TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) – Expect a vote as soon as Tuesday from Kansas lawmakers who are serious about bringing the Kansas City Chiefs across the state line.
“It’s very exciting, right? It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event if it works,” said Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R) – Andover. “There’s no doubt that the priority of this special session is tax cuts, right? That is number one by far.”
Masterson is talking about Kansas House lawmakers holding a special session for tax relief, and Kansas Democrats and Republicans agree that tax relief is on the way for Kansans.
But the Chiefs are also on the agenda.
“We can walk and chew gum at the same time. If there is an opportunity, what does it look like? So we met with some of the Chiefs’ business people and I only had two questions for them. First, it’s a serious deal, right? Is this real or what are we doing? And the answer was yes,” Masterson said. “And my second question was why do we have to do this now? Why can’t I entertain this in January? I mean special session, we’re trying to get this tax deal done in one day. But their response (from Chiefs leadership) was interesting to me. Having built on my (own) background, they (Chiefs leadership) basically feel like they’re already behind the eight ball to identify a site and build a complex of that size (in), that’s a five-year deal, TRUE?
Masterson isn’t the only one saying there will be Chiefs and STAR bond financing for lawmakers to examine and offer their votes.
“Even if the legislation passes this Tuesday, it will be a mechanism, in my opinion, for further discussion,” said House Minority Leader Victor Miller (D) – Topeka.
Miller and other Kansas lawmakers have talked to Royals and Chiefs leaders about a move to the Kansas side of the state line. Miller believes the Royals will abandon their current location.
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Miller also says a STAR bonus package could include terms of up to at least $750 million for the Chiefs.
“What they told me and others is that they are looking for new stadiums on the Kansas side of the river. And look at what their options might be to make that happen,” Miller said. “That, in my opinion, does not exclude other options either in Missouri or anywhere else. And it’s the other place that worries me. I’m probably a big Chiefs and Royals fan and I don’t want to lose them in the southeastern part of the United States or the west coast or wherever. I think that would have a tremendous impact on the quality of life we enjoy in the Kansas City region. That’s why I’m interested in being able to help keep them in our region.”
Miller says he’s interested in making sure this is a good deal for Kansas taxpayers. Masterson shares that sentiment, as he chases the Chiefs.
“We wanted to make sure taxpayers weren’t on the hook; If something went wrong, that would be number one. And we can do it,” Masterson said. “Kansas has something unique through STAR BONDS where the liability is as close to free market as you can get on the incentive side because the liability really (is) with the bondholders and that is an agreement based on the market. People are buying those bonds. “We are very excited about this.”
Expect taxes to come first in Tuesday’s special session with Kansas lawmakers. Discussions about the Chiefs and Royals will continue.
KSN will keep you informed of any votes.
Miller adds that the STAR bonds will only be one part of the package that will include much more to make the deal work, and that talks will continue. Both Miller and Masterson expect quick movement on incentives for the Royals. Or bosses. Or both.
Masterson says this is a move for baseball’s Royals and football’s Chiefs. He adds that if this is for anything other than Chiefs/Roys, it won’t be approved.
But the idea of a dome stadium in Kansas is an incentive for lawmakers to opt for touchdown and big events on the Kansas side of the state border that already features major league racing and new developments. Masterson also said a new dome stadium goes far beyond the NFL.
“I know we’re talking about eight (Chiefs) home games. But you have a Super Bowl. A university final four. A Taylor Swift concert? You build a dome and visit Kansas all year round. So it makes a lot of sense,” Masterson said. “Transportation is much better on our side of the line. So there are many advantages both for them and for us. And, then, meeting the parameter of no liability for our taxpayers, I think is the real deal.”
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