Kansas lawmakers pass STAR bonds bill to lure Chiefs, Royals
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas House and Senate overwhelmingly passed the STAR bond legislation that was put up for a vote on both floors – the idea to lure the Chiefs and the Royals across the state line.
“The state of Missouri is known for losing professional teams – not too long ago they just lost the St. Louis Rams, they used to have a professional hockey team the Scouts, they’re gone, they had the Kansas City Kings, they’re gone, so I ask you today, do you really want to put that kind of economic generation in the hands of the state of Missouri?” Rep. Sean Tarwater, (R-Kan.) who carried the bill, said on the House floor.
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With the passage of this bill this means is that the state could pay for up to 70% of the cost of the stadium project.
The bonds would be paid back over a thirty-year period from new sales taxes created in the district, liquor taxes in the district, and money generated by a sports wagering fund. Cities and counties could participate in the district, or opt out.
The district would be determined by the secretary of commerce as part of negotiations.
People on the no side of this are clear, this is too big of a risk, there is not enough information as to the benefit this would have and if in the end it would hurt Kansas tax payers.
“I couldn’t ensure myself that the tax payers that I represent wouldn’t ultimately be on the hook if this didn’t work out. I think we do need more time. I don’t know what the rush is, they say it has to be done yesterday a lot of us – somebody is going to be back here in 6 months and why can’t we spend the first week of our return if this is that important to deal with it at that point,” Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Kan.) who voted no said.
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But nevertheless that opposition never stood a chance – both votes getting more than enough creating a super majority vote situation. The House voted 84-38 while the Senate was 27-8.
The importance of having the super majority support means that this is veto proof if Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly decided to do that.
Although that would be a surprise because every indication given from her office indicates she will sign this into law once it makes it to her desk.
The Royals released the following statement Tuesday:
“We’re grateful to the Kansas Legislature for today’s bipartisan action that gives the state a pragmatic tool in which to achieve its economic development goals. The Kansas City Royals look forward to additional conversations as we evaluate where we will play baseball in the future. We will always prioritize the best interests of our fans, associates, and taxpayers in this process.”
The Chiefs released the following statement as well Tuesday:
“We appreciate that leaders in the State of Kansas proactively reached out to us for input on the proposed STAR Bond legislation. We support their efforts to expand the existing program and congratulate them on passing the legislation in special session. We look forward to exploring the options this legislation may provide.”
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