Hurry Up and Wait
This week, we finally saw the legislative productivity we've been waiting for as we voted on a significant number of bills. It also came with the customary controversy and a dash of religious overreach. (No, the Ten Commandments should not be posted in classrooms.) Sadly, there were more than a few instances of anti-LGBTQ+ dialogue and policy. It continues to disappoint me that we have to go through this willfully ignorant cycle of discrimination at the harmful expense of our friends and family’s well-being. Especially when we have real pressing issues to address like our budget, climate, and housing crises. The hours we spend debating extremist ideologies would be much better devoted to ways that improve people’s lives in this state.
I do want to highlight the topic of tipping and minimum wage, as two competing stances may be headed to the ballot this year. SCR 1040, the ‘Tipped Wages Protection Act’ is being run by the Arizona Restaurant Association and aims to allow an employer to pay tipped workers up to 25% less than minimum wage if they can show that the employee made minimum wage plus $2 for all hours worked. The non-profit organization One Fair Wage is gathering signatures for a measure asking voters to raise the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour for all workers, even those who receive tips.
The minimum wage in Arizona increased at the start of this year going from $13.85 to $14.35/hour. SCR1040 is headed back to the Senate and if passed, it may be on the ballot along with One Fair Wage’s initiative. Start thinking through which you may cast your vote for and let me know what you think of the two.
The legislature adjourned for another break as we will gavel in only on Wednesday for the next two weeks. You will find me in the community and on the campaign trail while away from the Capitol.
With appreciation,
Sarah
