Quantcast
breaking news

Missouri Minimum Wage increase

By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: November 14, 2012
watch video
JOPLIN, MO.--- Maggie Ritzman works about 20 hours a week in the Student Affairs Office at Missouri Southern State University.

"I had to buy a new car so it helps me with that, it helps me with school supplies or clothes or just anything I need," states Maggie Ritzman, MSSU Student Affairs Office.

She's one of the 420 minimum wage workers employed by the university who will be impacted by a recent decision to increase minimum wage in Missouri.

"I think it will help my budget in little ways like i'll be able to expand it a little like spend a little more in certain areas and maybe have more fun money," states Ritzman.

The Missouri Department of Labor recently announced plans to increase Missouri's minimum wage by 10 cent per hour starting January 1st. This will make the new state minimum wage $7.35 per hour.

"We're an employer just  like other employers and it will have an impact on our processing of payroll," states Debbie Dutch Kelly, MSSU Director of Human Resources.

The biggest question many businesses face, is where the extra money will come from to pay this new minimum wage.

"That has not been determined, the university's budget for the fiscal year has already been set," states Kelly.

Meaning Missouri Southern will look at a host of sources for the funding.

"We get some money from the state, we get some grants, and other kinds of contributions, we get some scholarships, and our foundation, we also have money coming from tuition and fees," states Kelly.

This will be the first time since 2009 the minimum wage rate in Missouri has increased. It's something many are anxious to see take effect.

"I feel good about it, I think it's really cool but at the same time it kind of makes you wonder about the other businesses, how they are going to handle it. If they are going to pay you more and they have to stay in business to pay you. I'm happy about it but kind of concerned," states Ritzman.

Businesses whose annual gross income is less than $500,000 a year are exempt from the increase.

Comments

Log in to comment on this article

Readers Feel...

hello
Related Content

New names have been added to the Crime Stoppers Most Wanted list. Now authorities are looking for help to track down those suspects....

We are all saddened by the tragic devastation in Oklahoma and surrounding communities leveled by yesterday's tornadoes. There are numerous tragic and traumatic events which occur across our country...

New businesses in Carthage are beginning to pump more money into the local economy....

The Talk About It program allows Joplin students and residents to reach out to crisis counselors without anyone knowing they are asking for help....

A group that promotes tourism through cycling is preparing for a 500 mile ride through Southeast Oklahoma....

Text messages are at the center of legal issue regarding a citizens constitutional right against unreasonable search and seizure. Attorney Aaron Sachs discusses how safe your text messages are in...

New names have been added to the Crime Stoppers most wanted list. Now authorities are asking for help to track down those suspects....

3rd graders in Neosho raise funds to preserve a piece of history....

As the weather starts to get a little warmer, more and more motorcycles will hit the road. Attorney Aaron Sachs looks into motorcycle safety in this week's Legally Speaking....

New names have been added to the Crime Stoppers Most Wanted list. Now authorities are looking for help to track down those suspects....

 
 

 
 

 
©1998 - 2013 Fourstateshomepage.com
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc.
All Rights Reserved