JEFFERSON CITY — Today (8-31), Sen. David Sater, R-Cassville, announced his opposition to any state bonding of a new football stadium in St. Louis.

In a plan proposed by the governor, approximately $250 million in state and local bonds and tax credits would be used to construct a nearly $1 billion football stadium in St. Louis. The governor and stadium supporters claim bond for the existing Edward Jones Dome can be extended to a new stadium without legislative or public approval, by way of a more than 20-year-old state statute.

“While most of us would like to see the Rams stay in St. Louis, it is reckless and irresponsible to burden Missouri taxpayers and future generations with massive debt to build a sports stadium,” said Sen. Sater. “What is even more egregious is that the governor and proponents are doing everything possible to avoid a public vote because they know Missouri voters wouldn’t approve it.”

During the recent legislative session, 26 senators voted against the stadium funding in the budget, but it was later removed by the Missouri House of Representatives in conference committee. Members of the General Assembly then filed suit against the governor and the St. Louis Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority, and a number of legislators have come out against the plan.

“The fact is, the governor doesn’t have the legal authority to simply extend debt from the Edward Jones Dome to a new stadium,” said Sen. Sater. “If he intends to push forward though, I want him to know, as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will join my colleagues in doing whatever is necessary to block any appropriation to service bond debt on the stadiums.”