The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is urging voters to reject Proposition A, a proposed ballot measure that would implement new business mandates, including raising the state’s minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave. According to the chamber, these changes would significantly increase operating costs for businesses across the state.
Proposition A seeks to raise Missouri’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026, a notable increase from the current federal minimum wage of $7.25. Missouri’s minimum wage has been higher than the federal level since 2013, but this new measure aims to nearly double the federal rate in the coming years.
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“Ultimately, increased labor costs are passed down to consumers. As many U.S. families struggle with the effects of inflation, Proposition A will further increase the costs of goods and services here in Missouri,” said Kara Corches, interim president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber. Corches also noted that a significant portion of minimum wage workers are teenagers or young adults, and raising the wage could lead to reduced hiring, pushing many out of the job market.
In addition to the wage increase, Proposition A would mandate paid sick leave for all employees, a requirement that the Missouri Chamber argues conflicts with federal laws and opens the door to more litigation. The chamber expressed concerns that such mandates would lead to “frivolous lawsuits” that could further burden employers, especially smaller businesses.
Corches emphasized that while Missouri employers understand the value of offering competitive wages and benefits, the chamber remains opposed to government-imposed mandates. “Missouri employers know their employees are their greatest asset and recognize the importance of offering competitive wages and benefits,” she said. “However, the Missouri Chamber will always oppose new business mandates. We believe business owners know best how to run their own companies, and the government should stay out of the way.”
The Missouri Chamber maintains that businesses should retain the flexibility to create policies tailored to their workforce’s needs without government interference. As the state moves toward the 2026 wage increase deadline, the debate over Proposition A is expected to intensify, with both supporters and opponents voicing concerns over its long-term impact on Missouri’s economy.
References: Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
