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

Aug. 13, 2024 —Missouri business owners welcomed today’s Secretary of State announcement that Proposition A to raise the minimum wage and enable workers to earn paid sick time has qualified for the November ballot. The business owners are part of Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy, a growing coalition of more than 450 businesses, who say that raising the minimum wage and paid sick days are good for business and the economy.

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.”

Erik Milan, owner of Stick it in Your Ear music store in Springfield, said, “If we didn’t have happy employees, we wouldn’t have happy customers, and our business would not succeed. Fair wages and paid time off are crucial. We have incredibly loyal, knowledgeable employees who are welcoming to all and deliver the kind of personalized service that draws customers to our store. I know what it’s like to work for someone else and not make ends meet. Passing Proposition A will help Missouri workers and businesses.”

Andy Montee, owner of Mokaska Coffee in St. Joseph, said, “I supported the 2018 minimum wage ballot initiative and since then we have doubled our staff, despite the pandemic. Thanks to our wages and culture, we have excellent employee retention, teamwork and customer service. It’s also important for people to stay home from work when they’re sick. Passing the new ballot initiative will strengthen our economy and help people stay in St. Joseph and raise their families here.”

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.”

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 wage floor that allows working people to make ends meet so they can support themselves and their families. Employees are also customers who can help the economy thrive when they have more money to spend.”

Randy Vines, owner of STL-Style in St. Louis, said, “Our brand reflects our deep commitment to the city we love. We believe the city’s unique local flavor is a source of pride that we should appreciate and support. We also feel the same about our employees, and we show them by offering better pay and benefits like paid time off. Boosting morale means better service, more creativity and higher productivity, and that’s a win-win for everyone. This ballot initiative will help all Missourians make a better living in St. Louis and throughout our state.”

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 supportive of raising the minimum wage and enabling workers to earn paid sick leave 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 growing coalition of hundreds of business owners and executives 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.