CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079
Oct. 21, 2024 — As early voting begins tomorrow in Missouri, more than 500 businesses in the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy coalition urge passage of Proposition A. They say that raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and enabling workers to earn paid sick time will boost consumer spending, reduce costly employee turnover, increase productivity, and strengthen Missouri’s workforce, businesses and economy.
More than 500 business owners across the state have signed the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy Statement, which says, “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. With better wages and earned paid sick time, businesses benefit from lower employee turnover, lower hiring and training costs, increased productivity, better morale, health and safety, and better customer service, which keeps customers coming back.”
Here’s what some business owners are saying:
Jason Provo, owner of Blackhole Bakery in Kansas City, said, “Employees are our greatest assets, and we are happy to invest in our staff with good wages and paid time off. We have great employee retention. Our employees want to work here and they are more committed and more productive. It shows in the quality of our baked goods, which keeps customers coming back for more. Raising the minimum wage and implementing paid sick time will strengthen Missouri’s workforce, customer base, and local businesses.”
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.”
Michelle La Fata, owner of Pasta La Fata in Columbia, said, “I want my employees to truly value our restaurant and that starts with me valuing them. I want them to be able to make a living and enjoy their life. We have low employee turnover and great customer satisfaction. We’re building a culture of teamwork and community. We buy our produce at the Columbia Farmers Market and we source our meat locally. We’re invested in our local economy. Proposition A will help working people and businesses succeed together.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Proposition A would raise Missouri’s minimum wage from $12.30 an hour to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2025 and $15 on Jan. 1, 2026 – followed by annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose purchasing power in the future. It would also enable employees to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year.
Missouri business owners supporting Proposition A are available for comment. To schedule an interview, contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or 601-832-6079.
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Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy is a coalition of more than 500 businesses who believe a fair minimum wage and earned paid sick days are good for business.
Paid for by Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages, Charlie O'Reilly, Treasurer.