sales tax

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has proposed having citizens vote to phase out the state income tax over the next five years. But is that a viable option for the state budget?

About 60% of Missourians would experience a net tax increase under Gov. Mike Kehoe’s plan because of new sales taxes, while households in the top 1% would see an average tax cut of nearly $40,000.

The Unified Government’s STAR bond deal came with a Kansas promise to rebuild and repair three major bridges in Wyandotte County. But some officials say they want more commitments from the team.

The Unified Government passed an ordinance on a 7-3 vote to divert sales tax revenue to help finance the new Chiefs stadium in Kansas City, Kansas. Multiple residents expressed concerns about the city’s inability to adequately fund government functions while giving away millions to billionaires.

Following a rocky end to last year’s legislative session, Democrats are looking to slow things down, while Republicans push to pass Gov. Mike Kehoe’s state income tax cuts. Political reporter Jason Hancock spoke with KCUR’s Up To Date about the slow start and early dysfunction in the Missouri General Assembly.

If passed by voters, a proposed constitutional amendment would allow Missouri's legislature to expand state and local sales and use taxes, while eliminating the state income tax. The AARP and Democratic lawmakers said that would shift more of the cost on seniors and low-income residents.

House Majority Leader Alex Riley will likely become Missouri’s speaker of the House after next year’s elections. But before then, he's responsible for shepherding Republican priorities like eliminating the state income tax.

Under the proposed constitutional amendment sponsored by House Speaker Jon Patterson, sales tax could be imposed “on transactions involving any goods and services." But Patterson said that will be amended to prevent more taxes on fill-ups.

The sheer size, scope and total projected dollar amount of the Chiefs' project — which includes a new stadium in Wyandotte County and a new headquarters in Johnson County — dwarfs existing incentive districts in Overland Park and Olathe.

In his 2026 State of the State address, Gov. Mike Kehoe said he wants a statewide vote in November on his plan to phase out the state income tax and allow for taxes on things like monthly subscriptions and digital services. Democrats have questioned whether that's possible without wrecking future budgets.

Kansas lawmakers are offering billions in tax incentives to build a new domed stadium and convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work, and what risks and benefits come with using them.

The state of Kansas will likely pay between $3-4 billion in taxpayer money to move the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines. While the new stadium will definitely generate new economic activity, the project's success may depend on local cities participating in the STAR bond district.