On Jan. 1, Arizona’s minimum wage went up from $8.05 to $10 an hour.
Voters approved the new minimum wage last year, which will gradually increase to $12 an hour by 2020.
More than 700,000 Arizonans previously made less than $10 an hour.
The state Supreme Court rejected a bid by Arizona business leaders to delay the increase but agreed to consider claims that the measure violates the state Constitution.
Local pet-store owner Marsha Vallee has paid her part-timers more than $10 an hour since the store opened and says higher wages can make for loyal employees.
“I think because of that we’ve managed to keep them with us for 9 years, which is pretty unusual in a retail environment”
She thinks the increase is a good thing for local businesses, though will take some adjusting.
“The sick time will be a new thing for us," Vallee said. "Every year, we try to kick down different benefits for our employees. We’re happy to do it, I think it’s fair and people deserve to have sick time, too.”
The measure also mandates paid sick leave for both part-time and full-time employees, which takes effect in July.
