Supporting and protecting small businesses remains at the heart of ongoing economic discussions, and a recent feature by WNCN highlighted this mission through its Small Business Spotlight on Luna Pizza in Clayton, North Carolina.

Luna Pizza, a beloved local restaurant, was celebrated for its hard work, dedication, and impact on the community. Stories like this not only showcase the passion of local entrepreneurs but also underscore the importance of policies that strengthen small businesses across the nation.

One such proposal is the “No Tax on Tips” initiative, a policy aimed at exempting tips from federal income taxes. Advocates say the measure would put more money directly into workers’ pockets and ease financial pressures on small businesses like restaurants, where tips are a critical part of employee income.

However, the proposal also raises important questions. Since tips currently count as taxable income, they help determine Social Security benefits and other federal programs. Eliminating taxes on tips could unintentionally reduce future benefits for workers unless addressed in the legislation.

This discussion comes as the nation approaches the expiration of provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, bringing broader tax reform back into the spotlight. For now, business owners and employees alike are watching closely to see how these changes might shape the future of local entrepreneurship.