Greitens, Missouri lawmakers remain at odds over family leave

JEFFERSON CITY • A 45-minute closed-door meeting between Gov. Eric Greitens and Republican senators Wednesday appeared to do little to soothe tensions over his decision to offer paid parental leave to state employees.

Greitens, a Republican, bypassed the GOP-controlled Legislature last month when he issued an executive order giving parental leave to state employees working in the executive branch.

His office said he has the power to take such action.

But GOP senators are balking at the idea, saying the governor does not have the power to appropriate money. In the case of the maternal or paternal leave policy, costs are expected to be at least $1.1 million.

Read more: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/greitens-missouri-lawmakers-remain-at-odds-over-family-leave/article_308300e9-63c9-5e31-836d-853c7e46b03a.html