Missouri Democrats Slam Kehoe for Repealing Voter-Approved Earned Sick Leave

July 11, 2025,

Yesterday, Governor Kehoe signed the bill repealing earned sick leave, passed by nearly 60% of voters last November. 

“Governor Kehoe and Missouri Republicans just told working families that their health and their vote don’t matter,” said Missouri Democratic Party Chair Russ Carnahan. “This repeal isn’t about what’s best for Missouri, it’s about greed. Republicans sold out working people so their big donors wouldn’t have to offer a single day of paid time off.”

Missouri Democrats fought to defend earned sick leave during the session, holding the line in the Senate for as long as possible. But Republican leadership made it clear: they answer to corporate donors, not Missouri voters.

Background: 

Missouri Independent: Missouri Gov. Kehoe signs bill repealing paid sick leave

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