Tallahassee, Fl.(Florida News Network)-Florida voters on Tuesday appeared poised to gradually boost the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, while narrowly rejecting a proposal that would have overhauled the state’s primary-election system.
The hike in the minimum wage would be phased in through Sept. 30, 2026, but it would represent a significant move in a state heavily dependent on tourism and the service industry for jobs. It was put on the ballot with the financial help of well-known Orlando trial attorney John Morgan.
As of 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the minimum-wage measure, Amendment 2, had support from nearly 61 percent of voters, above the 60 percent threshold needed for passing, as results continued to roll in. It would increase the minimum wage to $10 an hour on Sept. 30, 2021, and then increase it by $1 each year until Sept. 30, 2026, when it would be $15 per hour. Currently, the minimum wage is $8.56. Florida would be the eighth state to adopt a $15 minimum wage.
Amendment 2 faced heavy opposition from business groups. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis was quiet about where he stood on the proposed constitutional amendment until right before Election Day, when he issued a statement in which he said now is “not the time” to increase the minimum wage, warning that its passage would be bad for Florida businesses and the state.
Meanwhile, about 57 percent of voters supported Amendment 3, which, if passed, would have eliminated Florida’s closed primary elections in state races. That was below the 60 percent threshold needed for approval. The proposed amendment would have allowed all registered voters to vote in primaries for state legislative seats, governor, and Cabinet seats, regardless of party affiliation. The two candidates who captured the most votes would have moved on to the general election under the proposal.
In all, voters on Tuesday were asked to weigh in on six proposed constitutional amendments. Amendments can be proposed through citizens’ initiatives, with certain restrictions, including that the measures be limited to single subjects and not misleading. Four of the six amendments on Tuesday’s ballot --- Amendments 1, 2 and 3 and 4 --- came through initiatives.
Voters on Tuesday rejected an attempt to make it more difficult to amend the state Constitution in the future. Amendment 4 sought to require amendments to be approved by voters twice before taking effect. But it was receiving just 47 percent support Tuesday night.
The Legislature by super-majority votes of both chambers agreed to put two proposed amendments in front of voters for the general election: Amendments 5 and 6, both of which passed with overwhelming support.
Amendment 5 will increase from two to three years the length of time accrued “Save our Home” tax benefits may be transferred from prior homesteads.
Amendment 6 will allow homestead property-tax discounts for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities to carry over to the veterans’ surviving spouses.
News Service of Florida