Oppose HCR 2040: Reject Sub-Minimum Wage for Homeless Individuals

I urge you to oppose HCR 2040, scheduled for the House Education Committee on Tuesday. This resolution would ask Arizona voters to allow homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness to opt out of minimum wage protections by submitting written notice to employers. This proposal creates a dangerous exploitation mechanism targeting our most vulnerable residents. People experiencing homelessness already face significant barriers to employment including lack of stable addresses, identification documents, professional clothing, reliable transportation, and child care. When someone in such desperate circumstances is told they can get a job only if they accept sub-minimum wages, that is not a voluntary choice. It is coercion dressed up as opportunity. Representative Olson's resolution would amend Arizona Revised Statutes Section 23-363, which currently protects all workers with minimum wage requirements tied to cost of living increases measured by the Consumer Price Index. Voters approved these protections because they understood that all work deserves fair compensation. Creating carve-outs for specific populations undermines the fundamental principle that labor has value regardless of a worker's housing status. Arizona voters have consistently rejected attempts to weaken minimum wage protections. In 2024, voters rejected a sub-minimum wage for tipped employees by a three to one margin. This demonstrates clear public opposition to creating second-class categories of workers who can be paid less than the legal minimum. Employers would gain the ability to indefinitely pay poverty wages to people who lack the resources and stability to advocate for themselves or seek better opportunities. Rather than addressing homelessness through housing support, job training, or removal of employment barriers, this resolution would institutionalize the exploitation of people in crisis. I ask you to vote no on HCR 2040 and protect the minimum wage protections that Arizona voters have repeatedly affirmed they want for all workers.