On Aug. 7, Missourians will head to the polls to cast their votes for a number of primary elections and on Missouri Proposition A, the Right to Work referendum.
Proposition A has been certified by the secretary of state’s office to appear on the upcoming ballot. The description of this proposed measure contains its official title, fiscal note, fair ballot language and discusses any potential impact on our taxes. For more information about the upcoming election, including where and how to vote, visit the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.mo.gov.
The Right to Work law, which the Legislature passed and the governor signed in 2017, is on hold until voters determine if the law goes into effect or if they vote to reject the law.
A “yes” vote is to uphold the contested legislation, Senate Bill 19, which would mandate that no person can be required to pay dues to a labor union or join a labor union as a condition of employment. A “no” vote would overturn the contested legislation, Senate Bill 19, and Missouri would not become a Right to Work state, like the other 28 Right to Work states across the nation.
Official Ballot Title:
Do the people of the state of Missouri want to adopt Senate Bill 19 (Right to Work) as passed by the general assembly in 2017, which prohibits as a condition of employment the forced membership in a labor organization (union) or forced payments of dues in full or pro-rata (fair-share); make any activity which violates employees’ rights illegal and ineffective; allow legal remedies for anyone injured as a result of another person violating or threatening to violate employees’ rights; and which shall not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective date of Senate Bill 19?
State and local government entities expect no costs or savings.
Fair Ballot Language:
A “yes” vote will adopt Senate Bill 19 (Right to Work), passed by the Missouri General Assembly in 2017. If adopted, Senate Bill 19 will amend Missouri law to prohibit, as a condition of employment, forced membership in a labor organization (union) or forced payments of dues or fees, in full or pro-rata (fair-share), to a union. Senate Bill 19 will also make any activity which violates employees’ rights provided by the bill illegal and ineffective and allow legal remedies for anyone injured as a result of another person violating or threatening to violate those employees’ rights. Senate Bill 19 will not apply to union agreements entered into before the effective date of Senate Bill 19, unless those agreements are amended or renewed after the effective date of Senate Bill 19.
A “no” vote will reject Senate Bill 19 (Right to Work), and will result in Senate Bill 19 not becoming Missouri law.
If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.
No matter what you think about Proposition A, I urge you all to head to the polls and make your voices heard at the ballot box on Aug. 7. Our form of government depends on educated voters participating in our democratic process.
As always, I appreciate it when groups from around Missouri and from our community back home come to visit me at the Capitol. If you would like to arrange a time to come and visit me in Jefferson City, or if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office at (573) 751-1882.