The user's query points to an article questioning why taxpayers should fund billionaires, likely in reference to the ongoing controversy over the Kansas City Chiefs' relocation to Kansas. Based on the article's title and the broader context, this ties directly into Kansas' use of Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds to finance a new stadium and related facilities for the Chiefs. The article appears to be a general opinion piece on public subsidies for sports stadiums, but it lacks Kansas-specific details. To do a deep dive, I'll draw from recent developments: After Jackson County, Missouri, voters rejected a sales tax extension in April 2024 to renovate Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas lawmakers passed legislation in June 2024 allowing STAR bonds to cover up to 70% of stadium costs for professional sports teams. By December 2025, the Chiefs announced a move to Kansas, with a $4.4 billion project including a domed stadium in Wyandotte County (near Kansas Speedway), an entertainment district, and a training facility/headquarters in Johnson County. The state signed a preliminary agreement, with final details expected by late 2026.
The core question is whether this "hoses" Kansas taxpayers—meaning, do they bear undue financial risk for billionaire owners like Clark Hunt (net worth ~$2 billion)? The answer is nuanced: Proponents argue it's a no-new-taxes deal that boosts the economy, but critics (including economists and bipartisan lawmakers) highlight risks of revenue shortfalls, hidden diversions of existing taxes, and overstated benefits. Let's break it down.
### How STAR Bonds Work in This Deal
STAR bonds are a Kansas-specific tool where the state issues bonds to finance developments, repaid primarily by "incremental" (new) sales tax revenue generated within a designated district. No direct tax hike is involved; instead, future taxes from the project pay off the debt. For the Chiefs:
- **Financing Breakdown**: Kansas commits ~$2.8 billion in STAR bonds—$1.8 billion for the stadium (60% of its ~$3 billion cost) and $975 million for the practice facility. The Chiefs cover the remaining 40% privately. Total project cost: ~$4.4 billion, including interest over 30 years pushing taxpayer exposure to $3-4 billion.
- **Repayment Sources**:
- 6.5% state sales tax on purchases in the district (e.g., tickets, concessions, retail).
- State alcohol taxes from the district.
- A portion of Kansas lottery revenue.
- Potential local sales taxes if counties opt in.
- **District Size**: Preliminary maps suggest a massive area—nearly all of Wyandotte County and much of Johnson County—to capture enough revenue. This is larger than typical STAR projects, raising flags that the stadium alone won't suffice.
- **Timeline**: 30-year repayment (longer than standard 20-year STAR terms). Bonds are sold to private investors, who get repaid from the tax streams.
Proponents (e.g., Kansas Dept. of Commerce) claim this creates $1 billion in annual economic impact, $7 million in Chiefs rent, and jobs without touching general funds. The state owns the stadium, exempting the Chiefs from property taxes—a perk worth millions annually.
### Do Kansas Taxpayers Get Hosed?
Potentially yes, depending on revenue performance. Here's a balanced view:
#### Pros and Claimed Benefits
- **No Immediate Tax Increase**: Unlike Missouri's rejected sales tax, STAR bonds use only "new" revenue from the development. If it succeeds, it's self-funding.
- **Economic Boost**: Officials project $4.4 billion in total impact, including tourism, jobs (construction and ongoing), and spillover spending. Similar to past STAR successes like Kansas Speedway, which repaid bonds ahead of schedule.
- **Regional Win**: Keeps the Chiefs in the metro area, preventing a full relocation (e.g., to Dallas). Bipartisan support in Kansas legislature highlights this.
#### Cons and Risks to Taxpayers
- **Revenue Shortfall Risk**: If sales tax doesn't hit projections (e.g., due to economic downturns or low attendance), bonds could default. Of 23 past STAR projects, 18 succeeded, but 2 lagged, and one (Prairiefire in Overland Park) defaulted in 2024 despite promises. Economists like Geoffrey Propheter argue stadiums rarely generate enough net new revenue—spending just shifts from elsewhere.
- **Diversion of Existing Funds**: Even without a bailout, large districts could redirect taxes currently funding schools, roads, or services. A 2021 audit found many STAR projects failed tourism metrics and harmed taxpayers indirectly.
- **Overstated Economics**: Independent studies show stadium subsidies yield poor returns (e.g., $0.38 economic benefit per $100 spent in some cases). Critics say Kansas' deal ignores this, with $3-4B cost potentially draining state budgets.
- **Bipartisan Backlash**: Democrats and Republicans criticize it as "tax giveaways for billionaires." Locals in affected areas report opposition due to added burdens. X discussions echo this, with users noting taxpayers could be "on the hook" despite assurances.
| Aspect | Proponent View | Critic View | Potential Taxpayer Impact |
|--------|---------------|-------------|---------------------------|
| **Cost** | $2.8B bonds, repaid by new taxes | $3-4B total w/ interest; no guarantee | High if shortfalls; diverts ~$100M/year from state funds |
| **Revenue** | $1B annual impact, self-sustaining | Shifts existing spending; math doesn't add up for $150M/year needed | Bailout risk if district underperforms |
| **Taxes** | No increase; only from users | Diverts current sales/lottery taxes | Indirect hit to services; property tax exemption saves Chiefs millions |
| **Jobs/Economy** | Thousands created, tourism boost | Minimal net gain; economists agree subsidies fail | Benefits concentrated, costs statewide |
### Where Are the Loopholes?
Several structural issues could shift more burden to taxpayers:
- **Baseline Year Flexibility**: The agreement lets the Commerce Secretary pick a pre-2025 baseline for "new" revenue, potentially including existing taxes (e.g., from 2015) to meet targets. This contradicts "no existing taxes" promises.
- **District Expansion**: Oversized districts (e.g., capturing unrelated sales) act as a loophole to inflate revenue, but risk cannibalizing other areas' growth.
- **No Full Guarantee**: Bonds aren't general obligation; if revenue fails, investors might push for state backstops. Past defaults show this risk.
- **Eminent Domain**: STAR law allows seizing private property for "public purpose," potentially displacing residents/businesses without fair compensation.
- **Opaque Negotiations**: Preliminary deal lacks details on exact costs, districts, or contingencies. Final docs (due ~Oct 2026) could reveal more.
### What Are We Missing?
- **Independent Audits**: Most economic impact studies are team-funded and optimistic; neutral ones (e.g., from universities) often show negative ROI.
- **Royals' Status**: The bill targeted both teams, but only Chiefs moved forward. Royals might still pursue, doubling risks.
- **Missouri Response**: Missouri could counter-offer, turning this into a bidding war that inflates subsidies.
- **Long-Term Lock-In**: Chiefs commit for 30 years, but if they underperform or relocate post-bond payoff, Kansas is stuck with debt/maintenance.
- **Public Input**: Limited community meetings; some residents (e.g., near Speedway) recall unfulfilled promises from past projects.
In summary, while the deal avoids overt tax hikes, the risks of shortfalls and diversions could indeed "hose" taxpayers, especially if projections flop. It's a high-stakes bet on stadium economics, which history shows rarely pays off. If you're in Topeka, this affects statewide funds—contact your reps for more transparency as details emerge.
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