It's Our Reality

The $2.6 Million Question

In this episode, Ben breaks down the proposed Webster Groves Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026, and examines what it means for residents, business owners, and taxpayers. With nearly 250 pages of financial data, capital projects, revenue forecasts, and spending plans, the budget can feel overwhelming.  This episode walks through the key numbers, including a projected $2.6 million deficit, planned use of reserves funds, major capital improvement projects, employee compensation increases, grant-funded initiatives with hidden costs, and the city’s long-term financial outlook. You’ll hear where city revenue comes from, where taxpayer dollars are being spent, and why questions surrounding economic growth, infrastructure investments, and future funding deserve public attention. Whether you support the budget, oppose it, pr simply want to better understand how local government operates, this episode provides a detailed look at the facts behind one of the most important decisions facing Webster Groves this year. Resources discussed in this episode, including the full budget document and supporting materials, are linked below. 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.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/100/Budget] https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027 [https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027]

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