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Governor Brownback Says It’s Time To End the Kansas/Missouri Border War

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Kansas Governor Sam Brownback says the economic border war in the Kansas City area has gone on long enough. He's proposing to cut back on economic incentives for businesses that jump the state line simply to get tax breaks. Brownback hopes both states will agree to the new restrictions in the greater Kansas City area.

“That’s really what I hope this does. It’s a good solid move forward that can be accepted on both sides while you continue to work on the issues,”Brownback says.

Brownback says economic incentives should be used to expand the overall economy in the region, not encourage border jumping. Under the truce, companies could still move across the state line and qualify for tax breaks, but only if they make significant investments or create new jobs. The governor's proposal will only take effect if Missouri lawmakers agree and approve similar restrictions.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.