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Prop. 202 would raise Arizona's minimum wage to $6.75 Prop. 201: YES Prop. 206: NO Prop. 204: YES Prop. 107 NO Prop 205: YESProp. 400: YES Proposition 202

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Raise the minimum wage

This measure would increase the minimum wage to $6.75 per hour in the state from the existing federal level of $5.15. The raise would take effect Jan. 1 and could be adjusted every New Year to keep pace with the cost of living.

The minimum wage in the United States has not been raised since 1997. It's time that hard-working members of our community who are on the lowest rung of the income ladder receive a wage increase. It's also time to give a boost to senior citizens who are working low-paying, part-time jobs to supplement their retirement income.

Due to inflation, $5.15 in 1997 dollars was worth $4.37 in 2005 and is worth slightly less today. Costs for food, energy, apartments and health care have all risen. We believe raising the minimum wage will help lower-income families keep pace.

The wage increase would amount to about a $3,300 annual boost. That's not enough for low-income families to substantially raise their standard of living, but it pays for more food on the table and more fuel in the gas tank. It can better assist senior citizens in paying for prescription medications.

We believe raising the minimum wage is an appropriate step toward putting daily life more in line with the realities of current economics and future threats to the lower wage earners' quality of life.