Next month, Missouri voters will decide what they think about raising the state’s minimum wage.
“People need to have a wage so they can feel safe, make a living, pay their bills, and still have food,” said Melodee Colbert Kean, who is in favor of Prop A.
Melodee Colbert Kean, the owner of a business in Joplin, knows that when the minimum wage goes up, the budget of that business will suffer.
The cost of life is going up, though, which worries her.
“Costs are going up and will probably keep going up for a while.” Colbert Kean said, “If your worker has to work three jobs or something to make ends meet, they won’t give you their best.”
She backs Proposition A, which would raise the minimum wage in the state.
In Missouri, it’s $12.30 an hour right now, which is a lot more than the government minimum wage of $7.25.
Missouri’s rate would go up to $13.75 next year and $15 in 2026 if “Proposition A” passes.
Following that, it would be connected to the CPI every year.
Larry Warren, the owner of a business in Joplin, thinks that would force small businesses like his to make hard choices.
If I have flat sales and need to give an extra $1, $2, or whatever it is to make $15 an hour, where does that money come from? That’s the biggest question. Larry Warren, who is against Prop A, said.
Warren says that might mean he has to raise the prices of his services or find other ways to cut costs without getting rid of staff.
“My business needs to be looked at again. Should I fire someone so that person can make more money?” “Do I take the hit myself, and then my family will lose?” Warren asked.
On November 5, people will decide.
Prop A also says that companies must give one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked, but schools and government agencies are exempt.