Missouri lawmaker: Local stadium funding should be put to a vote

• A failed Jackson County stadium funding vote in 2024 kicked off a mad scramble to retain the Royals while team leaders evaluated options across the state line.

What they're saying: Jones called out Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas and Port KC on Facebook, saying they could move funds to the Royals without voters' permission, which he opposes.

I intend to introduce legislation requiring a public vote on any local funding over $100 million for the construction of new sports stadiums under the Show-Me Sports Investment Act.

The other side: "We don't believe Jones' claims are factual," Port KC spokesperson Meredith Hoenes tells Axios.

• "I have not" pursued that kind of plan, Lucas told KMBC, adding that any proposal at the local level would go through City Council.

Context: Lawmakers passed the Show Me Sports Investment Act in June as a response to the Kansas' incentives that ultimately won over the Chiefs.

• Missouri's bill would finance up to 50% of a new stadium or stadium renovation, but it requires "sufficient public investment" from local governments.
• Jones, who voted for the bill, says taxpayers should have a direct voice in that local spending, something that wasn't specified in the original bill.

The bottom line: The tension is building between keeping the team in KC and using public dollars to do it.