A proposed ballot measure to boost the state's minimum wage could end up getting the support of Gov. Doug Ducey.
It's not that Ducey thinks mandating companies to pay $9.50 an hour by 2020 is a particularly good idea, as that's even higher than what the 2006 voter-approved state minimum wage law requires. But Ducey told Capitol Media Services the measure being pushed by the Arizona Restaurant and Hospitality Association would preclude a bigger issue: allowing Arizona communities to set their own minimum wages.
"We have the reality of minimum wage laws right now. As governor I'm going to follow the law," he said of going over the voter-approved raises. "What I'm opposed to is a patchwork of different wage laws around the state."
Because the 2006 law was approved at the ballot, it can be changed only with voter approval.
The restaurant industry proposal has been approved by a Senate panel and awaits a vote of the full chamber.