Missouri Voters To Decide Minimum Wage Increase

Missouri voters will decide on Proposition A in November, which proposes raising the state's minimum wage from $12.30 to $15 per hour by 2026 and mandates paid sick leave for all workers. If passed, the minimum wage will increase to $13.75 in 2025, followed by annual adjustments based on inflation. Proponents argue that the current wage is insufficient for living, especially in light of rising housing costs, while opponents, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, have yet to formally position themselves on the measure. In Massachusetts, a similar referendum aims to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers to the standard $15, facing opposition from some restaurateurs who fear increased costs. Other states, including California and Oklahoma, have also proposed wage-related measures, with a focus on both minimum wage increases and paid sick leave. These ballot measures are expected to significantly influence voter turnout in the upcoming election.