The minimum wage in Missouri increased Jan. 1 with the passing of Proposition A. The wage increased from $13.75 to $15.00. Even though the minimum wage in Missouri is higher, not everyone’s hourly pay will be that amount. This is because employers only have to pay tipped employees 50% of the federal minimum wage, $7.50 an hour, according to labor.mo.gov.

Any worker who works overtime, which is working over 40 hours in a week, must be paid at a rate of at least one and one-half times their regular rate of pay, according to labor.mo.gov.

It needed to have an affirmative vote of 50% or more, and it received roughly 58%. This is now the third time Missouri voters have increased minimum wage. Previous rises in minimum were back in 2006 and have been raised annually when needed. After this latest increase, it will continue to be adjusted annually for inflation, according to thebeaconnews.org.

One of the biggest reasons this amendment was passed was due to sick days. Employees were constantly choosing between their health and a paycheck. Before Proposition A, workers were not getting paid on sick days. Starting May 1, workers will be able to earn sick time. Employers must provide one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, according to thebeaconnews.org.

The new law will allow more flexibility for workers when it comes to pay, tips and sick days, according to thebeaconnews.org.