Arizonans for Fair Wages and Health Families filed a $12 minimum wage initiative with the Secretary of State earlier this month.

The initiative calls for all Arizona employers to pay no less than $10 on and after Jan. 1 of next year, with an increase to $10.50 by Jan. 1, 2018; $11 by the same date in 2018; and $12 by Jan. 1, 2020.

A section defining tipped employees is included and allows for a $3 per-hour reduction in pay if the employer can prove by records of charged tips or by the employees' declaration that the employees have not received less than the minimum wage, including tipped amounts.

Sick time is mandatory for all employers, but the initiative establishes different recommendations for employers with 15 employees or more and those with fewer than 15 employees. Use of sick time cannot exceed 40 hours per year for employers with 15 employees or more, or 24 hours per year for companies with less than 15 employees.

The Public Policy Committee of the Fountain Hills Chamber will discuss the initiative at an upcoming meeting. Visit www.fountainhillschamber.com for upcoming meeting topics and dates.