Special Session

The Cass County Republican represents a safe GOP seat in the Kansas City area and mid-Missouri. But that could change if the Missouri legislature decides to redraw the state's congressional districts.

Gov. Mike Kehoe wouldn't say whether he would call a special session to gerrymander the congressional map around Kansas City, and make it difficult for a Democrat to win in the 5th District. But he did say he shares Trump's vision for Republicans keeping control of the U.S. House.

Missouri Republican lawmakers seem to have all the leverage to gerrymander congressional districts in September, with the explicitly partisan aim of making it difficult for Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver to win reelection. But if they succeed, it could unleash a torrent of legal and political consequences.

The governor said Missouri is "always trying to make sure that we have as much Republican representation" as possible in Congress. President Trump is pressuring the state to redraw district lines around Kansas City and force out Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.

The Missouri General Assembly is beginning a special session today, with the primary mission of passing an incentive package for the two Kansas City teams. But after years of drama over new stadiums, and a looming deadline on the Kansas side, the stakes are high.

When lawmakers return to Jefferson City in June to debate Gov. Kehoe's plan to finance stadium projects for the Chiefs and Royals in Kansas City, more than 60 groups slated for funding want him to revisit spending for items spiked in the Missouri House.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said she will sign the bipartisan compromise to cut Kansas income and property taxes, as well as eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits.

Under a bill being considered during the Kansas special legislative session, the Chiefs and Royals could receive more than $750 million to help finance stadium projects if they move to Kansas.

Kansas lawmakers will soon return for a special session to try to reach a tax-cutting agreement with Gov. Laura Kelly. Plus: Solar power is the fastest growing source of electricity in the U.S., but some new solar installations are taking land once used to grow food. Researchers are looking for ways to do both.

Independent analysis from the Missouri Budget Project found that, by the time the state's new tax plan is fully in place, the middle 20% of earners would save just $131 a yea on average, while the top 1% would be saving over $9,500.

The governor called lawmakers back into a special session to pass legislation that cuts Missouri's income tax from 5.4% to 4.95%. It would bring the rate down even more if certain general revenue targets are met.

During a special session, lawmakers also passed legislation last week that cuts Missouri’s income tax. Both bills now head to Gov. Mike Parson’s desk, where he is expected to sign them.