Missouri Voters Approve More Police Funding for Kansas City

Missouri voters have approved a constitutional amendment mandating that Kansas City allocate at least 25% of its budget to police funding, an increase from the previous requirement of 20%. This decision comes amid ongoing debates about police control and funding in the city, which is unique in Missouri for lacking local oversight of its police department. City leaders have consistently denied any plans to dismantle the police force, emphasizing their obligation to fund it despite the lack of local control. The amendment was initially passed by voters in 2022 but was later struck down by the state Supreme Court due to concerns regarding cost estimates. Following this, the measure was presented to voters again this year, where it garnered approximately 51% approval, a significant drop from the 63% support it received in the previous election. The historical context of police control in Kansas City reveals a complex legacy, with state oversight dating back to the late 19th century. The state first assumed control of the Kansas City police in 1874, regaining it in 1939 after a period of local governance. A law established in 1943 capped the city's police funding at 20% of its general revenue, a figure that has now been raised. Advocates for racial and economic equity, like Lora McDonald of MORE2, highlight the need to address systemic racism in laws governing police funding and control across the United States.