Missouri Senate Approves $100 Million Aid for Tornado Relief and Sports Stadium Incentives
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In a decisive move on Thursday, Missouri senators approved a plan worth over $100 million to aid tornado-hit St. Louis while also offering significant incentives to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals in the state amidst growing competition from Kansas. The special session comes in response to devastating storms in May that left an estimated $1.6 billion in damages across the region.
The legislation, which passed following early morning votes, now awaits approval from the House. It includes $100 million for disaster relief, $25 million for emergency housing, and up to $5,000 in income tax deductions for residents affected by the tornadoes. Governor Mike Kehoe played a crucial role in brokering the deal, which also introduces property tax breaks for homeowners.
Additionally, the package allocates $50 million for a nuclear research reactor at the University of Missouri, among various infrastructure projects statewide. With the Chiefs and Royals facing a June deadline to respond to competing offers from Kansas, the urgency spurred legislative action after the stadium incentives stalled last month.
“The plan will help those in crisis, while also making smart decisions for the future,” said Kehoe. Stakeholders assert that retaining the teams is vital for local economic development. Teams currently play in Jackson County, Missouri, where a rejected sales tax extension last year curtailed funding for planned renovations.
Chiefs lobbyist Rich AuBuchon described Missouri’s offer as competitive, while economists warn against public funding for stadiums, arguing it diverts taxpayer resources without generating new income.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding their decisions, Royals lobbyist Jewell Patek acknowledged the state’s efforts: “We love the community, we love the state … we think this is a step in the right direction for Missouri.”
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