PHOENIX — Republican lawmakers are moving to let voters throughout the state override the decision of voters in some cities to set their own minimum wage.
Legislation awaiting House action this week ask voters in November to declare that the regulation of employee benefits, including wages “is of statewide concern.’’ HCR 2031 also would say that not just wages but also other compensation, paid leaves, meal breaks and even rest periods “is not subject to further regulation by a city, town or other political subdivision of this state.’’
That’s needed because the proposal would override a 2016 law, approved by a 58% to 42% margin, that not only creates a state minimum wage higher than the federal figure but specifically gives cities and towns the right to do even more.
A constitutional amendment trumps statutory changes. And the Arizona Constitution can be amended only by voters.
The measure, if approved, would most immediately supersede what already has been enacted by voters in Tucson and Flagstaff who have set their own minimum wages higher than the current $12.80 in state law. And it would preclude voters in other communities from following suit and making their own decisions.
This isn’t the only effort to restrict what cities, towns and counties can mandate of local employers.
On Monday the House Appropriations Committee approved HB 2001. It would bar local governments from requiring companies to “alter, adjust or in any way regulate an employee’s labor productivity...
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