According to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, the state’s minimum wage increased on Jan. 1 to $11.35 per hour.
“Pursuant to Proposition B, which was approved by Missouri voters on November 6, 2018, the minimum wage will increase 85 cents per hour each year through 2023,” the announcement read. “All private businesses are required to pay at a minimum, the $11.15 hourly rate, except retail and service businesses whose gross annual sales are less than $500,000. Missouri's minimum wage law does not apply to public employers, nor does it allow the state's minimum wage rate to be lower than the federal minimum wage rate.”
The previous rate was $10.30 per hour and minimum wage will increase again Jan. 1, 2023, to $12 per hour, a 53 percent increase over 2018 rates.
Not everyone is convinced, however, that this is a positive move.
In response to our post on Facebook, Taylor Claflin said, “It’s affecting everyone, regardless of whether they think so or not. Noticed your groceries cost more? I saw a thread just yesterday complaining about the increase in prices. Labor goes up, prices go up. The two are directly correlated. Small business won’t be able to compete. When someone with no experience can start at Hobby Lobby or Sonic for $18/hour, why would you work at a small business for minimum wage? People need to realize that a small business owner could teach you valuable skills needed to work in their field and possibly others - that’s worth something!...
; ; ; agreed to pay $17.07 million to settle federal allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices on Friday, marking the Justice Department's first resolution unde...