OPINION: Relief, Retention, and Responsibility—Why This Special Session Matters

JUNE 2, 2025

By Governor Mike Kehoe

This special session is about showing up for our communities—from the families across our state picking up the pieces after devastating storms, to the employees and small businesses whose livelihoods depend on the jobs and economic activity provided by the sports franchise businesses on the western side of our state. It’s about proving that we can act swiftly to help those in crisis, while also making smart decisions that secure opportunity for the future.

The General Assembly achieved so much for our state this spring, so I am both thankful for their efforts and optimistic that we can work together to use this rare opportunity to benefit the future of our state. Because helping Missourians today—and building the kind of future they deserve tomorrow—isn’t just possible; it’s the kind of leadership Missourians expect from us.

Disaster Relief

Every storm reveals what matters most and who we are here for. We’ve seen firsthand how Missourians weather hardships and show up for their neighbors with courage and compassion. Now, it’s our turn to meet that same standard. We have the chance to pull together – not as rivals, but as public servants united by purpose.

In this special session, we are asking legislators to take direct action to provide financial relief and housing assistance to those affected by natural disasters across our state. One key provision is a new income tax deduction—capped at $5,000 per household per disaster—for insurance deductibles paid by homeowners and renters in disaster-affected areas.

We’re also strengthening support for those in need by expanding eligibility for emergency grants and rental assistance through the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC). If passed by the General Assembly, the income eligibility threshold for these grants would be expanded from 50% to 75% of the regional Area Median Income. MHDC would also receive an additional $25 million appropriation to support the expanded disaster relief grands.

Business Retention

Sports teams have tremendous value beyond any financial measure. Our efforts are about retaining jobs, protecting local businesses, and preserving major economic drivers that benefit not just Kansas City, but the entire state.

The Show Me Sports Investment Act is a step in the right direction for economic stability and job retention through tax credits and bonds that are performance-based and capped to keep the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals right here in Missouri where they belong.

Let me be clear: We are not handing out blank checks to billionaires.

The legislation allows teams to independently bond money from the state based on the taxes they already contribute. Only money generated by the sports teams can be used to repay the bond and any new or existing revenue above the bond payment will go to the state as it currently stands. Finally, this legislation gives each team a one-time $50 million tax credit if they first spend $500 million of their own dollars on renovating their stadium.

If we fail to act, Missouri stands to lose thousands of jobs and millions in annual revenue. This isn’t a giveaway—it’s a strategy to ensure Missouri remains competitive with other states that would gladly take this opportunity for themselves.

Budgetary Responsibility

This special session call also contains critical appropriations that didn’t make it across the finish line in the regular session, including $25 million in General Revenue funds for the Radioisotope Science Center at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR). The MURR has developed life-saving medicines for patients around the world, and Missouri is proud to be home to this incredible nuclear resource.

We are also asking the General Assembly to appropriate funding from funds other than the General Revenue for various projects such as a new 200-bed mental health hospital in Kansas City, a new crime lab in Highway Patrol Troop E, new livestock and stalling barns at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, and various projects at parks and Missouri National Guard facilities across the state.

We are not asking the General Assembly to forgive and forget the actions taken by members of an opposing party or chamber. Instead, we are asking them to set those feelings aside to get to work on issues that matter to the people we serve.

We understand that tension doesn’t vanish with the gavels that close one session and open another. It lingers – in priorities left unresolved and personal strains that follow difficult debates. As a former legislator, I know it can be tough to move on from these moments. The echoes of disagreements still ripple beneath the surface. But we must turn the page.

A special session is not just a procedural tool – it’s an invitation to rise above all the noise. It’s a chance to demonstrate that principled public servants can come together with resolve to do what’s right. Leadership isn’t proven by how loudly we defend our corners, but by how we willingly find solutions that work. Missourians are watching, and they’re ready for us to meet the moment.

This special session isn’t just another item on the legislative calendar to check off – it’s a moment Missouri simply cannot afford to coast through. There are families still waiting for relief, jobs hanging in the balance, and communities counting on us to make wise, forward-thinking investments that won’t just fix short-term, hot-button problems – but shape a stronger future.

It’s time to rise above the noise and govern with the people in mind. Because Missourians didn’t send us here to work for ourselves. We’re here to serve them.