Missouri Senate Republicans Move to Repeal Key Voter-Approved Labor Laws
In a contentious decision, Missouri Senate Republicans voted 22-11 on Wednesday to repeal significant portions of Proposition A, a law passed by voters that enables employees to earn paid sick leave and sets a pathway for a higher minimum wage. The legislation, which received 57.6% approval in the November elections, is now facing substantial rollback.
Only one Republican, Sen. Lincoln Hough of Springfield, sided with Democrats in opposition. Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck criticized the repeal, accusing Republicans of prioritizing corporate interests over workers’ rights. Under Proposition A, employees could earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, with the minimum wage set to increase to $15 an hour by 2026, linked to the Consumer Price Index to ensure future adjustments.
The Republicans’ vote eliminates the paid sick leave provision and dismantles the CPI link for minimum wage adjustments, effectively halting raises after 2026. This move followed a rare procedural tactic to expedite the legislative process and avert a potential Democratic filibuster.
The broader implications of this decision are not lost on Senate Democrats, who expressed their outrage and vowed to challenge Republican actions moving forward. Sen. Stephen Webber remarked that the actions taken by Republicans show a lack of respect for the Senate process and the will of the voters.
Lawmakers had previously debated this legislation multiple times but failed to reach a compromise until now. The bill, having passed unchanged by the Senate, will advance to Governor Mike Kehoe for final approval, marking a significant shift in Missouri’s labor landscape.
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