Many businesses across the state have struggled financially more this year than ever before due to the weight of the pandemic. Wage increases may appear progressive, but for some it is the tipping point.

• On Jan. 1, 2021, minimum wage will increase by $1 from $10 to $11 per hour, according to the Arkansas Department of Labor.
• Jamie Thornton, co-owner of Natural State Smoothies in Fayetteville says, “We definitely didn’t have the foresight when we voted this bill into law two years ago... we opened our first smoothie business in 2009 during the recession and we thought that was tough… that has nothing on what we’re going through now.” -KNWA/Fox 24
• The state voted on the law in 2018 and increases went into effect in 2019.