Kansas City, Mo. — A Legal Showdown Over Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Leave
In a surprising turn of events, a coalition of some major Missouri business associations has thrown a legal wrench into the recent Proposition A results, which were overwhelmingly supported by the state’s voters. Last Friday, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, the National Federation of Independent Business, Inc., the Missouri Forest Product Association, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry filed a lawsuit looking to overturn the results of the vote that took place last month.
The Controversial Proposition A
For those who might need a refresher, Proposition A aimed to boost Missouri’s minimum wage and tackle new paid sick leave requirements. It gained significant public support, with over 57% of more than 2.9 million voters casting their ballots in favor of it. The proposition is set to raise Missouri’s minimum wage to $13.75 by January 1, 2025, before reaching $15 by January 1, 2026. Additionally, employees will soon be allowed to earn up to seven paid sick days per year starting May 1, 2025.
The Lawsuit Claims
The lawsuit contends that there were significant election irregularities and constitutional violations that, according to the plaintiffs, necessitate the invalidation of the election results. Specifically, the filing alleges that the fiscal note summary and statement for Proposition A were “insufficient and unfair.” Furthermore, the groups argue that the proposition contained “multiple subjects in violation of the single subject clause of the Missouri Constitution,” claiming the title of the proposition was unclear.
Who’s Involved?
The lawsuit named Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick as defendants, with three individuals—Raymond McCarty, Russell Lahl, and Daniel Shaul—identified as plaintiffs. As of now, the Secretary of State’s office has acknowledged receiving the lawsuit and is currently reviewing the situation.
Defenders of the Proposition Speak Out
On Monday afternoon, Trevor Fox, a spokesperson for the state auditor’s office, expressed confidence in how the proposition had been handled. “We stand by the process we have used for decades to produce fair and accurate fiscal notes,” he stated, taking a firm stance against the claims made on behalf of the lawsuit, and encouraging trust in the data provided to voters.
Reactions From Proposition A Supporters
Not surprisingly, those who campaigned for the approval of Proposition A did not sit idle after news of the lawsuit broke. The Missouri League of Women Voters expressed their outrage, with President Marilyn McLeod calling the lawsuit an “anti-democratic move” that bordered on the reprehensible. Similarly, Terrance Wise from the activist group Stand Up KC voiced his dismay, stating it was “sickening” that corporations are attempting to “steal our victory away” after the people spoke so clearly at the ballot box.
The Road Ahead
As this legal battle begins to unfold, the implications for Missouri’s workers and employers remain to be seen. With stakes this high, many will be keeping a close eye on how the courts may interpret the claims brought forth by the lawsuit. For now, the question remains whether the will of the voters—or the claims of corporate personnel—will prevail in this unfolding drama.
