Arizona Must Join the Fight: Minimum Wage Could Cut Costing Lives in 2025

Thu, 07 May 2026 23:31:58 +0000

Arizona Must Join the Fight: Minimum Wage Increase Could Cut Costs and Save Lives in 2025 As Arizona heads into 2025, a critical debate is rapidly gaining momentum: Should Arizona raise its minimum wage to better reflect the rising cost of living? With inflation, housing crises, and essential worker salaries stagnating, experts warn that the current minimum wage is no longer enough to prevent hunger, homelessness, and preventable health crises. Advocates are urging the state to act—not just for economic fairness, but to protect lives. ### The Human Cost of Low Wages in Arizona For millions of Arizona workers—especially in service, hospitality, and retail—minimum wage earners struggle to cover basic needs. According to the Economic Policy Institute, Arizona’s minimum wage of $11.00/hour (as of 2024) falls far below what’s needed for a worker to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment, nutritious food, and healthcare. With housing costs climbing faster than wages, many families face impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries, stay warm in winter or skip prescriptions.