Low-wage Missouri workers who just started accruing paid sick days this month are now likely to lose them by the end of August, courtesy of their Republican legislators.
Lawmakers in the state Senate approved a bill last week overturning new sick leave protections that voters had approved by referendum in November 2024. The repeal passed 22-11 over a Democratic filibuster effort, with all but one Republican in support, after already passing the GOP-controlled state House.
The bill is now headed for the desk of Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe, who suggested on Friday he would sign it.
If he does, employers in the state would no longer be obligated to provide workers with one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours they work, capped at 56 hours per year. The requirement would end on Aug. 28, having only gone into effect on May 1.
Missourians had approved the sick leave protections by a wide margin, with nearly 58% voting in support.
