By Brayden Day
KOMU-TV 8, Columbia, November 6, 2024. Also KBIA-FM (Columbia NPR).

The Missouri minimum wage will increase to $15 an hour by 2026 after Proposition A passed by a significant margin in the general election. The proposition will also require employers to provide workers with one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Columbia business owners who spoke to KOMU 8 on Wednesday were generally happy about the proposition passing and say it will have a positive impact on workers.

"Any time I see minimum wage increases happening, I always feel like that's a good idea," said Kyle Cook, part owner of Hitt Records. "I've worked for minimum wage before, and it's hard to earn a living wage, so I was excited to see it pass."

Business owners said they felt the proposition is a win-win for both consumers and businesses.

"I think the working class are people who spend a lot of money," said Shelly La Fata, the owner of Columbia restaurant Pasta La Fata. "By giving them more expendable income, I think we'll see a boost in the local economy." ...

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