May 1, 2025

Today, on International Workers’ Day, Missouri workers can now earn paid sick leave, as approved by nearly 60% of Missouri voters last November. Despite the overwhelming support for this measure, Missouri Republicans in the legislature have fought tooth and nail to overturn the law, displaying stunning disrespect for Missouri voters. 

Republicans have forgotten who they work for and are trying to overturn a law passed by the people so their rich friends don’t have to provide workers the basic dignity of earned sick leave. Instead of standing with Missouri families, Republican lawmakers are fighting to put corporate interests first, letting the wealthy write the rules while working people pay the price.

“The Missouri Democratic Party sincerely thanks our Senate Democrats for standing strong when needed to successfully block the Republicans’ attempt to take earned sick leave away from millions of working Missourians,” said Jerry Wood, Chair, Missouri Democratic Party’s Labor Caucus.

“Missouri Republicans are terrified of Missouri voters and have consistently worked to undermine, overturn, or restrict the decisions voters make at the ballot box. Missouri Republicans have completely forgotten who they are sent to Jefferson City to represent and openly advocate for the interests of their rich friends on the floor of the People’s House.”

Background: 

St. Louis Public Radio: Prop A paid sick leave begins for Missouri workers despite efforts to block it

KSHB: Missouri Supreme Court upholds Proposition A, raising minimum wage and expanding sick leave

KOMU: Democrats filibuster to keep paid sick leave in Prop A one week before it takes effect

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Missouri Democrats again stall GOP bid to repeal new sick leave, minimum wage rules

Missouri Independent: Missouri Democrats filibuster GOP effort to overturn voter-approved paid sick leave

MissouriNet: Missouri Senate might not get to the minimum wage bill in time to revoke paid sick leave

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Media Contact: 

Chelsea Rodriguez, Communications Director

press@missouridems.org