Right-to-Work fails to get 82 votes in Missouri House

[Sherman A1]

http://themissouritimes.com/9506/right-work-fails-get-82-votes-house/

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Today the house failed to get the 82 votes required for final passage of the controversial “Right-to-Work” legislation. The bill was perfected today in the House by a vote of 78-68, lacking a majority of the full house and marking a blow for Right-to-Work proponents.

Speaker Tim Jones has made the issue a top priority during his tenure as speaker. While early approval of bills only requires a majority of members present, the bill will need 82 votes — a majority of the entire chamber — to advance to the Senate where Senate leaders have been remarkably unenthusiastic about its passage.

Proponents, like Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, who sponsors the House language, says the bill merely expands freedom and choice for Missouri workers. Other supporters chided Democrats and RTW opponents for taking a too aggressive stance. Several Democrats repeatedly demanded an end to debate on the floor, repeatedly crying “let’s vote.” Burlison exclaimed on the floor that opponents of his bill were dictating to workers.

“Why are we so afraid to just give people a choice?’ Burlison said on the floor. “Freedom to Work is a necessary issue if we want a competitive advantage with the states around us.”

The ALEC Supported Anti Union, Anti Worker, Anti Middle Class "Right To Work Bill" met a tiny setback today in the Missouri House of Representatives!

[Dawson Leery]

1. k/r for labor rights!

[friendly_iconoclast]

2. Good. Up yours, ALEC!

[Sancho]

3. Good job!

[CatholicEdHead]

4. Now ALEC is looking which 4 to target

to get the votes next time after this fall's election. Get 4 rubber stamps to get it through.