Advocacy in Action | November 13, 2025
2025 Municipal Elections: Results
Connecticut’s 2025 municipal elections on November 4 saw strong voter participation and a lot of Democratic gains across the state. More than 192,000 early ballots and over 20,000 absentee votes were cast, signaling one of the most engaged local election cycles in recent years. Here are some key results:
Democratic Party
- New Britain: Bobby Sanchez (D) defeated Sharon Beloin-Saavedra (R) - the city’s first Democratic mayor since 2011
- Stratford: David Chess (D) unseated the Republican incumbent
- Milford: Richard Smith (D) turned the mayor’s office blue
- Ansonia: Frank Tyszka (D) defeated long-time Mayor David Cassetti (R)
- Westport: Kevin Christie (D) ended 12 years of GOP control as first selectman
- New Fairfield: Pat Del Monaco (D) reclaimed the first selectman seat for Democrats
Republican Party
- Wallingford: Vincent Cervoni (R) is the re-elected mayor
- Monroe: Terrence Rooney (R) retained the first selectman’s office
- New Milford: Pete Bass (R) secured his fourth term as mayor
Comments Submitted: IRS's Proposed Definition of "Qualified Tips"
The National Restaurant Association submitted comments supporting the IRS’s proposed definition of “qualified tips” under Section 224, which enables tipped workers to claim the new No Tax on Tips deduction.
The Association supports the inclusion of IRS Examples 3 and 4 and recommends:
- Adding a new example for tip sliders on POS systems
- Updating Revenue Ruling 2012-18 to reflect modern tipping practices
- Ensuring clarity for operators to avoid compliance issues
Minimum Wage: 2025 Increase
Beginning on January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour.
On January 1, 2026:
- Minimum wage will increase to $16.94 per hour
- Server tip credit remains at $6.38 per hour
- Bartender tip credit remains at $8.23 per hour
As a result of our advocacy efforts in 2019, the Connecticut Restaurant Association successfully lead the freezing and decoupling of the tip credit from minimum wage. For this reason, the server wage and bartender wage stay the same, even as minimum wage goes up.For more information or questions on minimum wage, cash wage for tipped employees, tip credit and more, email us at info@ctrestaurant.org.
A reminder that the Mandatory Order No.8 poster must be displayed in all foodservice businesses where employees can read. The Order states minimum fair wage rates for persons employed in the restaurant and hotel restaurant occupations. For restaurants with tipped employees, note the definition of "Service Employees" and the 23 duties incidental to such service.
90-Second Update: Penny Supply
The U.S. Mint stopped producing pennies earlier this year, and the federal government is no longer recirculating them through banks, leading to supply gaps across the country. (One in four restaurant purchases are paid in cash!)
The National Restaurant Association is calling for the federal government to restore the circulation of the existing penny supply, and a federal law that allows restaurants and other small businesses to round to the nearest nickel for cash transactions when exact change isn’t available.
Watch the latest 90-Second Update from Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for more information.
Employment Authorization Documents (EAD): Automatic Extensions Ended
On October 29, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an interim final rule that ends automatic extensions of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for certain renewal applicants who file Form I-765 on or after October 30, 2025.
- Employees in affected categories will no longer be authorized to work past their EAD expiration date unless they receive a new EAD.
- Employers must re-verify work authorization before the EAD expires, or the employee must cease work until a new EAD is presented.
- Failure to reverify in a timely manner may result in unauthorized employment and potential penalties.
Comments Submitted: OSHA Federal Standard
Last year, OSHA proposed a federal standard to prevent heat-related injuries. The rule would require employers across all industries to implement heat illness prevention plans, monitor temperature and humidity, schedule rest breaks based on heat index, and track employee acclimatization.
The National Restaurant Association submitted a third round of comments urging OSHA to consider the impact on restaurants.
Key points:
- The rule would impose costly, complex requirements - especially for small businesses
- OSHA can address heat risks with existing enforcement tools; a new rule isn’t necessary
- A collaborative approach focused on education and voluntary practices works better for restaurants