The leading candidates for Missouri’s governorship are at odds over whether to offer incentives to keep the Kansas City Chiefs from relocating to Kansas. On Tuesday, Kansas Republican lawmakers revealed that they had contacted the Chiefs, urging them to move across the state line, potentially issuing hundreds of millions in bonds for a new stadium. A released letter posted to X shows Kansas legislatures making their pitch to the team:
Kansas's play for the Chiefs is entering a new phase. Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins sent a letter to CEO Clark Hunt with the STAR Bond proposal introduced and died at the end of the leg session for a stadium for the team. #ksleg @KWCH12 pic.twitter.com/abN4Mf7o78
— Shawn Loging (@KWCHShawn) June 4, 2024
Gov. Parson’s Commitment
Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican and ardent Chiefs supporter, stated he would "do what he can to keep the Chiefs in Missouri." However, with Parson leaving office this year due to term limits and the Chiefs’ lease at Arrowhead expiring in January 2031, the decision may fall to his successor.
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Republican Divide
The Republican candidates are deeply divided. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft opposes taxpayer subsidies for sports teams, focusing instead on public safety, education, and lower taxes to make Missouri attractive. State Sen. Bill Eigel is confident the Chiefs will stay but rejects taxpayer-funded handouts, advocating for a government that doesn’t pick winners and losers. Conversely, Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe's campaign emphasizes using all tools to retain businesses and promote economic growth.
Democratic Perspectives
State Rep. Crystal Quade criticizes candidates indifferent to the Chiefs’ potential departure, advocating for fair deals to keep the team in Missouri. Springfield businessman Mike Hamra, another Democratic contender, was unavailable for comment.
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Chiefs' Future Uncertain
Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt expressed a preference for staying at Truman Sports Complex but left all options open following a rejected sales tax measure for stadium renovations. Missouri’s budget includes $50 million for improvements around Arrowhead Stadium, highlighting the state's commitment.
Kansas' Legislative Moves
Kansas lawmakers will discuss tax legislation in a special session starting June 18, potentially considering an incentives package for the Chiefs. A previous proposal to use bonds for a new stadium did not advance.
Governors' Stance on Incentives
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly welcomes the idea of attracting the Chiefs but doubts the state’s financial capability. In 2019, Kelly and Parson agreed to cease tax incentives that don't create new jobs, marking a truce in the economic rivalry between the states.
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