KANSAS CITY (WGEM) – While the future of Kansas City’s sports stadiums remains in the air, lawmakers in Missouri and Kansas have put down their weapons, so to speak, in a border truce. But that truce may fly out the window when it comes to Kansas City’s sports stadiums.
Missouri and Kansas governors signed a border truce in 2019, promising to stop poaching business from each other. The Kansas City metro was suffering on both sides of the state line because of constant incentives for businesses to move back and forth. Now, that border war truce is set to expire in August unless lawmakers extend it.
Both states benefit from the economic prosperity of Kansas City. About one-fourth of Missouri’s GDP comes from Kansas City, according to University of Missouri Extension data.
Across the aisle, both Democrats and Republicans here in Jefferson City agree that a renewal or even a removal of the sunset clause is in order.
“Basically pitting corporations against each other in those ways, I think that that doesn’t serve our constituents,” said Democratic Rep. Ashley Aune, who is from Kansas City.
Last year, Kansas amended its STAR bonds to attract the Chiefs or Royals over the state line after Jackson County voters denied a tax increase for new stadiums. Although the move upset many Missouri lawmakers, the Border Truce does not specifically mention the STAR bonds, meaning it’s possible no violation occurred.
“For sure what they have tried to do with the STAR bond package is in violation of both the letter and the spirit of that law,” said Kansas City Republican Sen. Tony Luektemeyer.
Missouri leaders have hinted at a response from the Show-Me state, but no public action has been taken.
Two bills have been introduced here in the Missouri Capitol to extend the border truce. One would extend it indefinitely. But the bills are contingent on Kansas passing similar legislation. Neither bill has been heard in committee yet.
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