With the new year comes new laws to benefit Arizonans including the minimum wage increase. The passage of Proposition 202 in 2006 ensures that the state’s minimum wage keeps pace with inflation rates. After last year’s inflation, Arizonans making minimum wage will see a bump in their paychecks from $12.80 to $13.85 that began at the first of the year. For those working in Flagstaff, that wage increased to $16.80 per hour.

Another new law, A.R.S. 13-911, may help those wanting to have their criminal records sealed. A person who is or has been arrested, convicted or sentenced may petition the courts to have their criminal case record sealed. This would allow those with a record seeking employment, housing, financial aid or filing loan applications to state they have never been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime. There are limitations for the petition including those who have completed all the terms and conditions of the sentence, and those found not guilty. The law does not apply to those convicted of crimes against children, and those classified as dangerous, violent or aggravated crimes.

The price of a month’s supply of insulin for Medicare beneficiaries under Part D will be capped at $35, with no deductible. For those who take insulin through a traditional pump that is covered under Medicare’s durable medical equipment benefit, that insulin is covered under Medicare Part B.

Arizona’s 2.5% flat income tax has gone into effect, benefitting mostly those in the higher tax bracket. Arizona’s income tax was previously based on a tier system, meaning that the amount of earnings determined which of the four tax brackets would apply, with a higher tax bracket for high earners. That has been collapsed into a 2.5% flat tax rate that everyone pays.

For example, those in the lowest tax bracket will see their rate drop from 2.59% to 2.5%. According to the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, the lowest earners in the state may see an average yearly saving of $3. Those in the highest tax bracket will see their rate drop from 4.5% to 2.5%.