Restaurants, realtors and tipped workers give opposite takes on initiative reforms

Representatives from business groups and the hospitality industry largely supported the FAIR Initiatives bill at the Dec. 5 hearing, arguing it would bring necessary transparency and protect local residents from out‑of‑state campaign influence. Liz DeBarros, CEO of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, said the bill ‘‘would strengthen transparency and accountability in the ballot initiative process,’’ including requiring certified summaries and fiscal impact statements on petition materials.

Several hospitality workers and tipped employees told the committee that initiatives such as 77 and 82 caused real economic harm and that outside groups repeatedly refiled similar measures. Valerie Torres, a tipped worker who testified, said the cycle has been ‘‘exhausting’’ and personally damaging: ‘‘We are here to preserve tip credit and protect our livelihoods... I’m tired. I’m worn down, discouraged, and I continue to do so.’’ Business witnesses said clearer fiscal information and single‑subject rules would give voters needed context and reduce the likelihood of costly, unvetted policy shocks to local employers and workers. The committee did not vote; members sought further written comments and legal analyses.