The Missouri Freedom Caucus the far-right wing group of Senate Republicans is at odds within itself after several members voted in favor of $1.5 billion in tax incentives to help pay for new or renovated stadiums.
Harrisonville Senator Rick Brattin announced his resignation as leader of the Missouri Freedom Caucus on Friday, days after he voted for incentives for sports stadiums in Kansas City. The caucus is the far-right wing group of Senate Republicans. It opposes the stadium funding, which it says is a handout to billionaire sports team owners.
Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville (Missourinet photo)
Governor Mike Kehoe called a special session to address bills not passed in the regular session. Brattin and another Freedom Caucus member voted in favor of the bill after the governor added a provision to allow 75 counties to put a hard cap on increases to property taxes. Brattin – who is under fire for his decision –said on social media that the deal is not perfect, yet he was determined “that if we’re going to be giving handouts to millionaires and billionaires, we need broad-based tax relief for people.”
Brattin defended his fight for tax relief as a “massive win” in a Facebook video. He says his effort helps 97 counties in the state, if local voters approve it.
“Millionaires and billionaires? Yeah, they get to keep the revenue that they would have otherwise sent to to the state. They get to keep that as the. You’re not cutting a check and sending them $1.5 billion. That’s not how this is work works if they stay, they keep the revenue that they generate from their names and everything. That that’s how that structured. But on top of that, you’re able to get a cut or or at least a freeze, forever. Perpetuity like, wow. At least that’s a a win in my book.”
Senator Nick Schroer from St. Charles County is taking the reins of the Freedom Caucus for now.
In special session, a Missouri House committee is also considering the expedited distribution of funds from the Missouri Housing Trust Fund for weather disaster aid. Tuesday, the House Economic Development Committee will take up the stadium funding and property tax breaks passed by the Senate.
