Engagement Programs could play a role in supporting local service workers and businesses, helping to ensure that economic benefits are maximized and that any negative impacts on public services are mitigated.

Financial Impact

  • The reduction in tax revenues due to the “NO TAX ON TIPS” plan could lead to decreased funding for public services, including education, which may impact Vanderbilt’s funding landscape and necessitate adjustments in budgeting and financial planning.
  • Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal and state budgets prioritize immediate economic relief over long-term educational investments.
  • There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research on economic policies and their impacts, particularly through collaborations with government agencies and think tanks.

Relevance Score: 3 (The plan presents moderate risks involving potential shifts in funding priorities and economic impacts on the university’s financial landscape.)

Key Actions

  • Vanderbilt’s Economic Research Department should analyze the potential impacts of the NO TAX ON TIPS plan on the local economy and labor market. By understanding how these changes might affect income distribution and consumer spending, the university can provide valuable insights to policymakers and the community.
  • The Owen Graduate School of Management could explore opportunities to develop training programs for service industry workers, focusing on financial literacy and management. This initiative could help workers maximize the benefits of increased take-home pay and contribute to their long-term financial stability.
  • Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Program should consider conducting research on the broader societal impacts of the proposed tax changes. This research can inform debates on economic policy and contribute to a deeper understanding of the implications for income inequality and social mobility.
  • The Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions could host forums and discussions on the political and economic implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Engaging with experts and the public can enhance Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in economic policy and governance.

Opportunities

  • The proposed tax changes present an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Law School to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By examining the legal and regulatory aspects of the NO TAX ON TIPS plan, the law school can contribute to shaping fair and effective tax policies.
  • Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on economic relief for hourly workers by developing partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. These collaborations could include joint research initiatives, workforce development programs, and community outreach efforts.
  • The emphasis on tax cuts for working and middle-class Americans aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to social equity and inclusion. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for students from these backgrounds, enhancing their educational opportunities and success.

Relevance Score: 3 (The proposed tax changes require some adjustments to Vanderbilt’s research and community engagement strategies.)

Average Relevance Score: 1.8

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – The directive does not specify a timeline or deadline for the implementation of the NO TAX ON TIPS plan.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS will need to adjust its tax collection and administration procedures to implement the new provision exempting tips from taxation.
  • Department of the Treasury: As the overseeing body for tax policy and the IRS, the Treasury will be responsible for ensuring that the changes in tip taxation are properly enacted and managed.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only a small number of government organizations are directly impacted by this policy change.)

Responsible Officials

  • N/A – The text reports on public reaction and policy proposals without specifying any directives or assigning implementation responsibilities to particular officials.

Relevance Score: 1 (The article does not provide implementation directives for any specific agency or official.)