Here are five top news items from the week of Dec. 4.
1. Jawando, Advocates Continue Push for Tip Credit Phase-Out
It has been about a year since Washington, D.C. voters passed a phase-out of the tip credit and subminimum wage. Local leaders and advocates from Montgomery County are still working toward making the change here, and Councilmember Will Jawando held a discussion with One Fair Wage and Chicago City councilmembers on Wednesday about their efforts. In October, the Chicago City Council passed similar legislation.
But, not all are in favor of getting rid of the tip credit. Restaurant servers and bartenders have voiced their opposition to proposals that would eliminate the credit. The Restaurant Association of Maryland states that getting rid of the tip credit will lead to higher menu prices and service charges, and that customers will not tip on top of that.
2. Little Falls Parkway Plan Moves Forward
On Monday, Nov. 24, the County Council’s Parks, Housing and Planning Committee met with the County Parks and Planning Commission to outline two plans for traffic management for the River Road to Bethesda roadway known as Little Falls Parkway. Pedestrian and cyclist safety, preservation of existing stream beds and accommodations for emergency vehicles were among the many issues under consideration. Here are some excerpts from the nearly two-hour meeting.
3. MCPS Releases 2022-2023 Statistics on Demographics, Graduation and Retention Rates
More than 34% of the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students are Hispanic, 24% are White, 22% are Black or African American and 14% are Asians, according to data released Tuesday on the 2022-2023 school year.
MCPS Releases 2022-2023 Statistics on Demographics, Graduation and Retention Rates
4. Friedson Elected County Council President, Stewart Elected Vice President
County Councilmember Andrew Friedson was elected Council president Tuesday. Friedson, who previously served as Council vice president, was unanimously approved by his fellow councilmembers. Councilmember Kate Stewart was unanimously chosen as vice president.
Friedson Elected County Council President, Stewart Elected Vice President
5. Silvestre Reelected School Board President, Harris Chosen as VP
Karla Silvestre was reelected unanimously to serve as Montgomery County Public Schools Board of Education (BOE) president Tuesday morning. By a vote of five to three, Board Member Lynne Harris was chosen as vice president over Board Member Julie Yang. Harris succeeds Board Member Shebra Evans.
Silvestre Reelected School Board President, Harris Chosen as VP
