MRA & Business Organizations File Suit Against Proposition A

Missouri Restaurant Association & Coalition Have Challenged Proposition A

Dear Restaurateurs,

We want to bring you up to speed on a critical issue impacting our industry. Recently, Missouri voters passed Proposition A, a measure that will raise the state minimum wage to $15/hour by 2026 and mandate paid sick leave for employees beginning in May 2025. In response, the Missouri Restaurant Association (MRA), in partnership with affiliated organizations, has filed a petition with the Missouri Supreme Court to challenge the validity of this ballot initiative.

Our challenge, filed earlier today, seeks to overturn Proposition A on the grounds of constitutional violations within election law. We anticipate the Supreme Court will rule on this matter before January 1, 2025. Should our challenge succeed, Proposition A will be nullified. If not, we will work closely with the Department of Labor and Missouri legislators to help restaurant operators navigate compliance effectively while advocating for fair and balanced implementation.

We firmly believe that the voters were misled during the campaign for Proposition A. Specifically, the initiative:

• Violates Missouri’s Constitution: Proposition A combines minimum wage increases and mandatory paid sick leave into a single proposal, contravening the state’s single-subject rule for ballot measures.
• Includes a Misleading Fiscal Summary: The measure’s fiscal impact statement is inadequate, failing to account for significant costs to local governments.
• Breaches Equal Protection Clauses: Proposition A excludes government entities and similar businesses from its provisions, creating inequities under the law.

Proposition A represents a troubling misuse of the initiative process, heavily influenced by outside financial interests aiming to dictate how Missouri businesses are run. If enacted, the repercussions could be devastating for restaurants and small businesses across the state, hindering growth and job creation.

The MRA remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering a thriving restaurant industry in Missouri. We are prepared to advocate tirelessly to protect your interests and ensure a fair operating environment.

We have attached copies of our official press release, and the legal petition submitted to the Missouri Supreme Court. For further information about Proposition A, our legal challenge, or ways to support our efforts, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Additionally, we’d be happy to discuss the many benefits of MRA membership and other legislative initiatives we are currently engaged in.

Together, we can overcome these challenges and secure a prosperous future for Missouri’s restaurant industry.