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By Steve Brawner, Talk Business & Politics
KUAR NPR, Little Rock, Oct 18, 2018

Voters will not get to weigh in on a proposed amendment to limit lawsuit damages but will vote on raising the state’s minimum wage after the Arkansas Supreme Court released two decisions Thursday. ... In the minimum wage case, the Supreme Court ruled 7-0 against the plaintiff, also [Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Randy] Zook, who sued individually and on behalf of Arkansans for a Strong Economy. Zook had argued that supporters of Issue 5 had failed to collect enough signatures during the initial collection period. ...

David Couch, Issue 5 sponsor, ... said his group, Arkansans for a Fair Wage, would engage in a “robust campaign” until the election Nov. 6. ...

Another group supporting the amendment, Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, announced its support Thursday. Its supporters include the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Capi Peck, owner of Little Rock’s Trio’s Restaurant, was quoted in a press release saying, “I’ve seen firsthand how paying fair wages is good for business. It’s why I support raising Arkansas’ minimum wage. I’m proud of how long many of our employees have been with us – some for more than 20 years – because we pay them fair wages and treat them right. That low turnover is invaluable from a bottom-line and customer service perspective.”

The Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College survey also found broad support among voters for raising the minimum wage.

Q. A measure may be on the ballot in November to increase the state minimum wage in Arkansas for most workers in the state from $8.50 per hour to $11 per hour over a 3-year period. If the election were today, would you vote for or against this proposal?
60% For
 30% Against 
10% Don’t Know

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