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The article discusses the recent rejection of a Massachusetts ballot measure to increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to match that of non-tipped workers by 2029. The proposal faced opposition from restaurant workers and Governor Maura Healey, who expressed concerns about potential job losses and restaurant closures due to higher labor costs. Similar initiatives in California have also faced opposition, with voters becoming more aware of the negative impacts of higher minimum wages. The article highlights the importance of funding and public awareness in shaping the outcomes of such measures. [Extracted from the article]

The restaurant scene in Washington, D.C. is declining due to rising crime rates and increased labor costs. The city has seen a 35% increase in homicides and an 82% increase in car thefts, leading to a decrease in foot traffic and customers choosing to eat elsewhere. Additionally, a ballot measure called Initiative 82, which tripled the base wage for tipped restaurant workers, has caused employment to fall and many restaurants to lay off workers or close locations. To offset costs, restaurants have added fees or surcharges to customer bills, resulting in higher prices and fewer people dining out. However, there is some hope as the mayor has endorsed safety laws and the city council has the power to modify the tipping measure. Overall, the combination of crime and labor costs has had a negative impact on the restaurant industry in Washington, D.C. [Extracted from the article]