Missouri has a process that allows voters to get a bill on the ballot if they get enough signatures, called Initiative Petition Process and it was used to raise the minimum wage. Minimum wage in Missouri is currently $13.75 and back in November of 2024, Missouri voted to increase the minimum wage and make paid sick leave guaranteed. In 2026, the minimum wage was going to increase to $15 an hour and to raise according to the Consumer Price Index.

 On July 10, 2025, Missouri State Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law HB 567 which repealed the proposed paid sick leave and prevented the minimum wage from increasing any more than the $15 approved by voters. The choice to repeal the act was met with mixed reactions among people. Businesses met the news to repeal the act with enthusiasm citing concerns on having to pay for sick leave and a higher minimum wage while labor rights activists were frustrated by the veto.

 Some minimum wage workers, such as senior Julia Babcock, had the same opinion. Babcock works at Willow Woods Learning Center for the $13.75 an hour minimum wage and no extra benefits. 

“[I feel] really sad, really not happy.” Babcock said when talking about the minimum wage not being raised anymore and no sick leave. “[But] I love it… I work with kids.” 

Sophomore Gavin Graff is also upset about minimum wage not seeing an increase. But unlike Babcock who loves her job because of the environment, it is the opposite case for Graff.

“I’ve been there for so long and I still get treated like the new guy,” Graff said. 

Due to this and the lack of other benefits, Graff does not find much enjoyment out of his employment and is considering putting in his two week resignation notice. 

Wage isn’t everything to employees. The flexibility, benefits and community all play a part in motivated workers and just getting paid isn’t always the motivating factor.