Lawsuit challenges Missouri minimum wage measures

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Kansas City restaurant owner has filed suit over two proposed ballot measures to raise Missouri's minimum wage.

Victor Allred owns a restaurant called Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen. His lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court contends the cost estimates and ballot summaries for the proposals are insufficient and unfair.

The Missouri Restaurant Association endorsed Allred's challenge Thursday.

Two questions being proposed for Missouri's 2012 ballot would raise the state's minimum wage -- currently $7.25 an hour -- by $1 starting in 2013, then allow it to increase with inflation. Employers also would be required to pay workers who earn tips at least 60 percent of the minimum wage instead of the current 50 percent.

Missouri voters in 2006 approved a ballot measure that increased the state's minimum wage.