Show-Me State Times

Representatives from Missouri's business community have taken legal action to challenge Proposition A. The petition was filed with the Missouri Supreme Court on December 6, 2024. Proposition A, passed in the November election, aims to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2026 and requires businesses to provide paid sick leave.

The business groups involved in the petition include Associated Industries of Missouri, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Missouri Forest Products Association, the Missouri Grocers Association, the Missouri Restaurant Association, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). They argue that Proposition A will increase consumer prices and impose financial burdens on businesses.

The petition claims that "While Proposition A is bad policy and will have extreme and detrimental effects on Missouri’s businesses, that is not the basis of this action," highlighting concerns over election irregularities and constitutional violations. The business coalition argues that these issues are significant enough to warrant overturning the election results.

Proposition A includes multiple new requirements for employers in Missouri. All employers must comply with mandates related to paid sick leave policies. The coalition challenges Proposition A on several grounds:

- The Missouri Constitution mandates ballot initiatives contain a single subject; they argue Proposition A has at least two unrelated subjects: minimum wage and earned sick leave.

- The title of Proposition A is claimed to be unclear and containing multiple subjects.

- The summary statement and fiscal note summary are described as misleading.

- By exempting government entities and certain workers, it allegedly violates the Equal Protection Clause.