The Kansas City Star Editorial Board, July 13, 2025
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe this past week walked back the paid sick leave protections for workers that a large majority of voters wanted in the 2024 election. Last fall, the Kansas City Star Editorial Board endorsed the initiative, called Proposition A. ...
We have reviewed our notes and interviews with workers and employers who would be affected by the outcome of the vote and scratch our heads at Kehoe’s decision. Not only should the governor stay out of what voters already called for — it doesn’t make sense. ...
Kehoe was quoted as saying his action helped small business ... But when we spoke to small business owners leading up to the election, the opposite was true. In fact, Proposition A was supported by more than 500 state business owners.
Mike Schroeder, co-owner and manager of operations at Oddly Correct coffee roasters said his company doubled in size — from nine to 21 employees — when it took a look at wages, benefits and added paid leave.
“I can largely contribute that to sticking to our guns about the things that we said were important to us,” he said. “And the first of that was making sure that our people are being paid a living wage and have the resources they need to where they don’t constantly feel like they’re on unstable ground. Having people who feel like they can get somewhere solid. They know that they’re taken care of actually allows them to do the work that they’re there to do and make an impact, which then affects our bottom line, as a business.” ...