Missouri voters are one step closer to potentially voting on raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour after a group called Missouri Jobs with Justice submitted nearly double the required number of signatures for a ballot measure. The proposed increase would raise the minimum wage from the current $12.30 an hour to $13.75 an hour next year, and eventually to $15 an hour in 2026. Citizen-driven amendments to Missouri law need over 100,000 voter signatures to get on the ballot, and the group submitted around 210,000 signatures for consideration by the Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft’s office.
Missouri Jobs with Justice expressed confidence that voters will have the opportunity to decide on this important initiative in the upcoming fall election. Historically, Missouri voters have shown support for minimum wage increases. In 2018, voters approved a statewide minimum wage hike, after the Republican-led Legislature had blocked wage increases in St. Louis and Kansas City in 2017. The previous minimum wage plan included annual increases of 85 cents until reaching $12 in 2023, with additional raises due to inflation this year. The proposed wage increase also includes a provision for paid sick leave, with workers earning an hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked.
Under the latest proposal, businesses with fewer employees would be required to provide a minimum of five paid sick days per year, while larger companies would need to offer at least seven paid sick days. This would represent a significant step in providing workers with much-needed benefits, especially during times of illness or emergencies. With the potential for a higher minimum wage and paid sick leave, employees in Missouri could see improvements in their overall quality of life and working conditions. The initiative aims to address income inequality and improve the economic security of low-wage workers in the state.
The minimum wage hike would have far-reaching effects on Missouri’s workforce, potentially benefiting thousands of individuals who are currently struggling to make ends meet on the current minimum wage of $12.30 an hour. By gradually increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026, workers would have the opportunity to earn a livable wage that better reflects the cost of living. This could result in improved financial stability for many families, reduced dependence on government assistance programs, and increased economic activity in local communities. The proposed paid sick leave provision would further support workers’ well-being and ensure that they have the resources to deal with health issues without sacrificing income.
Supporters of the minimum wage increase argue that it is a necessary step to address income inequality and provide workers with fair compensation for their labor. By raising the minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave, Missouri could set a precedent for other states to follow, leading to improved working conditions and greater economic security for all workers. However, opponents of the initiative may raise concerns about the potential impact on businesses, including increased costs and reduced profitability. The final decision on whether to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour and implement paid sick leave will ultimately rest with Missouri voters, who will have the opportunity to vote on the proposal in the upcoming fall election.
