taxes

As a proposal to eliminate Missouri sales tax is put before voters this year, some workers worry efforts to offset the losses will make it hard to pay rent or put food on the table.

The Senate legislation contains several provisions aimed at reducing property taxes, although none makes sweeping reductions. Senate Democrats widely supported the legislation.

Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe said he's ready to sell his plan to expand sales and use taxes, which would allow Missouri to end the income tax. Another ballot measure would repeal constitutional protections for abortion rights.

Kansas lawmakers have promised for years to fix sky-high property tax bills. But the 2026 session ended with both Democrats and Republicans disappointed and vowing to try again next year.

The proposed constitutional amendment gives Missouri lawmakers five years to expand sales and use taxes, in order to make up for revenue lost by eliminating the state income tax. It will appear in either a special election or on November's ballot.

Despite the potential high costs, Republicans on a Senate committee advanced the plan on a party-line vote Monday. The bill would place an amendment on the statewide ballot later this year asking voters permission to eliminate the income tax and expand sales taxes.

Missouri’s legislature is debating a proposal that would gradually eliminate the state’s income tax and allow the legislature to hike or expand sales taxes. Economists warn it could add a financial burden to people who can least afford it —and mean less money for schools and transit.

This is the fourth time since 2010 that voters have renewed the tax by an overwhelming margin.

Kansas City has relied on the 1% earnings tax to pay for much of its budget since it was enacted in 1963. As voters begin to head to the polls, local leaders want them to renew it again.

The 1% earnings tax provides nearly half of Kansas City’s overall budget. Voters will decide April 7 whether to extend it for another five years.

Organizers are raising concerns that Missouri lawmakers' plan to eliminate the state's income tax will raise costs for lower-income residents and lessen state funding for schools, roads and senior services.

Johnson County Commission Chair Mike Kelly joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss rising property taxes in his county, preparations for the 2026 World Cup, and the Chiefs' new headquarters and practice facility coming to Olathe.