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One to Keep An Eye On: Prop 206 (Arizona)


As with many employment and labor law related cases (and bills) being litigated around the country, there are always a few that stand out.  This is one to keep an eye on.


A week or so ago, I had made note of Colorado's Amendment 70 which is a ballot initiative that seeks to raise the minimum wage rate in the state to $12/hour by 2020.  In that post, I had pointed out that similar minimum wage ballot initiatives were pending in Arizona, Washington, and Maine this election cycle.  In fact, I had written about Arizona's minimum wage debate in late September, but thought it would be appropriate to again highlight Prop 206, given that the election is only about a month out.

For those that are unaware, Prop 206 is the ballot initiative in Arizona that seeks to raise the state's hourly minimum wage rate from $8.05/hour to $10/hour in January 2017 and then further increase it to $12/hour in 2020.  To the surprise of very few, the minimum wage debate has found its way into the race for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by John McCain.  Democratic Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick has come out in support of Prop 206 while John McCain has opposed it.

With Arizona becoming somewhat of a swing state (compared to past election cycles) and this being a Presidential election year with likely higher turnout than "off years" (which suggests more liberal leaning voters will likely cast votes),  I would certainly be optimistic about the chances of Prop 206 passing.  Stay tuned.

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