JEFFERSON CITY – Legislation geared towards raising Missouri’s minimum wage was heard last week (3-17) in the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee. State Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, presented Senate Bill 193. The legislation which, if passed, would increase Missouri’s minimum wage from the current $7.65 to $10.00, a $1.00 increase from similar legislation filed by Sen. LeVota last year.
“We currently live in a time where corporations’ profits and CEOs’ pay is at an all-time high. In lieu of this, it seems only common sense to increase Missouri’s minimum wage,” continued Sen. LeVota. “This simple change could dramatically impact and improve the lives of Missourians across the board. Especially when Missouri’s poverty rate is nearly 16 percent, 7 percent of which are experiencing extreme poverty.”
In 2014, 34 states considered increasing minimum wage. Thirteen states, Missouri included, raised the minimum wage in accordance with inflation. Missouri’s minimum wage increased from $7.50 to $7.65 on Jan. 1, 2015.
“It is difficult, if not impossible, to work and support a family on $15,000 a year. We have the opportunity now to create life altering changes in millions of people’s lives and we must act on it,” said Sen. LeVota. “No one grows up dreaming of living below the poverty level. This is a strong step toward helping Missourians create a stronger future and better quality of life for their families.”
This measure includes provisions that would specify that the cost of living adjustment applies each year regardless of whether the statutory or federal minimum is used. Senate Bill 193, if passed, would become effective Jan. 1, 2016. |
