Missouri repeals voter-approved wage and sick leave law
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Gov. Mike Kehoe on Thursday signed a law repealing parts of Proposition A, which included paid sick leave and future minimum wage increases.
Why it matters: The repeal removes statewide standards for paid sick leave and wage increases, shifting the balance of labor policy back to state lawmakers after voters approved those changes just eight months ago.
Catch up quick: Proposition A, passed by 57.6% of Missouri voters in November, required employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, starting May 1.
- It also increased the state minimum wage to $13.75 starting Jan. 1, 2025, with a scheduled rise to $15 in 2026 and automatic annual adjustments based on inflation.
- The 2025 and 2026 minimum wage increases remain in effect, but the repeal eliminates inflation-based adjustments scheduled to begin in 2027.
The big picture: Alongside the repeal, Kehoe on Thursday signed a package of tax cuts and policies described as pro-business.
Friction point: The move has sparked controversy, with business groups like the Missouri Chamber of Commerce supporting it, arguing the mandates were burdensome for employers, according to KCUR.
- Labor advocates, including Missouri Jobs With Justice, say the repeal undercuts what Missourians supported at the ballot box and harms workers' rights.
What they're saying: "Today, we are protecting the people who make Missouri work — families, job creators, and small business owners — by cutting taxes, rolling back overreach, and eliminating costly mandates," Kehoe said in a statement.
- The Washington Post says labor advocates called the repeal a "betrayal" of voters and are preparing a 2026 constitutional amendment to restore the policies.
The other side: "The governor signing this bill is an absolute betrayal to those families, and it hurts my heart," said Missouri Jobs With Justice policy director Von Glahn, according to The Guardian.
The bottom line: Missouri workers will lose new sick leave protections, and the minimum wage will no longer rise with inflation, despite both measures being approved by voters just eight months ago.