New Paid Sick Leave Initiative Heads for 2026 Ballot

A renewed attempt to impose paid sick leave and automatic minimum wage increases in Missouri is drawing sharp criticism from the state’s leading business advocacy group, which warns the proposal would severely harm job creators and weaken the economy.

Backers of Proposition A have filed paperwork for Initiative Petition 2026-047, aiming to place a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot that would reinstate elements of the 2024 ballot initiative overturned by the legislature in 2025. That original measure required paid sick leave for all employees and set the state on course for a $15 minimum wage by 2026, with further increases tied to inflation.

Lawmakers rolled back those provisions last year through HB 567, citing the need to protect small businesses from costly mandates and unchecked wage growth tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly supported the rollback, arguing that one-size-fits-all mandates damage economic competitiveness and threaten jobs.

If approved by voters, the new measure would again force employers to offer one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, resume CPI-based wage hikes starting in 2027, and allow local governments to exceed state mandates. It would also establish a new legal cause of action, potentially exposing businesses to costly and excessive litigation.

“The requirements in this proposal would have dire effects on Missouri’s economy, annual revenue, Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, GDP, and more,” said Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber, in a letter to Secretary of State Denny Hoskins.

Business leaders are concerned. According to the Chamber’s 2025 CEO Survey, 37% of Missouri employers said the original Proposition A made them less likely to hire. Economic projections suggest the latest version could shrink Missouri’s GDP by nearly $20 billion, with an estimated $6 billion impact on the manufacturing sector alone.

“This proposal undermines the core of free enterprise by stripping businesses of the flexibility they need to compete, grow, and create jobs,” Corches said. “Missouri businesses, especially small employers, cannot afford the burden of blanket mandates and the threat of frivolous lawsuits.”

The Missouri Chamber plans to continue informing voters about the risks of Initiative Petition 2026-047 and will advocate for policies that support job creation, economic freedom, and long-term growth across the state.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Aldermen Approve Backyard Chickens with Restrictions

In a unanimous vote on Monday, June 16, the Kearney Board of Aldermen approved a measure allowing residents to keep backyard hens—marking the end of a years-long discussion on the matter. The decision, includes a series of regulations aimed at preserving neighborhood standards and addressing potential concerns.

Under the new ordinance, only residents living on single-family properties with at least half an acre of land will be eligible to keep hens. Roosters, guinea hens, and any other crowing or non-hen fowl remain prohibited.

Alderman David Lehman expressed concern about how the ordinance addresses potential nuisances, such as odor, noise, or unsanitary conditions. He took issue with how existing nuisance codes could place responsibility on neighbors.

“If your neighbor has hens and your dog barks, you as the dog owner would be penalized,” Lehman said. “I don’t like this aspect personally.”

Alderman Gerri Spencer read the nuisance section differently adding, “If your hens are making the neighbor dogs bark, I think it comes back to the chicken owner.”

Lehman also suggested requiring a permit and fee for chicken ownership, with proceeds going to support animal control services.

Mayor Randy Pogue acknowledged that the issue has circulated in public discourse for several years.

The ordinance outlines strict guidelines for maintenance and sanitation. All feed, water, waste, and other materials associated with the hens must be kept clean, odor-free, and secure to prevent the attraction of rodents or other animals.

With the vote now official, eligible Kearney residents can prepare to bring hens into their backyards—under careful rules designed to keep peace in the coop and the neighborhood.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

New Support for Missouri Corn Farmers

Landon Anderson will serve farmers in north central Missouri as a conservation specialist for Precision Conservation Management, a new program helping farmers evaluate in-field conservation practices.

Precision Conservation Management (PCM), in partnership with the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC), is proud to announce expansion into north central Missouri. This development brings new opportunities for corn growers to improve profitability while adopting proven in-field conservation practices, enhancing soil health, and protecting water quality.

