The Ben Broghammer Show

Economic Attraction & Government Accountability

Missouri is facing a major debate over eliminating the state income tax, and voters will soon decide the future of taxes, government spending, and economic growth in the state. In this episode, Ben breaks down proposed tax changes, compares Missouri to no-income-tax states like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida, and examines the political divide over affordability, immigration, healthcare, and the economy heading into the midterms.  Ben discusses Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District race, local controversies on the municipal level involving a major road project, and local school district education policy and tax payer accountability. From our nation’s capital, to Jefferson City, to local city halls, this episode covers the decisions shaping our future. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms. “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://missouriindependent.com/2026/04/21/plan-to-replace-missouri-income-tax-with-expanded-sales-tax-heads-to-voters/ [https://missouriindependent.com/2026/04/21/plan-to-replace-missouri-income-tax-with-expanded-sales-tax-heads-to-voters/] https://taxfoundation.org/location/missouri/ [https://taxfoundation.org/location/missouri/] https://bea.gov https://www.facebook.com/GovKehoe/videos/all-missourians-benefit-from-having-more-of-their-hard-earned-money-back-in-thei/1255681886694411/ [https://www.facebook.com/GovKehoe/videos/all-missourians-benefit-from-having-more-of-their-hard-earned-money-back-in-thei/1255681886694411/] https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-repeal-missouri-sales-ballot-9d0e1d42d8b8bdea2703ce363eee0926 [https://apnews.com/article/income-tax-repeal-missouri-sales-ballot-9d0e1d42d8b8bdea2703ce363eee0926] https://annwagner.com/ [https://annwagner.com/] https://wagner.house.gov/ [https://wagner.house.gov/] https://www.stlmag.com/news/nick-vivio-congress-medical-debt/ [https://www.stlmag.com/news/nick-vivio-congress-medical-debt/] https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/issues [https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/issues] https://www.crevecoeurmo.gov/255/Election-Sign-Regulations https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190 [https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190] https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm#position [https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_votes/vote1191/vote_119_1_00372.htm#position] https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/29/president-trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law [https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/01/29/president-trump-signs-laken-riley-act-law] https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/

Local Involvement Matters!

Local matters.  Local is vital.  Ben focuses on the municipal happenings within St. Louis County, starting with election results from April 7, and widens the lens to themes of what we are seeing in communities across the county, and the impact of local involvement. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/board-of-elections/ https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ece240c271ac4adba33eb43d9a317dc6 https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/audit-shows-1-9-million-surplus-for-fiscal-year-2025/article_5ba1c814-1597-43bd-896b-5a19fa415ae7.html https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13582/Comprehensive-Plan https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/mayor-council-members-sworn-into-office/article_ac3d6eb2-f843-42d0-a455-1e3149eb426e.html https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/mayor-unopposed-two-new-council-members-to-serve/article_eeedeedc-8399-4761-b99e-7eb1554c6407.html https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-manager-awarded-138-123-in-severance-pay/article_8190d2c8-12e8-4acf-ad04-379f66718825.html https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/mayor/news/data-center-permit-approved.cfm https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-04-08/6b-data-center-festus-voters-oust-every-incumbent-council-member https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/politics/data-center-dispute-and-treasurer-ballot-error-shadow-festus-city-council/63-33a107da-7321-4264-80aa-0a6c7bc3fbf7

It's Our Reality

In this episode, Ben outlines the current and ongoing disfunction in St. Louis County government, where leadership controversies and the rhetoric of County Executive Sam Page continue to create chaos.  As voters look ahead to the upcoming election where he is not seeking reelection, who is hoping to replace him? Ben gives an overview of the candidates running, outlining their records and priorities. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/sam-page-sues-over-st-louis-county-power-transfer-during-overseas-travel/amp/ https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/county-council/ https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/board-of-elections/ https://brianwilliamsstlouis.com https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-louis-county-council-member-accuses-state-senator-of-attack/63-60051622-7e5d-4ddd-b668-5e3ab7ef007e https://www.jakezimmerman.org https://hancockforcountyexecutive.com

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

What is the first duty of the American Government?  In this episode, Ben talks about what protecting Americans means—starting with strong national defense, strong national security, and keeping criminals off our streets.  At last week’s State of the Union, when President Trump asked members of Congress to stand if they agree the first duty of the American Government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens, one party stood and applauded and the other remained in their seats.  This stark difference in values is not isolated to what the world witnessed at last week’s SOTU—We are consistently seeing it throughout the country in all levels of government.  The receipts illustrate this pattern of priority, and Ben digs into the voting records of current members of Congress and one candidate from MO-01 looking to reclaim her old house seat in this years election.  What should be the bare minimum when holding office in the American Government? Is it serving, protecting and making a difference for the American People?  You decide.  And remember when you head to the polls this election season.   LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://www.congress.gov/ [https://www.congress.gov/] https://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu/] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/] https://x.com/CoriBush

Success Should Be Celebrated!

On this episode, Ben highlights just a handful of items we have lived on a federal level impacting many across the country, including here in the St. Louis region.  Also, with the Missouri House and Senate back in session, one topic coming out of Jefferson City is the elimination of the state income tax, Ben reviews updates on a county and municipal level, and breaks down former congresswoman Cori Bush’s platform and her voting record as she looks to reclaim her seat in Congress. LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL! Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow Following the show on X @benbroghammer Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms “Just the Facts!” Topic Sources: https://bea.gov https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/missouri-income-tax-debate-draws-supporters-critics-to-capitol/ [https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/missouri-income-tax-debate-draws-supporters-critics-to-capitol/] https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/sales-tax-rates/ [https://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/sales-tax-rates/] https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/credit-rating-down-as-result-of-depleted-reserves/article_1e5f845d-0caa-4ce0-af34-f91d92ca191f.html [https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/credit-rating-down-as-result-of-depleted-reserves/article_1e5f845d-0caa-4ce0-af34-f91d92ca191f.html] https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/proposed-budget-includes-5-water-rate-increase/article_6a03d327-f84d-4a6a-ba47-19e73779e10e.html [https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/proposed-budget-includes-5-water-rate-increase/article_6a03d327-f84d-4a6a-ba47-19e73779e10e.html] https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2025-09-24/st-louis-cancels-north-south-metrolink-expansion-project [https://www.stlpr.org/economy-business/2025-09-24/st-louis-cancels-north-south-metrolink-expansion-project] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/ [https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/] https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-groves-city-manager-to-resign-effective-april-3-former-fire-chief-speaks-out-about/article_a5cdd01c-460f-4f7d-969b-f4c2dabda027.html [https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-groves-city-manager-to-resign-effective-april-3-former-fire-chief-speaks-out-about/article_a5cdd01c-460f-4f7d-969b-f4c2dabda027.html] https://www.congress.gov/votes/house/118-2/121 [https://www.congress.gov/votes/house/118-2/121] https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6408 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/6408] https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8205 [https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/8205] https://www.congress.gov/votes/house/118-2/454 [https://www.congress.gov/votes/house/118-2/454]