Capitol Bee

"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

The Kansas-Chiefs deal may be right for Kansas. But "no new taxes" shouldn't end the conversation, it should start it.

The economists are skeptical. The precedents are cautionary. The transparency is limited.
Here's what you should know:

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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

STAR bonds sound complicated. Here's the simple version:

Kansas draws a line around the stadium. Every sales tax dollar generated inside that line pays off stadium debt instead of funding state services.

For 30 years.

We explain what you're actually paying for:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

Part of the stadium financing relies on sports betting revenue.

Problem: Since 2022, Kansas has collected just $36 million total in sports betting taxes. One legislator called it an "absolute failure."

Counting on a betting bonanza is a gamble:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

Medicaid expansion has been debated in Kansas for over a decade.

The Chiefs stadium deal? Written, debated, and enacted in a few weeks—with 30 lobbyists working the Statehouse.

We traced how it happened:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

Johnson County residents: the Olathe HQ and practice facility will trigger local decisions on tax abatements and infrastructure costs.

What's being abated? For how long? Who's protected if projections fail?

Questions your local leaders should answer:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

It started with a fumble.

After Jackson County voters rejected a stadium tax in April 2024, former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman launched "Scoop and Score"—and 30 lobbyists got to work.

The full backstory of how this deal came together:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

The Chiefs stadium deal was approved behind closed doors.

Most of the documents stay confidential until July 1, 2029. You get the announcement. You don't get the receipts—not for years.

We have questions officials should answer:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

Kansas has tried STAR bonds for big projects before.

In 2023, Prairiefire in Overland Park became the first to default—$65M in bonds, only $130K repaid after a decade. Auditors projected break-even between 2046 and 2104.

The cautionary tale:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

What else could $2 billion buy?

Medicaid expansion for 152,000 Kansans ($171M over 10 yrs)
2+ years of school funding via the 20-mill levy
The entire 2024 tax relief package

Kansas is making a choice. Here's what's on the other side:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

83% of economists agree: stadium subsidies cost taxpayers more than the benefits generated.

One professor estimates the true public cost of the Chiefs deal could hit $6.3 billion over the life of the bonds.

We dug into the research:
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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

"Jackson County fumbled. Now there will be a mad scramble for the ball and we're in the best position for a scoop and score."

—Former Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman, after Missouri voters rejected a stadium tax
The inside story of the Chiefs deal:

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"No New Taxes" vs. $2 Billion in Trade-Offs: What Kansas Is Giving Up to Land the Chiefs The stadium deal won't raise your tax rate. But it will redirect billions in tax dollars we could have spent on other Kansas priorities. Here's what we're trading away—and the questions you should be…

"No new taxes" doesn't mean "no cost."

The Chiefs stadium deal redirects up to $1.8 billion in future tax revenue—money that would otherwise fund schools, roads, and services.

We broke down what Kansas is actually trading away.

Finding Impact When the Game Feels Rigged "What can I actually do? I'm just one person."

Did you know? The Kansas legislative session starts in just six weeks! Get ready for key issues like redistricting and Medicaid expansion. Stay informed and engaged! #ksleg

Finding Impact When the Game Feels Rigged "What can I actually do? I'm just one person."

Feeling like the odds are stacked against you in civic engagement? Discover how to make an impact, even when the game feels rigged. Read more: capitolbee.com/p/finding-im... #ksleg

Temperament Over Turmoil: Kansas Voters Choose Steady Leadership Kansas voters chose steadiness over spectacle at the polls. Also: Republicans backed off a special session on redistricting, saving that fight for January.

Hutchinson, Kansas voters rejected a $109 million school bond proposal by nearly a 3-to-1 margin.

Temperament Over Turmoil: Kansas Voters Choose Steady Leadership Kansas voters chose steadiness over spectacle at the polls. Also: Republicans backed off a special session on redistricting, saving that fight for January.

The failed redistricting special session reflects internal divisions within the Kansas GOP, marking a crucial turning point as they regroup for a future legislative session. #ksleg

Temperament Over Turmoil: Kansas Voters Choose Steady Leadership Kansas voters chose steadiness over spectacle at the polls. Also: Republicans backed off a special session on redistricting, saving that fight for January.

