Voters pass constitutional amendment requiring increased funding for the Kansas City Police Department

NBC News reported that the slim passing of the vote highlights the tension between Republican leaders statewide who are concerned about the possibility of police funding being slashed and the community leaders who say it should be up to them how to spend the local tax dollars. 

On X, Republican state Sen. Troy Luetkemeyer wrote, "In Missouri, we defend our police. We don't defund them." Kansas City leaders have reportedly denied any intention of ending or abolishing the police department. On the ballot, voters saw language stating that the measure would cost Kansas City about $38.7 million per year.