Governor Kehoe Announces Special Session to Address Disaster Relief for Missourians, Tax Incentives for Economic Development, and Budget Appropriations

MAY 27, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that he has issued an official call for a special session aimed at providing resources to families affected by recent severe storm systems, driving economic development through a tax incentive program, and making critical budget appropriations that will impact Missourians across the state.

The General Assembly will convene for the First Extraordinary Session of the First Regular Session in Jefferson City on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to begin considering Governor Kehoe's priorities.

“We are proud of all that the General Assembly accomplished during the regular legislative session, but there is still work left to be done,” said Governor Kehoe. “We call on legislators to use this special session as a rare opportunity to support our vulnerable neighbors in their time of need, drive economic development, and make transformative investments in our state. This work is too important to leave unfinished."

Several severe storm systems have impacted the State of Missouri over the recent months, resulting in loss of life as well as significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Governor Kehoe’s call for a special session includes legislation to assist Missouri families impacted by recent severe storm systems in areas included in a request for presidential disaster declaration filed by the Governor. The call includes:

  • Legislation establishing an income tax deduction for insurance policy deductibles incurred by homeowners and renters due to damages caused by severe weather.
    • Deductions shall not exceed $5000 per household per disaster in any calendar year.
  • Legislation enhancing the utility of the Missouri Housing Trust Fund, administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, by expanding eligibility and removing administrative burdens and costs to expedite aid for Missouri families with Disaster Housing Response Grants.
  • Appropriating $25 million to the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for for general administration of affordable housing activities and to expand income eligibility for emergency aid.

To help retain major sports teams in Missouri, Governor Kehoe is calling on the General Assembly to enact legislation establishing economic development tools for athletic and entertainment facility projects of professional sports franchises through the Show Me Sports Investment Act. The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are Missouri’s teams that drive billions of dollars in economic activity through tourism, job creation, and small businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail. The impact of retaining these teams includes:

  • The Kansas City Chiefs contribute $575 million annually in economic value and over 4,500 jobs in Jackson County alone, bringing the State of Missouri nearly $30 million in annual tax revenue.
  • A new Royals ballpark district is expected to support 8,400 jobs and generate $1.2 billion in economic output annually.  

Governor Kehoe’s call also includes:

  • Enacting legislation to extend the sunset date on tax credits for amateur sporting events.
  • Appropriating $25 million for the University of Missouri for the planning, design, and construction of the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR).
  • Appropriating funding from funds other than the General Revenue Fund for purposes provided for in the Senate Substitute for Senate Committee Substitute for House Committee Substitute for House Bill 19 in the 2025 regular legislative session.

The special session proclamation can be found here. 

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