Farmers who enroll in PCM receive free technical assistance, personalized data analysis, and assistance navigating conservation incentive programs that reduce financial risks associated with conservation practice changes. With commodity prices under pressure, this data-driven support also helps farmers pinpoint which in-field practices are most profitable for their operation.

“Missouri Corn welcomes this opportunity to connect corn farmers with a program to further improve production practices,” says MCMC Chairman Brian Lehman. “Corn farmers consistently strive to provide an abundant supply of high-quality food, feed, and renewable energy. The expansion of PCM into Missouri will offer farmers field-level financial analysis of conservation practice adoption while creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable world for future generations.” 

To support producers in this region, PCM has hired a new conservation specialist, Landon Anderson, who will serve farmers across north central Missouri. Anderson brings a diverse background in agronomy, crop consulting, and agricultural development to the PCM team. After earning a degree in Agricultural Science from Truman State University and an M.S. in Agronomy from Iowa State University, he served farmers in several capacities before recently joining PCM.

“I’m excited to help Missouri farmers identify conservation practices that improve both their bottom line and the long-term health of their land,” said Anderson. “I view agronomy as a blend of science and real-world application, and I believe PCM’s unique data insights will make a real difference for farmers in this region.”

As pressure for more sustainable agriculture practices increases throughout the supply chain, PCM’s expansion ensures more farmers can take advantage of the data and conservation opportunities already available to them.

Corn farmers interested in enrolling in PCM are encouraged to visit www.precisionconservation.org to learn more.

KPGZ News – Becky Frankenbach contributed to this story.

Kehoe Signs Stadium Funding Bill in Special Session

Governor Mike Kehoe signed three major bills on Saturday, June 14, following a special legislative session aimed at helping disaster victims, preserving Missouri’s professional sports teams, and addressing property tax increases.

Calling lawmakers back to the Capitol earlier this month, Kehoe emphasized the urgency of the measures.

“We called legislators back to Jefferson City because the stakes were too high to wait—families and communities needed disaster relief, taxpayers deserved certainty, and critical job-saving investments were on the line,” Kehoe said in a news release. “Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities.”

Among the new laws is Senate Bill 3, which authorizes Missouri to partner with professional sports teams to help fund stadium construction projects. The bill allows the state to cover up to 50% of stadium costs through a combination of bond payments and one-time tax credits, funded by sales tax revenue generated at the stadiums. The total state investment could reach $1.5 billion over 30 years.

To safeguard the public investment, the legislation includes a clause requiring teams to repay the state if they relocate before the agreement ends.

The bill comes as Missouri competes with Kansas, which has proposed covering up to 70% of stadium construction costs in an effort to lure the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals across the state line. The Kansas offer is set to expire at the end of June.

Another key provision of the bill provides disaster relief in the form of tax credits—up to $5,000—to help Missourians cover home or renters insurance deductibles following severe weather damage in declared disaster areas this year.

The legislation also addresses rising property taxes. Voters in 97 Missouri counties will be asked whether they want to freeze or cap property tax increases. In 22 counties, taxes could be frozen at current levels, while 75 counties could see a cap of 5% on increases every two years.

Senate Bill 3 was sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Brown, R-Kansas City.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bridge Replacement Set to Begin North of Kearney

Construction is scheduled to begin next week on a long-awaited bridge replacement on Missouri Route 33, approximately 5.5 miles north of Kearney and 1 mile south of Holt. The project site is located between Missouri Route CC and Burris Road, near the curve where MO 33 turns east approaching Holt from the south.

This section of MO 33 has been closed since August 28, 2024, following a culvert failure that made the roadway unsafe. The existing culvert structure, believed to have been originally built by the county before 1920, was later expanded in 1922 when the route became part of the state highway system.

Construction of the new bridge could not begin until the project was fully designed, awarded, necessary right of way was acquired, and utilities were relocated. Now, with those steps completed, crews are ready to begin work. The road closure will remain in place throughout the project, with completion expected by mid-September—weather permitting.

Officials will announce when the road is reopened to traffic. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes during the construction period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.