Earlier this week, Missouri Senate Republicans voted to put an abortion ban back on the ballot and repeal paid sick leave requirements that were passed into law by Missouri voters this past November. 

Missouri Senate Republicans implemented a rarely-used tactic to force a vote, passing a voter referendum that, if approved, would repeal the constitutional right to an abortion that was enshrined into law by Missouri voters after Amendment 3 passed with a clear majority in November. They also voted to repeal Proposition A, which will roll back a measure to require employers to give workers one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked as well as future increases to Missouri’s minimum wage. A reminder: Voters in Missouri approved Proposition A with 58%of the vote.

Missourians voted for Donald Trump with an 18% margin of victory but still voted for these ballot measures to protect the constitutional right to an abortion, increase paid sick leave, and raise the minimum wage. Missouri Republicans’ latest stunt proves one thing: Ballot measures only go so far, and the only way to ensure long-lasting policy that will better the lives of Missourians is to elect Democrats up and down the ballot who will protect fundamental freedoms and fight for working families. 

DNC Chair Ken Martin issued the following statement:

“In November, Missourians voted by wide margins to defend the right to choose, guarantee paid sick leave, and raise wages for working families who are trying to make ends meet. Those ballot measures were passed by the people. This week, Missouri Republicans voted to overturn the will of Missourians, which is a betrayal to voters and a betrayal to our entire Democratic process. Led by Chair Russ Carnahan, Missouri Democrats are fighting back to protect hardworking families across the state. Republicans aren’t simply sore losers — they’re also trying to wipe away the results of free and fair elections. It’s time to elect Democrats up and down the ballot to stop them.”

NEW: Missouri Republicans voted to overturn ballot measures passed in November, including a new sick leave law, and put a draconian abortion ban back on the ballot.

Missouri Independent: “Missouri Republicans shut down Senate debate to pass abortion ban, repeal sick leave law”

“Missouri Senate Republicans invoked a rarely used rule Wednesday to shut down a Democratic filibuster blocking a vote on a measure overturning the abortion rights amendment passed by voters in November.

“That action was immediately followed by another use of the rule, this time to get a bill passed repealing the paid sick leave law that was also approved by voters. …

“The proposed ban seeks to repeal the constitutional right to an abortion …

“If the bill is signed by the governor, the paid-sick leave benefits approved by voters that went into effect on May 1 will be stripped away on Aug. 28. 

“The bill also removes the requirement that the minimum wage be indexed to inflation, which has been in place since 2007

“The paid sick leave and minimum wage provisions passed with 58% of the vote in November as Proposition A, garnering support from unions, workers’ advocacy groups, social justice and civil rights groups, as well as over 500 business owners.”