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Updated: Minimum Wage Hike in Arizona Takes Effect After Stay is Denied


In late December, a lawsuit was filed to block the implementation of the minimum wage hike in Arizona.  In that suit, opponents to the minimum wage increase argued the wage hike violated the state's Constitution because Proposition 206 (which was approved by voters in November to raise minimum wage rates) failed to identify a funding source.  

However, the Maricopa County Superior Court Judge who heard arguments on the case rejected the challenge.  As a result, a stay was sought with the Arizona Supreme Court...which was subsequently denied with a one sentence statement from the Court late last week.

Consequently, the minimum wage hike went into effect on Sunday as originally planned.  As of Sunday, the minimum wage rate in the state is now set at $10/hour.  The minimum wage rate will increase in $.50 increments and eventually reach $12/hour by 2020.  I would not necessarily say the challenge to the minimum wage rate in Arizona is over, but supporters of Proposition 206 have certainly cleared a big hurdle in this instance.



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