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Suit Challenging Minimum Wage Increase Set For Court Hearing

Published: Friday, December 16, 2016 - 7:17am
Updated: Friday, December 16, 2016 - 3:40pm
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The lawsuit challenging Arizona’s new minimum-wage law had its first day in court today.

Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services was there and explains what happened.

Opponents of the law say Proposition 206 saddles the state with new costs without identifying a funding source.

Prop. 206 opponents also argue the initiative should not have included two topics. They say the questions of increased pay and the requirement of three days a year of personal leave should have been addressed in separate ballot measures.

But Tomas Robles, who chaired the pro-Prop. 206 campaign, said the lawsuit is without merit, adding the lawsuit even admits the single amendment argument doesn’t apply to initiatives.

"This lawsuit is just another example of the chamber and frankly Arizona Republicans trying to ignore the will of the voters," Robles said.

Attorney General Mark Brnovich's office will defend the law, which raises the minimum wage from $8.05 an hour to $10 on Jan. 1 and to $12 in 2020.

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