Missouri Lawmakers Want Vote on Rams Stadium Funding

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CHICAGO - Six Missouri lawmakers filed a complaint aimed at preventing Gov. Jay Nixon from tapping revenues that go to repay debt on the St. Louis Rams' current stadium to build a new stadium without legislative or voter support.

The lawsuit was filed on May 27 in Cole County Circuit Court against the governor and the public agency that owns the stadium.

The plaintiffs include Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph and Reps. Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold; Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City; Mark Parkinson, R-St. Charles; Eric Burlison, R-Springfield; and Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette.

The group argues that state approval is needed before the funds could be tapped. Nixon and a special task force assigned to come up with a financing plan have proposed extending the existing taxes in place to repay new borrowing.

The complaint argues that the current statute on the financing package for the Edward Jones Dome doesn't allow for new bonds on several fronts, including one provision that says any stadium must be built adjacent to the convention center. The site for the next stadium is blocks away.

The St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority previously filed a lawsuit in St. Louis Circuit Court seeking a decision on whether new bonds can be issued without a city vote. The agency is seeking clarity because of statements by St. Louis University law professor John Ammann that he would file a lawsuit if the city allocated funds for a new St. Louis Rams stadium without a public vote.

Under the proposal Nixon and his task force are pitching, the team would contribute about $400 million towards the nearly $1 billion stadium and the state $300 million to $350 million. The state, St. Louis, and St. Louis County together pay $20 million annually to cover debt service on remaining bonds issued by the authority for the Dome and $4 million for maintenance on the dome. The city and county tap hotel and motel taxes to cover their share.

State and local officials are working to keep the team amid a threatened move to southern California by owner Stan Kroenke.

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