ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Starting Jan. 1, Missouri's minimum wage was set to increase from $13.75 to $15 an hour.
Gov. Mike Kehoe signed Missouri's H.B. 567 into law on July 10, which raised the state's minimum wage law, but repealed earned paid sick leave. The minimum wage rate will be in effect for all non-exempt employers.
Missouri State Representative Dean VanSchoiack, a republican from Savannah, said he hopes the wage increase will have a positive impact on Missouri's employment.
"We're well above the federal minimum wage, which is good," he said. I believe we are among 33 or 34 states at $15 or more, and I just read something the other day that now, with us going to $15 and several other states as well, over half the country will live at a minimum wage of $15 or more."
VanSchoiack said raising the wage will be beneficial for businesses and workers in Missouri.
"I think it's something we're looking at for the economy that people need a little bit of a better base," he said. "I think it gives people a better chance for getting the money they need to keep going out, and gives businesses a base to work from for their salary schedules as they increase salaries for their employees as well."
VanSchoiack said workers who receive tips will be paid half of the minimum wage.
The goal for raising the state's minimum wage is to help bring more businesses to Missouri.
"It's something people vote on; they wanted it, and we did it," VanSchoiack said. "The businesses are fine,...
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