PHOENIX (AP) - The incoming speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives is considering whether to file a lawsuit to block an increase to the minimum wage approved by voters last month.
Rep. J.D. Mesnard says the increase might run afoul of the state Constitution's requirement that initiatives contain a funding source if they require state outlays. He said Monday he will have Arizona House attorneys analyze the measure before deciding whether to sue.
Companies that provide services to the developmentally disabled under state contracts say they may have to pull back or cease operations if the wage increase isn't blocked.
The attorney representing backers of Proposition 206 says the initiative exempts the state itself from having to pay the higher wages, so there's no legal issue if contract providers must raise wages.
