CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079

Nov. 5, 2024 — Missouri business owners are applauding the passage of Proposition A, saying raising the minimum wage and enabling workers to earn paid sick days will boost consumer spending and strengthen Missouri’s workforce and businesses. Proposition A will raise the state minimum wage to $15 by 2026 and guarantee paid sick leave for workers. 

More than 500 businesses joined the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy coalition, supporting Proposition A. Business owners signed the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy Statement, noting that minimum wage increases go right back into the economy as spending at local businesses. Raising the minimum and instituting paid sick leave will reduce costly employee turnover and lead to increased productivity and better customer service.

Mack Musgrave, owner of The Sandwich Scene in Springfield, said, “It is important to take care of the people who are taking care of you. Everyone needs to make a living. Paying better wages is not a one-way street. We benefit from better morale and lower employee turnover, which reduces hiring and training costs and boosts productivity and customer service. Passing Prop A will put more money in the pockets of people who are our customers and our neighbors, and ensure that Missourians can take time off when they are sick.”

Jeff Owens, owner of The Bauer (Event Space, Studios, Start-Ups and Retail Shops) and Owens Enterprises in Kansas City, said, “Proposition A will be a big boost for Missouri. Workers will be happier, healthier and better able to pay their bills. It will improve lives, increase productivity and boost the consumer spending that powers local businesses.”

Joseph Chevalier, owner of Yellow Dog Bookshop in Columbia, said, “Yellow Dog is a Mom and Pop bookshop. Mom and Pops thrive when they are connected to community. We can’t compete with big box stores and big online retailers by shortchanging our employees. We compete by providing a better customer experience. Better customer experience is built on employees who care, and that starts with employers who show they care by how they pay and treat their staff. Proposition A will boost consumer spending and strengthen Missouri’s workforce, businesses and communities.”

David Burmeister, owner of Midwest Pasta Co. in St. Louis, said, “Proposition A will strengthen Missouri’s workforce and businesses. Raising the minimum wage will increase people’s ability to shop at our business and local businesses across Missouri. We’ve seen that paying better wages is better business. Employees are happier at work and do a better job. We also provide paid sick leave because we value our staff and, as a food industry business, we know it isn’t safe for sick employees to come to work.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

Dana Ekstrum, owner of Manic Snail gift shop in St. Joseph, said, “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, Proposition A will help us build a healthier economy and more vibrant communities.”

Randy Vines, co-owner of STL-Style in St. Louis, said, “Our tagline is ‘You can’t spell style without STL.’ We care about our city and our employees, and we know we would not be a successful business and respected brand without their dedication and hard work. We strongly support Proposition A. Everyone deserves to make a living wage no matter where they work, and not have to stress about missing a paycheck when they or their kids get sick.”

Missouri’s minimum wage will increase 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. Beginning May 1, 2025, employees will be able 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 now joins fourteen other states plus D.C. who currently have a minimum wage of $15 or higher, or are phasing in increases to $15 or higher: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Washington State. If Alaska’s Ballot Measure 1 passes as well, Alaska will make 16 states plus D.C.

To arrange an interview with a member of the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy coalition, please 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.