FRESNO, Calif. – Californians are set to reject Proposition 32, which proposed a minimum wage increase, based on an Associated Press race call on Tuesday.
Proposition 32 aimed to raise the minimum wage for businesses with 26 or more employees to $17 per hour immediately, with a further increase to $18 per hour starting January 1, 2025.
The Associated Press reported 50.8% of voters opposing the measure, compared to 49.2% in favor.
Opponents of Prop 32 argued it would harm small and family-owned businesses, lead to higher prices, and jeopardize funding for public safety and education. Groups like the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Restaurant Association, and the California Grocers Association opposed the measure.
Critics also claimed the proposal would result in higher taxes, cost state and local governments billions annually, and negatively impact the very workers it aimed to support.
Ballot measures shouldn’t be controlled by multimillionaires. Proposition 32 is backed by a single multimillionaire who wrote it, funded its placement on the ballot, and drafted its supporting arguments. Advocates for small businesses and working families oppose Proposition 32.
Supporters of this stance include Jot Condie, President of the California Restaurant Association; Jennifer Barrera, President of the California Chamber of Commerce; and Ron Fong, President of the California Grocers Association.
Proposition 32 is currently expected to fail, with additional vote counts ongoing. The final certified vote totals have not yet been announced.