COLUMBIA — Missouri’s minimum wage will increase to $15 starting Thursday, and business owners and leaders have mixed opinions as to whether the change will be positive.
Some Columbia business owners said that the minimum wage increase will help their business and the economy, while other business leaders say it will hurt small businesses.
Starting Jan. 1, the minimum wage will change from $13.75 to $15, as set forth in Proposition A, which voters approved in the November 2024 general election. Proposition A passed by 57.6%.
Business For a Fair Minimum Wage issued a news release on Tuesday that said the increased minimum wage will reduce costly employee turnover, boost productivity and improve customer service.
But Missouri Restaurant Association CEO…