By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – One bill that failed to pass during Missouri's legislative session would've addressed a glitch in the state's minimum wage increase that threatens to cost police and fire departments millions of dollars.
Police and fire officials had been calling on lawmakers to pass the bill, which would have allowed officers and firefighters to work more than 40 hours a week without triggering overtime pay.
It passed the Senate but was blocked in the House by a committee chairman and other lawmakers who believed it was unfair not to offer the same exemption to small business owners.
House Minority Leader Jeff Harris wants Governor Matt Blunt to call a special session to resolve the problem.
"To fail to do this fix endangers public safety," said last week, before lawmakers adjourned. "And that's not just what I'm saying - that's what fire chiefs and police chiefs across the state of Missouri are saying."
But Gov. Blunt said Friday it was too early to talk about requests for special sessions.