Get informed about the potential minimum wage increase on Missouri’s 2025 ballot. Learn how it could impact the quality of life for businesses and employees and make sure to cast your vote on November 5.
HANNIBAL, Mo. (KHQA) — Missourians will be voting on a potential minimum wage increase on this year’s ballot. On November 5, there will be a yes or no question asking Missouri voters if they want to raise wages beginning in 2025.
A raise would impact the quality of life for both businesses and their employees.
“I mean obviously when you have a wage increase, and, you know, some type of assurance of paid leave, that is good for the employee,” Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director McKenzie Disselhorst said.
The current minimum wage in Missouri is $12.30. If enough people check yes on the ballot, it will increase to $13.75 per hour starting in 2025, followed by another raise to $15 by 2026.
“Some businesses are already putting a lot of these practices into play, and wouldn’t be effected by it, to a great degree. Other businesses, as well as some of the smaller non-profits, would really be impacted by this,” Disselhorst said.
Big Muddy BBQ is one Missouri business who could be impacted. Owner Todd Rourke says he relies on his employees.
“I couldn’t do this by myself, I need employees. I want them to be happy too. I don’t want them to come to work begrudgingly. I want them to be happy. I want them to stick with me through the long run,” Rourke said.
Rourke and his restaurant will celebrate 10 years of being open in October and have already seen plenty of wage and other price increases.
“The real question is whether I’ll be able to have a restaurant, in the future. You know, that’s the real question,” Rourke said.
Following the potential increase, future wages would be adjusted based on changes in the Consumer Price Index each January beginning in 2027.
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