Arizona Supreme Court refuses ban on minimum wage increase; local business owners concerned

The Arizona Supreme Court has refused to temporarily block a minimum wage boost approved by voters that affects hundreds of thousands of low-wage workers.

The Associated Press reports that millions of workers across the U.S. will see their pay increase as 19 states bump up their minimum wages as the new year begins — including Arizona and California. New York state is taking a regional approach, with the wage rising to $11 in New York City — just $1 more than the upcoming $10 minimum wage in Arizona. California’s minimum wage will be raised to $10 an hour statewide, and employees of large businesses will receive $10.50 an hour .

At a meeting discussing Proposition 206 on December 8, just one month after the election, the Yuma Chamber of Commerce advised local business owners about the effects of the new minimum wage law.

Now as the start of the year approaches, some local business owners are even more concerned about the effects of the minimum wage increase.