Missouri Lawmakers Set for Special Session on Stadium Funding
Governor Mike Kehoe announced a special legislative session next month focused on tax incentives aimed at retaining the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in Missouri. During a recent news conference, Kehoe outlined potential plans to utilize tax revenue from both teams to fund stadium bonds—upgrading Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs and constructing a new baseball facility for the Royals.
Despite the late introduction of this proposal at the end of the regular session, the Missouri House passed it with a 108-40 vote. However, the Senate hesitated, primarily due to the failure of a significant $513 million capital construction bill, which was blocked by House leaders. Kehoe expressed optimism, seeing the late introduction as a way to gauge legislative support for the stadium plans.
The Chiefs and Royals face a looming deadline at the end of June to accept a Kansas offer covering 70% of new stadium costs. Kehoe’s proposal includes covering up to half the costs along with $50 million in tax credits for direct investments.
Political tensions complicate the situation. House Minority Leader Ashley Aune criticized the governor’s timing as “legislative malpractice,” while Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck vowed that the Senate would not function normally until trust could be rebuilt. The Senate has already faced backlash from Democrats over procedural maneuvers concerning unrelated bills.
Key Senate members, like Democrat Barbara Washington, insist that funding for vital infrastructure projects must accompany any stadium investment. Kehoe, while open to discussing additional capital spending in the special session, has yet to commit fully. As Missouri navigates budget challenges, the opportunity to retain beloved sports teams may serve as a pivotal point for economic development discussions.
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