A Missouri Senate battle returned Wednesday over a paid sick leave and minimum wage law. After more than eight hours, Senate Democrats were able to fight off a vote on a bill that would mostly overturn voter-approved paid sick leave and a $15 an hour minimum wage.

Sen. Stephen Webber, D-Columbia, and his fellow Democrats blocked a vote for the second time in one week.

“We want people to work…they’re working. We need parents in kids lives…they’re trying to be a good parent. They’re doing everything that society is asking them to do. Say something other than ‘No.’ To me, no is an unacceptable answer. Let the kid lie there sick is an unacceptable answer. You want them to show up to work at Subway and sneeze on all the sandwiches they’re making? That’s what you want,” asked Webber.

Sen. Angela Mosley, D-North St. Louis County, was among the Democrats who stood in the way.

“You want people to give birth to these children, but you don’t want to help them take care of these children, which is what the Bible also tells you to do. So, they’d rather gain this world than lose their soul. I’d rather have my soul and see the Lord than gain the world,” said Mosley.

Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis County, helped to exhaust Senate Republicans.

“I think we could would have a lot less of amending the state constitution if voters could trust the politicians weren’t going to try to undo what they put into statute,” said McCreery.

Missouri Senate Republicans say without action, the ripple effects of Proposition A could deal a “crushing blow” to small businesses across the state. They say without changes to the law, many grocery stores will be unable to compete and forced to close – leading to an increase in food deserts.

The paid sick leave requirements are set to begin May 1, unless lawmakers overturn them.

For more information on House Bill 567, click here .