Sarah Steelman (CAMPAIGN PHOTO)

— Reiterating a similar call from last year’s legislative session, Republican U.S. Senate contender Sarah Steelman called on the General Assembly to pass a so-called “right to work” measure this year.

“For far too long, we’ve seen jobs leave our country, and now it’s not just China with whom we must compete, it’s the 22 states that have instituted free-market principles by passing Right to Work legislation,” said Steelman. “Missouri employers and workers deserve a competitive economic landscape.”

As written, the legislation would prevent employers to enter contracts with unions that require union membership as a condition of employment.

The state Senate is expected to consider the bill, but House Speaker Steven Tilley signaled it would have a tough time moving through the House.

In an interview with PoliticMo, Tilley said the issue is “divisive,” and that he wants to focus on economic development legislation that draws consensus from both labor and business.

“I think it a waste of our legislative time when we can focus our time and efforts on something that we could produce fruit from,” Tilley said.