With the passing of prop 206 in Arizona this past election season resulting in raising the minimum wage from $8.05 to $10 in 2017 to ultimately $12 in 2020 brings a sense of hope to many Arizonans with the aspect of a better life. However, this accomplishment has led to some backlash with those preaching, “Inflation, inflation!”

Those opponents yelling about inflation fail to realize that if the real minimum wage in 1968 at $1.60 was adjusted for inflation today it would be $10.86, not $8.05. This results in large businesses and corporations getting away with paying their employees much less than they once were.

The measly minimum wage of $8.05 does not currently coincide with the price of living. Around 790,000 workers would benefit from this increase and according to the Economic Policy Institute, 90 percent of workers who would benefit are at least 20 years old. This means that teenagers are not the primarily minimum wage worker.

There are constantly arguments that low-wage workers should not receive more compensation for an entry level job should tell that to Maria Fernandes, a 32 year old woman died in 2014, Fernandes worked four jobs to try to make ends meet. She died while taking a nap in between shifts from the fumes in her car.

America is known as the land of opportunity and that if one works hard each and everyday they can succeed. The low wage wage of $8.05 cuts the idea of social mobility and opportunity.

Another popular argument maintains that the passing of prop 206 will result in both small and large businesses to crumble and result in bankruptcy. However, an increase of minimum wage will not bankrupt businesses.

PBS reported that in most cases an hourly wage of a worker creates a small dent in the profit of a corporation. While more research constructed by the New York Times shows that overtime businesses will adjust to the wage increases and potentially have an increase in profits from a greater productivity of their employees.

Along with the minimum wage raising, employees will now have the right to earn paid sick leave from their employers; every 30 hours worked will in turn equal one hour of paid sick leave.These paid sick days will allow employees to be able to take off work instead of being overworked or going into work sick because of the fear of being fired.

The proposition takes the burden off of families struggling to make ends meet and substantially decrease poverty in Arizona. It would also ensure that more families can meet their basic needs and allow them to live better, healthier lives. Ultimately, the passing Of prop 206 is creating a better quality of life.