Show-Me State Times

The Missouri Legislature is facing a decision that could significantly impact small business owners throughout the state. Proposition A, which recently took effect, has raised concerns due to its stipulations on minimum wage and paid sick leave.

Proposition A increased the minimum wage from $12.30 to $13.75 per hour this year, with plans for it to rise further to $15.00 an hour by January 2026. Following this increase, the minimum wage will be adjusted automatically based on changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Additionally, Proposition A mandates that employers provide one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. This requires businesses with fewer than 15 employees to allow up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per year, while those with 15 or more employees must offer up to 56 hours annually.

In response, House Bill 567 has been introduced as a potential solution. The bill proposes eliminating the paid sick leave requirement and CPI-based wage adjustments, as well as delaying the planned minimum wage increase by two years.

Supporters of HB 567 argue that these measures would relieve some of the burdens faced by small business owners in Missouri. They are urging lawmakers to support this bill as a means of protecting local businesses.