Missouri Passes Stadium and Storm Relief Funding

The Missouri legislature has passed a major funding package, allocating $100 million in storm relief for St. Louis after a devastating tornado, $25 million for statewide emergency housing assistance, and a $5,000 tax credit for homeowners affected by recent storms. The same package provides up to 50% funding for new or renovated stadiums for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, using tax revenue generated by the teams. This move is intended to counter Kansas' offer to cover up to 70% of stadium construction costs, which expires at the end of June. The stadium funding bill, which remains controversial, now awaits Governor Mike Kehoe's signature as the teams decide whether to stay in Missouri. Meanwhile, Kansas City has also secured federal funding to support environmental cleanup and affordable housing in underserved neighborhoods. The legislative package received broad bipartisan support for disaster aid, but the stadium financing sparked debate over its benefit to wealthy owners versus taxpayers.