The consumer price index released Tuesday showed that inflation is remaining high at 8.3% since last August.
Because of a 2016 law, that will raise Arizona’s minimum wage in the new year.
Based on Tuesday's CPI report, the state’s lowest wages will increase to $13.85 an hour in the new year. That is over $1 more than the current $12.80 an hour.
Still the minimum wage bump may have little practical effect on what companies pay due to labor shortages.
President of the Arizona Restaurant Association Steve Chucri told Capitol Media Services that members of his group are often paying more than the minimum wage in all positions.
A formal announcement of the new state wages will come Thursday when the state Industrial Commission has its regular meeting.