Christal Watson made history as Kansas City (Kansas)'s first Black female mayor, showcasing a significant moment in local political representation. Read more about her platform and vision. #ksleg

Temperament Over Turmoil: Kansas Voters Choose Steady Leadership Kansas voters chose steadiness over spectacle at the polls. Also: Republicans backed off a special session on redistricting, saving that fight for January.

In Overland Park, Mayor Curt Skoog secured reelection with 70.6% of the votes, highlighting voter preference for steady leadership in local governance. #ksleg

Temperament Over Turmoil: Kansas Voters Choose Steady Leadership Kansas voters chose steadiness over spectacle at the polls. Also: Republicans backed off a special session on redistricting, saving that fight for January.

Kansas voters have chosen steadiness over turmoil in recent elections, indicating a preference for competent governance. Read about the implications and outcomes in our latest article. #ksleg

Kansas regulators are set to discuss on Wednesday a new tariff for large energy users like data centers. This plan aims to ensure mega-users cover their costs without passing them onto regular Kansans. Read more about it here! #ksleg

The judicial-elections arms race is coming for Kansas With a new justice sworn in on Sept. 17, Kansas’ 2026 ballot fight to elect our Supreme Court justices just got real. Also: Thoughts on censorship.

Expect heightened scrutiny on campaign financing in Kansas. Proposed measures restrict foreign contributions, yet an arms race for judicial influence looms. Transparency is crucial! #ksleg

The judicial-elections arms race is coming for Kansas With a new justice sworn in on Sept. 17, Kansas’ 2026 ballot fight to elect our Supreme Court justices just got real. Also: Thoughts on censorship.

The influence of national money in local elections is growing. With states like Wisconsin spending over $100M on Supreme Court races, Kansas could witness similar trends if we shift to elections. #ksleg

The judicial-elections arms race is coming for Kansas With a new justice sworn in on Sept. 17, Kansas’ 2026 ballot fight to elect our Supreme Court justices just got real. Also: Thoughts on censorship.

Fun fact: A recent study revealed that justices involved in partisan elections often feel pressured to align with political interests, which can impact their rulings. Let's pay attention to this critical evolution! #ksleg

The judicial-elections arms race is coming for Kansas With a new justice sworn in on Sept. 17, Kansas’ 2026 ballot fight to elect our Supreme Court justices just got real. Also: Thoughts on censorship.

The battle for Kansas Supreme Court justices heats up! With the new justice in place, the push for a shift to partisan elections is underway. Explore the implications for voters and the judicial system. #ksleg

Kansas puts electricity mega-users in their own lane Kansas regulators weigh a big-user power plan on Oct. 8 (think: AI data centers). It would make data centers cover new electric grid costs they trigger.

The proposed 'Large Load Power Service' plan targets energy users with over 75 MW demand. This would create a separate rate lane, allowing mega-users to pay for their necessary infrastructure directly. Learn more! #ksleg

Kansas puts electricity mega-users in their own lane Kansas regulators weigh a big-user power plan on Oct. 8 (think: AI data centers). It would make data centers cover new electric grid costs they trigger.

Kansas regulators are set to discuss a new tariff for large energy users like data centers. This plan aims to ensure mega-users cover their costs without passing them onto regular Kansans. Read more about it here! #ksleg

After the UVU assassination Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kansas campuses allow concealed carry unless a venue flips on “adequate security measures.” Here’s what...

Did you know that Kansas law permits concealed carry on public university grounds unless specific security measures are posted? This law was designed to balance personal rights with public safety. #ksleg

After the UVU assassination Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kansas campuses allow concealed carry unless a venue flips on “adequate security measures.” Here’s what...

The aftermath of Kirk's assassination raises questions on how Kansas universities handle security during high-profile events. A look at existing protocols could shape future policies. #ksleg

After the UVU assassination Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kansas campuses allow concealed carry unless a venue flips on “adequate security measures.” Here’s what...

Kansas campuses allow concealed carry unless venues implement 'adequate security measures.' What does this mean for student safety and event management? Learn more about the framework that governs these policies. #ksleg www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/cha...

After the UVU assassination Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. Kansas campuses allow concealed carry unless a venue flips on “adequate security measures.” Here’s what...

Read about the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University and its implications for Kansas campuses. As concealed carry laws are a topic of debate, what measures are in place to ensure safety? #ksleg