taxes

Despite the potential high costs, Republicans on a Senate committee advanced the plan on a party-line vote Monday. The bill would place an amendment on the statewide ballot later this year asking voters permission to eliminate the income tax and expand sales taxes.

Missouri’s legislature is debating a proposal that would gradually eliminate the state’s income tax and allow the legislature to hike or expand sales taxes. Economists warn it could add a financial burden to people who can least afford it —and mean less money for schools and transit.

This is the fourth time since 2010 that voters have renewed the tax by an overwhelming margin.

Kansas City has relied on the 1% earnings tax to pay for much of its budget since it was enacted in 1963. As voters begin to head to the polls, local leaders want them to renew it again.

The 1% earnings tax provides nearly half of Kansas City’s overall budget. Voters will decide April 7 whether to extend it for another five years.

Organizers are raising concerns that Missouri lawmakers' plan to eliminate the state's income tax will raise costs for lower-income residents and lessen state funding for schools, roads and senior services.

Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss rising property taxes in his county, preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and the Chiefs' new headquarters and practice facility coming to Olathe.

Lawmakers are leaving Jefferson City for a week having sent a total of four bills to Gov. Mike Kehoe's desk, one more than last year at this point.

The Missouri House also approved sex trafficking legislation on Thursday.

A sports authority means the new Chiefs stadium will be publicly owned. But even though it will be located in Kansas City, Kansas, the state does not require anyone on the board to live in the area — prompting pushback from local mayors.

Kansas lawmakers are more optimistic about the chances of passing property tax relief this session. One proposal is a constitutional amendment that would cap property tax valuation changes at 3% for most properties, while another would cap spending by local governments.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base means that Kansas families are paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.