Rehder disapproves of funding method for Rams stadium

A local state representative has joined the discussion about a new football stadium in St. Louis by sending a letter to Gov. Jay Nixon noting her disapproval of the proposed funding method.

The Missouri Development Finance Board approved $15 million in tax credits Aug. 18 for a new riverfront football stadium in St. Louis, which is part of an effort to keep the Rams team from moving to another city.

Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeson, said in her letter to the governor she stands with several other colleagues who find the decision to issue state-backed bonds for a new stadium irresponsible.

"I firmly believe, as do many of my colleagues, that the previous statute authorizing state debt for the building of the Edward Jones Dome was not intended to be used to authorize further state debt for a second football stadium," she wrote.

In a Friday phone interview, Rehder said she believes the proper way way to handle the issue is to come through the General Assembly. The governor has worked with legislators in the past on other funding requests, she said, pointing to the work in 2014 to back the construction of a new mental hospital in Fulton, Missouri. Nixon's actions regarding the new stadium represent a step "outside the realm of typical," Rehder said.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder of Cape Girardeau stated his disapproval about the lack of public input in a statement released just after the vote by the development finance board, of which he is a member. He was the sole "no" vote in the decision to approve the first $15 million of $50 million in tax credits over the next three years for the new stadium.

"This proposal is moving forward without a single vote by a public body accountable to voters: not the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, not the St. Louis County Council, not the Missouri General Assembly," he said.

House Budget chairman Tom Flanigan, R-Carthage, also has sent a letter to the governor stating his opposition. He said he will not allow any money to be budgeted for a new stadium unless the debt payments are authorized by the Legislature or voters. State Attorney General Chris Koster has stated an opinion the General Assembly is not obligated to appropriate funds for bonds -- a point Rehder highlighted in her letter. Rehder said if the bonds are issued and funding is not appropriated, it could put at risk the state's AAA credit rating, which was reaffirmed by rating agencies this month.

Rehder also said she's not against having a stadium in St. Louis, but opposes the decision to use taxpayer money to fund it.

"I'm not opposed to a stadium; I'm not," she said. "But I'm a business owner, and I don't ask the taxpayers to help me. I stand and fall on my own feet. I either make profit, or I lose."

Those who support efforts to build a new stadium have in part focused on how critical it is to keep the Rams in St. Louis because of its economic benefits as an employment provider and tourism attraction.

House Minority Leader Jake Hummel, D-St. Louis, and other supportive legislators have pointed out plans regarding stadium funding were presented to the Legislature in January. In a statement, Hummel said lawmakers ultimately voted for a budget without proposed wording that would have blocked payments for a new stadium.

"Instead of sending out letters after the fact criticizing a proposal they voted to support during the legislative session, I encourage my colleagues to work together to ensure St. Louis remains an NFL city," he said.

Rehder said several more senators and representatives are expected to send letters to the governor soon "explaining what our intentions are and what we're prepared to do."

srinehart@semissourian.com

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Sikeston, Mo.

St. Louis, Mo.