Missouri Republicans in the Senate attempted to repeal Proposition A, a voter-approved initiative that included a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour and paid sick leave for employees. This attempt followed a 10-hour filibuster by Democrats.
Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans aimed at finding a compromise failed, resulting in Senate President Cindy O'Laughlin adjourning the Senate early. O'Laughlin cited concerns about Democrats negotiating with an unnamed outside entity as the reason for ending the negotiations.
The proposed legislation would have stopped future inflation-based increases to the minimum wage but maintained the increase to $15 per hour. It would have eliminated the paid sick leave mandate for employers. Employers with receipts over $500,000 are to provide paid sick leave based on hours worked.
Democrats strongly opposed the repeal, highlighting that Proposition A was supported by 57% of voters and passed in six of the state's eight congressional districts. They also pointed out that Proposition A won in 20 of the state's 34 Senate districts.
Business groups have challenged the law before the Missouri Supreme Court. The court’s decision is pending.