PHOENIX (AP) - The Latest on a legal challenge to Arizona’s voter-approved minimum wage increase (all times local):
4:40 p.m.
A spokesman for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the group is considering whether to appeal after a judge rejected its challenge to a voter-approved law raising the minimum wage.
Chamber spokesman Garrick Taylor said Wednesday that the business group still has concerns about the constitutionality of Proposition 206 and will consult with its lawyers and determine if an appeal to the state Supreme Court is warranted.
The chairman of the group that backed the proposition overwhelmingly approved by voters last month called the ruling one that protects democracy. Tomas Robles criticized the Chamber for suing after the measure it opposed won at the ballot box.
Proposition 206 raises the minimum wage from $8.05 an hour to $10 on Jan. 1 and to $12 in 2020.
2:08 p.m.
A judge is refusing to block a new voter-approved law raising Arizona’s minimum wage.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley on Wednesday rejected arguments from the business community that the law didn’t contain a source of revenue to handle increased state costs. He also turned away an argument from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the law illegally contained two separate subjects - both the minimum wage increase and a mandate that employers give workers sick pay.
Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s office defended the law along with proponents of Proposition 206.
The measure passed with 58 percent of the vote in November. It raises the minimum wage from $8.05 an hour to $10 on Jan. 1 and to $12 in 2020.
The Chamber is expected to appeal.
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