Missouri minimum wage increased Jan. 1

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! Instead, they look at it from a pure “cash in hand” standpoint."

“The minimum wage increase is killing the middle class,” Jennifer Null posted. “As a single mom who works as a nurse, I can testify that my wage didn't increase just because the minimum wage did. I went to a local grocery store two days ago just to grab a couple things. With the prices they had on staples, I cannot afford to feed my kids! I left the store in tears and went to the big chain store, where sugar was $2 less per bag and flour was $3 less per bag. I like to support local, but I fear I will no longer be able to. And people wonder why there is an increase in the number of people on food stamps that used to be considered middle class. People have to do what they can to ensure their kids are taken care of.”

Additionally, according to Consumer Price Index, inflation topped 6.2 percent in October, the United States’ highest in thirty years. This reduces the 12 percent minimum wage increase by half.

There are still proponents for an even higher $15 per hour minimum wage.

"Missouri Jobs with Justice members fought tirelessly to bring workers this much needed raise," said Caitlyn Adams, Executive Director of Missouri Jobs with Justice. "While the Proposition B victory was an important step, we continue our fight for a $15 minimum wage that workers deserve. Missouri voters overwhelmingly demanded this wage increase.”