taxes

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.

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?

Legislation approved by the Missouri House on Wednesday is designed to temper tax increases on personal property such as vehicles. Some lawmakers expressed concerns about a loss in state revenue.

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 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.

Olathe council members voted unanimously to commit some sales and hotel guest taxes revenues as part of the Chiefs deal that will bring a new training facility and HQ to the city. Many residents at a public hearing spoke against the plan over a lack of transparency.

Taxpayers will see several changes this filing season, including new exemptions, expanded deductions, and incentives that could influence where people choose to invest.

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.

A bargain-basement price. A property tax break. An infrastructure incentive. A property assessment appeal. The Plaza’s new owners have pushed several financial levers to craft a potentially lucrative redevelopment plan.

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.