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Missouri lawmakers propose delay in minimum wage hike

The state’s minimum wage is expected to rise to $12 by 2023, though the timeline is under debate in the Missouri House as some lawmakers hope to delay the gradual increase to 2026. The wage hike was initially approved by voters back in 2018 under Proposition B.

Missouri’s minimum wage is on track to reach $12 by 2023, but a bill would push it back to 2026. The delay of the gradual increase is a proposal from Rep. Cody Smith of Carthage.

Rep. Smith addressed fellow lawmakers on his legislation in a committee hearing on Tuesday in Jefferson City. Smith’s legislation, HB 726, would tie Missouri’s minimum wage to the federal wage of $7.25 and factor in annual cost of living. Missouri’s current wage is $10.30.

Smith said he crafted the bill after hearing from several small business owners in the medical service field and other industries about the difficulty in retaining employees.

In 2018, voters approved Proposition B, which gradually increases the minimum wage to $12 by 2023.

“I think Missourians were well-intentioned when this passed at the ballot, but perhaps the unintended consequences weren’t realized at the time,” Smith said.

After some lawmakers expressed concern about HB 726, Smith offered a delay of the $12 minimum wage for three years to give business owners time to prepare. “We need to give them more time to adapt to increasing the minimum wage laws,” Smith said.

The legislation could move to the entire House for consideration, but first needs to be voted out of committee.