In a move that could boost the re-election prospects of Democratic Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., Arkansas Secretary of State Mark Martin announced Wednesday that a proposal to raise the state's minimum wage will appear on the ballot this November.
The measure would increase Arkansas' minimum wage from $6.25 to $7.50 per hour on January 1, 2016 and $8.50 per hour on January 1, 2017.
A statement from Martin's office indicated that sponsors turned in a total of 129,989 signatures, more than double the 62,507 valid signatures needed to make the ballot.
The decision to add the minimum wage measure to the ballot could benefit Pryor as he faces a tough challenge from Republican Rep. Tom Cotton, R-Ark.
Democrats are generally strongly in favor of raising the minimum wage, and the proposal could help to increase turnout on Election Day.
Following the announcement, Pryor released a statement highlighting his support for raising the minimum wage in Arkansas.
"Here in Arkansas, we raise our kids to know the value of a hard day's work, and that's why it's time we give Arkansas families the pay raise they deserve," Pryor said.
He added, "It's not right that Arkansans work two or three jobs just to make ends meet, and I hope that Congressman Cotton will finally join me in supporting this common sense proposal to put more money in the pockets of hardworking families across Arkansas."
The statement noted that Cotton has refused to support the ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage and questioned whether the Republican Congressman will bow to political pressure and support the measure.
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