News Summary
Missouri lawmakers convene in a special session to address funding for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals as well as disaster relief for storm damage in St. Louis. Governor Mike Kehoe’s urgent call follows the regular session, with proposed Senate Bill 3 focusing on sports funding alongside tax incentives. Additionally, proposals highlight the necessity for immediate disaster aid, projecting significant costs for recovery from the recent storms. As discussions progress, lawmakers must balance support for both local sports teams and the urgent needs of tornado victims.
Jefferson City – Missouri lawmakers are convening in a special legislative session to address two critical issues: funding for stadiums that house the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, and disaster relief for the damage caused by storms in St. Louis. This session was initiated by Governor Mike Kehoe, just two weeks after the conclusion of the regular session, indicating a sense of urgency in tackling these unresolved matters.
On the first day of the session, both Democrats and Republicans introduced several bills in the Senate. The Senate has since sent two bills to the appropriations committee and two to the fiscal oversight committee for further consideration. Among the proposed legislation is Senate Bill 3, which focuses on providing funding for sports facilities and tax incentives aimed at retaining the Chiefs and Royals in Missouri.
Senate Bill 3 suggests a series of tax credits for amateur sports events held in the state, in addition to support for professional teams. This move comes in light of an intense push from Kansas lawmakers, who have proposed funding to cover 70% of a new stadium via a STAR bond bill. This competition has placed added pressure on Missouri lawmakers to finalize their offer, as Kansas City Chiefs lobbyists have indicated that their current proposal presents better financial benefits for the teams.
Concerns about the ability of Missouri to compete with Kansas are also prominent among lawmakers, with some stressing the importance of timely legislation to maintain both franchises in the state. Meanwhile, discussions over funding for sports facilities have met criticism, especially with the pressing need for disaster relief funds following devastating storms that have hit St. Louis.
Senate Bill 3 additionally proposes a $5,000 homestead damage tax credit specifically for areas affected by the storms that fall under a presidential disaster declaration. However, there is contention surrounding the refundable nature of the different tax credits in this bill, complicating support from some lawmakers who believe disaster aid should take precedence over sports funding.
Another significant proposal, Senate Bill 1, seeks to allocate $25 million to the Missouri Housing Development Commission to aid recovery efforts related to tornado damage affecting 37 counties. This aligns with the state’s immediate response to the estimated total damages in the St. Louis region, projected to reach around $1.6 billion. The recovery process in the affected areas is expected to extend up to 18 months, necessitating substantial financial support from the state government.
Missouri’s State Budget Director has mentioned that there are existing funds available for immediate disaster assistance, indicating a potential for swift measures to relieve those impacted by the storms. The proposed income tax deduction for tornado victims, up to $5,000, is expected to have a statewide impact of around $25 million, although discussions continue on how to balance this with the interests of local sports teams.
As the special session progresses, lawmakers face a deadline of June 30 to finalize decisions concerning the future of the stadiums. The legislative agenda aims to debate the bills comprehensively, with the expectation of sending them to the House by the end of the week.
Within the legislature, differing factions have emerged regarding priorities, with Democrats generally focusing on the immediate needs of tornado victims, while other factions advocate for the importance of retaining professional sports teams in Missouri. Overall, while advancing discussions on both disaster relief and stadium funding, lawmakers strive to arrive at a solution that responds to the pressing needs of Missouri constituents.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 2 Now
- Wikipedia: Missouri
- KSHB 41 News
- Google Search: Missouri stadium funding
- KY3 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missouri sports teams
- CBS Sports
- Google News: Missouri disaster relief
- KMBC 9 News
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
