News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Missouri bill to overturn voter-approved paid sick leave clears Senate committee
by Clara Bates, Missouri Independent
March 26, 2025
A Republican-led push to overturn the paid sick leave law adopted by Missouri voters last year was debated and approved Wednesday by a state Senate committee.
The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Sherri Gallick of Belton, was passed by the House earlier this month and would gut Proposition A, a voter-approved law requiring most employers starting May 1 to provide paid sick time off for hundreds of thousands of qualifying workers.
Gallick called the law, which also increased the state’s minimum wage, a “one-two punch for Missouri businesses” that will increase the cost of goods and services and have an adverse impact on small businesses in rural parts of the state.
She has said workers will “abuse” the leave.
Gallick’s bill would also modify the minimum wage law by removing the requirement that it be indexed to inflation.
The bill was passed out of committee Wednesday on a 5 to 2 vote party-line immediately following a contentious public hearing, with Democrats opposing.
The committee chair, state Sen. Curtis Trent of Springfield, said that although usually there is at least one week between the public hearing and committee vote, it’s “extremely clear…there is not really an opportunity for further deliberation by the committee” and that pushing the bill forward immediately would allow “robust debate and consideration” by the full Senate.
If approved by the Senate without changes, the bill would go to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who has voiced support for the proposal. There is no emergency clause, so it wouldn’t go into effect until Aug. 28 — months after the sick leave law goes into effect.
Richard Von Glahn, policy director for Missouri Jobs with Justice, the organization that helped lead the campaign for Proposition A, said it was modeled on paid sick leave policies in 18 other states. The initiative petition passed in rural, suburban and urban counties across the state and received 58% of the vote statewide.
“Opponents made their argument, we made our argument and the voters spoke,” Von Glahn said.
Gallick’s bill is “refutation of the public will,” he added. “It will make Missouri workers more likely to have to go to work while sick, jeopardizing their own health, the health of their coworkers and of Missouri workplaces.”
Many of the same industry groups who are challenging Proposition A in the state Supreme Court testified in support of the bill Wednesday.
Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called the law, especially paid sick leave, a “job killer.”
“We believe that this one size fits all approach to paid sick leave is unworkable,” Corches said.
Buddy Lahl, from the Missouri Restaurant Association, called the requirements on businesses “extremely cumbersome” and said the law is a “slippery slope” for what businesses will be required to provide.
“Fixing Proposition A is not even an option, fixing the sick pay. It just needs to be eliminated. It’s just too erroneous. And I only listed some of the bigger issues. Every line in there is a problem for a small business,” Lahl said.
When Lahl said the only fix is to eliminate the law, state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, responded: “That’s not happening, The only path you have is to maybe make some small changes.”
State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, said restaurant workers without sick time who go to work because they need a paycheck for public health.
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Proposition A passed with the support of numerous unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights organizations, as well as over 500 business owners. It guarantees sick leave for hundreds of thousands of workers and gradually hikes the minimum wage to $15. The measure won by a margin of over 400,000 votes.
Under the law, beginning May 1, the law requires employers with business receipts greater than $500,000 a year to provide at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 workers must allow workers to earn at least 40 hours per year, with larger employers mandated to allow at least 56 hours. The law also gradually increases the minimum wage.
Under Gallick’s bill, the minimum wage would still increase to $15 per hour in 2026, as voters approved, but it would not be adjusted for inflation thereafter — a policy that has been in place since 2007. The sick leave provisions would be repealed entirely.
Because the measure changed state law and not the constitution, the legislature can modify or overturn it without returning for a new vote of the people.
The bill passed out of the House on a vote of 96 to 51 earlier this month.
Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com.
The post Missouri bill to overturn voter-approved paid sick leave clears Senate committee appeared first on missouriindependent.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Luke Altmyer scores 3 TDs, No. 9 Illinois shuts out Western Michigan, 38-0
SUMMARY: No. 9 Illinois defeated Western Michigan 38-0, extending its winning streak to seven games, the longest since 2011. Quarterback Luke Altmyer threw two touchdowns and ran for another, while Kaden Feagin rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown. Illinois’ defense made critical stops, preserving the shutout despite only leading 10-0 at halftime. Coach Bret Bielema expressed frustration at the team’s slow start. Illinois remains turnover-free this season and has outscored opponents 128-22 in three games. Their next challenge is Big Ten play against No. 22 Indiana. Western Michigan starts MAC play next week against Toledo.
The post Luke Altmyer scores 3 TDs, No. 9 Illinois shuts out Western Michigan, 38-0 appeared first on fox2now.com
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
Panic and chaos at a St. Louis area mall false reports of shots fired
SUMMARY: Panic erupted at West County Center mall in the St. Louis area Saturday around 2:30 p.m. after a false report of shots fired in the food court. Police arrived quickly but found no active shooter. The confusion stemmed from a fight where a chair was thrown, causing fear among shoppers. Maya Emig, separated from her family, was comforted by strangers during the chaos. Traffic snarled as parents tried to reach their children. The incident, amid recent nationwide gun violence, heightened fears but no arrests were made. Authorities confirmed no guns were involved and no charges will be filed.
A fight near the food court where a chair was thrown at a victim caused some confusion, which then turned into panic and chaos amid rumors of an active shooter.
News from the South - Missouri News Feed
UTVs, ROVs may soon be allowed on Wentzville streets
SUMMARY: Wentzville’s Board of Aldermen voted 4-2 to allow utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) on city streets under conditions similar to golf cart rules. Use would be limited to subdivisions with speed limits of 25 mph or less, requiring valid licenses, insurance, and safety features. However, Mayor Nick Guccione vetoed the ordinance, citing safety and enforcement concerns, supported by residents and officials. The Board may override the veto on September 24. Supporters emphasize personal responsibility, while opponents worry about public safety. Enforcement challenges exist, especially regarding underage drivers. Missouri law permits municipalities to regulate such vehicles locally.
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The post UTVs, ROVs may soon be allowed on Wentzville streets appeared first on fox2now.com
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