CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079
April 29, 2025 — Missouri business owners are welcoming today’s Supreme Court’s decision upholding Proposition A, preserving paid sick leave, which takes effect Thursday, May 1, and the minimum wage increases approved by Missouri voters last November. A group of small business owners filed an amicus brief with the Missouri Supreme Court in March reiterating their support for Proposition A and urging its full implementation.
The amicus brief argued that the lawsuit challenging Proposition A was unreasonable and wrongly sought to overturn the will of the strong majority (nearly 58%) of voters who approved Prop A. The five business owners who filed the amicus brief are Joseph Chevalier, Yellow Dog Bookshop, Columbia; Mike Draper, Raygun clothing and design, Kansas City; Laurie Knowlton, Pickwick Underground Framing, Springfield; Erik Milan, Stick It In Your Ear music store, Springfield; and Michael Schroeder, Oddly Correct Coffee, Kansas City.
More than 500 businesses joined the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy Coalition in 2024, supporting Proposition A. Business owners signed the Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy Statement, saying that raising the minimum wage boosts consumer spending at local businesses and, along with paid sick leave, will reduce costly employee turnover and lead to increased productivity, improved health and safety, and better customer service.
Erik Milan, owner of Stick It In Your Ear music store in Springfield, said, “With Proposition A’s implementation, workers throughout Missouri won’t be financially pressured to come to work sick and risk spreading illnesses to other staff and customers. Plus, businesses depend on consumer spending to survive, grow and hire. When workers are paid more because of Proposition A, they can spend more at local businesses.”
Michael Schroeder, owner of Oddly Correct Coffee in Kansas City, said, “We’re looking forward to full implementation of the minimum wage increases and paid sick time. With better wages, people have more purchasing power. That’s vital for our local economy. With paid sick time, people can take better care of themselves and their families. People are healthier, workplaces are healthier and more productive, and communities are healthier.”
Joseph Chevalier, owner of Yellow Dog Bookshop in Columbia, said, “If a small bookstore like ours can provide paid sick time to employees, so can other businesses. No one should have to work sick in order to keep a roof overhead and food on the table. That’s just wrong. And it’s counterproductive for businesses.”
Laurie Knowlton, owner of Pickwick Underground Framing in Springfield, said, “I was an early supporter of Proposition A because I value my employees and know that when you take care of them, they stay longer and take good care of your customers. That’s the key to sustaining a successful small business for 25 years. Employees provide the quality and professional service that produces repeat customers.”
Mike Draper, owner of RAYGUN clothing and design store in Kansas City, said, “The voters and now the Supreme Court have spoken. It’s time to fully implement Prop A. It will create a more level business playing field, and I look forward to the increased consumer spending that Proposition A will mean for RAYGUN and other businesses as it phases in.”
Beginning May 1, 2025, employees will be able to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year. Missouri’s minimum wage increased to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2025 and will increase to $15 on Jan. 1, 2026 – followed by annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose purchasing power in the future.
Missouri business owners supporting Proposition A are available for comment. To schedule an interview, contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or 601-832-6079.
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Missouri Business for a Healthy Economy is a coalition of more than 500 businesses who believe a fair minimum wage and earned paid sick days are good for business.