Editor’s note: This is one story in a series of stories over November elections.
By Aizak Miller
The Jag
This November, Missourians will vote on increasing the state minimum wage. Proposition A would increase the minimum wage from $12.30 to $13.75 per hour. If it passes it will take effect on January 1, 2025, and by 2026 it will be raised to $15 per hour.
There is a reason that minimum wage is on the ballot this November because of how many people work and depend on each paycheck and have families to provide for and take care of. Trying to keep families and workers out of poverty is the main goal with this. Richard Von Glahn, campaign manager for Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair Wages believes that full-time work deserves better than poverty.
If it were passed, it would allow paid time off for workers. It would benefit parents who have younger children who they need to take care of if sick, or if you get sick and must be away from work while still needing a source of income.
For every 30 hours worked, you get 1 hour of paid time off. It would be put into action on May 1, 2025. According to an article on missouriindependent.com, small businesses would have up to five days per year of sick leave and seven days per year for larger businesses. According to a campaign for Missourians for Healthy Families and Fair wages they state that without sick leave, workers will have to choose between their financial and physical wellbeing. If passed Missouri would join 15 states that require employers to provide paid sick leave.
Some small business groups are opposed to Proposition A. According to an article on investopedia.com opponents think small businesses might struggle to absorb additional labor costs, potentially leading to layoffs or reduced hours.
Opponents also think that labor is a major cost of doing business and think it will force businesses to cut jobs and to maintain profitability. Increased prices mean that there is an increase in the cost of living.
There is also a chance that workers could potentially not use the paid sick leave for what it is supposed to be used for and use it just to not work. According to Ray McCarty, CEO of Associated Industries of Missouri, he believes that you might have people abuse the system.
Minimum wage has been voted on twice in the past (2006, 2018). Both times it has passed. It is a popular topic for a reason. Families depend on what they make every day, and some people have tough situations to where they must miss work to care for something or someone. On the other hand, the more money we pay workers the more the cost of living increases and gets more expensive. Will minimum wage go three for three and pass for the third time?
