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St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune, October 21, 2024

A coalition of more than 500 Missouri business owners and executives across the state released a statement Oct. 10 supporting Proposition A, which would raise Missouri’s minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and enable workers to earn paid sick leave. ...

According to the statement from the group Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy: “Workers are also customers. Minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as spending at local businesses. Raising the minimum wage and paid sick days are good for business.”

BUSINESS OWNERS IN SUPPORT OF PROP. A
Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy members commented from around the state.

  • Andy Faucett, owner of Bambinos Cafe in Springfield, said, “As a longtime family business, we are invested in our employees and our customers. We pay starting wages well above the minimum wage and it shows in our food, our customer service, and our business success.
    “In fact, we’re renovating one of our locations now to position us even better for the future. Passing the ballot initiative to raise the minimum wage and enable workers across our state to earn paid sick time will be an important investment in Missouri’s economy and our communities.”
  • Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill restaurant and music club, the Moonrise Hotel, The Pageant, Delmar Hall, Peacock Diner, Flamingo Bowl, Magic Mini Golf and other businesses in St. Louis, said, “I built my businesses on a belief in the American Dream, and that includes paying people fairly so they can make a living. Investing in employees has paid off in thriving hospitality businesses serving a growing number of new customers and repeat customers over decades.
    “Raising the purchasing power of low-wage workers by raising the minimum wage drives a virtuous economic cycle that leads to local business growth and hiring. Proposition A will make our businesses and our communities stronger and healthier.”
  • Mike Draper, owner of Raygun clothing and design in Kansas City, said, “Raising the minimum wage is vital for fair competition and a thriving economy. Economies thrive when people are paid enough to make ends meet and have money to spend at local businesses.
    “We pay more than $15 starting wage now and provide paid sick leave because we want our employees to want to work for us – and keep working for us. They deliver the quality, creativity, service, and ear to the ground that keeps our customers happy and our business growing. We’ll be expanding to Columbia in the future. We look forward to Missouri passing a $15 minimum wage along with paid sick leave.”
  • Leigh Lockhart, owner of Main Squeeze smoothie shop and market in Columbia, said, “People can’t get by on the current minimum wage. We need a minimum wage that allows working people to make ends meet so they can support themselves and their families.
    “ As a business owner for 25 years I know for a fact that respected, appropriately compensated workers are the best workers and that is good for business. Employees are also customers who can help the economy thrive when they have more money to spend.”
  • Sean Flanagan, owner of The Bruncheonette in Joplin, said, “It makes no sense that people working full time are paid so little they can’t afford the basics – much less enjoy a meal out with their family. Minimum wage increases circulate right back into the economy as people have more money to spend at local businesses.
    “In turn, we can buy more from local farms, bakers, and other suppliers. And I know from experience that fair compensation means lower employee turnover, better productivity and better customer service. This ballot initiative makes good sense for Missouri.”
  • Breeanna Pearl, owner of The Well by Girly Nature in Cape Girardeau, said, “Everyone deserves a living wage and to feel supported and valued. Employees who are being taken care of enjoy their job more and provide excellent customer service that keeps people satisfied. That’s so important for my business.”
  • •Kelly Raines, CEO of Birdsall House Early Childhood Learning Center in Kansas City, said, “As someone who worked in early childhood education for 20 years before opening Birdsall House in 2015, I know that Proposition A is essential.
    “Many people working in early education and childcare are overworked and underpaid. The first years of childhood are crucial. Missouri needs caregivers who can focus fully on children’s care and education without constant stress over making ends meet.“
    Missouri needs caregivers who can take paid time off when they are sick, and not come into work and spread illness to children, coworkers and their families. Proposition A will assure that Missourians, including parents, can earn paid sick time and better wages.”
  • Dana Ekstrum, owner of Manic Snail gift shop in St. Joseph, said, “As a small business owner, I want my business and my community to thrive. When people earn enough to make a living, we see it in more robust spending at local businesses and we see it in livelier downtowns. By increasing the minimum wage and assuring paid sick leave, the ballot initiative will help us build a healthier economy and more vibrant communities.”

See a list of Missouri businesses supporting Proposition A at https://www.businessforafairminimumwage.org/Missouri-Business-for-a-Healthy-Economy-List.