Greitens, who has clashed with senators numerous times since assuming office, said the uncertainty for businesses could have been avoided if they had “done their job on time.”

His reasoning for not signing the bill outright? Those career politicians, Greitens said.

“Politicians in the Legislature could’ve come up with a timely solution to this problem. Instead, they dragged their feet for months,” Greitens said in a statement. “Now, because of their failures, we have different wages across the state.”

It’s far more difficult to pass controversial legislation in the Missouri Senate than it is the House because individual senators on both sides of the aisle have the power to filibuster bills they don’t like.

Senate Democrats managed to stall passage of the minimum-wage measure until the last day of session, when GOP leaders finally used a procedural move they often avoid to force a vote.

“I disapprove of the way politicians handled this,” Greitens said. “That’s why I won’t be signing my name to their bill.”

Not putting his signature on a bill his party championed is a cowardly move, said Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis.