A judge upheld the language of a proposed ballot initiative Thursday that, if passed, would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.25. Kansas City Restaurant Owner Victor Allred challenged the initiative, claiming the language was unfair. But Cole County Circuit Judge rejected his challenge. Missouri Jobs for Justice is the group supporting the initiative, and will turn in the signatures to the Missouri Attorney General next week.
“Well two hundred ninety dollars a week just is not enough for anyone to get by, not for anyone. Certainly not for hard working Missourians who are taking care of their families," Director of Missouri Jobs for Justice, Lara Granich said. "There are 17 other states already that have raised their minimum wage about the federal and we believe Missourians deserve just as well as the workers in those other states.”
The dollar increase would give Missouri minimum wage earners an additional $40 a week. If supporters turn in enough petition signatures, the minimum wage initiative would appear on the November ballot. Allred was not available for comment.