The Ben Broghammer Show

It’s budget season in St. Louis County.  The reality today: A $99 million deficit, bankruptcy within sight, $1 billion in unfunded road and bridge liabilities, and filling the operating expenses gap with one time finite funds.  In this episode, Ben discusses the current affairs of St. Louis County finances, and outlines the path ahead.

This is the Ben Broghammer Show.  These are the facts.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

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“Just the Facts!”

Sources

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/administration/fiscal-transparency/budgets/2027-recommended-budget/2027-recommended-business-plan1/

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/administration/fiscal-transparency/budgets/2027-recommended-budget/2027-recommended-budget-book1/

https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-10-01/pages-proposed-st-louis-county-budget-includes-cuts-and-pushes-dire-need-for-new-revenue

https://boxcast.tv/channel/wdeojvfau9uqc9qt6k8z

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/mayor-grant-will-prepare-fenton-auto-plant-for-new-use/article_23c2fe08-4e44-5082-8d5b-0a81f7ecbead.html

Why is the district asking for $9 million in an attempt to address a $5 million problem?  The district compares this tax increase to coffee runs, when in reality, it means an 18% tax increase, before next year’s reassessment, and an 18% cost of living increase for our community. In this episode, Ben continues to present the facts surrounding the Webster Groves School District budget and financial issues, what Prop W really is, and what it will likely mean for our community.  The small business impact, the household impact, the tax increase we are getting asked to pay without being presented sustainable solutions to solving the problems that landed us here in the first place.  Prop W is likely the start of more and more to come, pushing prosperity in our community further and further away.  Break through the headlines, the fear tactics, the recycled talking points, and learn what it really is and how it will impact you.

This is the Ben Broghammer Show.  These are the facts.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

“Just the Facts!”

Get your own “No On W” sign!

Template Link: https://canva.link/26zvod4gvv81l9l

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuo8cVLwLcU

https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/prop-w

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1790284755/websterk12mous/hlzlhtfozmwzolojnyzv/2026-27WGSDPreliminaryBudget1.pdf

https://graphics.stltoday.com/apps/payrolls/salaries_2025/teachers/96114/

In this episode, Ben breaks down the proposed Webster Groves School District tax increase, known as Prop W, and looks beyond the often-repeated “65 cents” and coffee stops comparison to examine what Prop W could actually mean for home owners, families, and local businesses.

Using the district’s own calculator, Ben explains what a 18.51% increase in school district taxes could mean in real dollars for tax payers.  He also explores the potential ripple effect on the local economy, including higher costs on small business, consumer prices, and the overall cost of living in Webster Groves.

This episode examines the district’s finances, raises questions about why a $9 million proposal is being presented to fill a $5.6 million deficit, the minimal spending reductions, declining enrollment, and further questions around accountability and transparency.

Ben also discusses recent concerns raised by school board members regarding state accessing to student assessment data and the district’s approach to reporting academic performance.

As election day approaches, one question remains, and should be asked by all of us: Can Webster Groves taxpayers afford another major tax increase and is this the right solution to the district’s financial challenges?

This is the Ben Broghammer Show.  These are the facts.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

“Just the Facts!”

Sources

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJDfPJNifQY

https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/prop-w

Webster Groves closed its latest fiscal year with a $1.3 million surplus, exceeding expectations in both revenue and expenses for the general fund.  While vacancies played a role in expenses being reduced, the 104% revenue outcome from what was budgeted can be credited to Destination WG and the pool, and increased utility taxes following rate increases from Ameren and Spire.

In St. Louis County, tax payers are seeing further threats of tax increases or cuts in police funding, along with new ideas being proposed by County Executive Sam Page such as transferring county roads to municipalities, a decision that could save the county $17 million but shift work to municipalities that haven’t planned for this kind of expense.  And the county council has saved employees from a lapse in benefit coverage, in yesterday’s council meeting, in what is just another lived example of what Sam Page’s administration looks like in its final months.

This is the Ben Broghammer Show

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

“Just the Facts!”

Sources

https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-to-end-fiscal-year-with-surplus/article_7fabd6a6-3cd3-4be3-a4a9-8185fa63ddba.html

https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/government-politics/article_916e3ec6-c372-4687-a136-039e0f6b7c79.html

https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/city-faces-overload-of-stormwater-projects/article_33a7d9d4-ccec-4d3b-b4b9-14c55fc6bdbf.html

https://www.webstergrovesmo.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15981/Adopted-Budget-Book-FY-2027

https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/rise-in-commercial-property-taxes-homes-likely-to-remain-the-same/article_9e8009c4-dab2-49a2-a364-25291361f51e.html

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/county-council/

https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/09/11/raise-taxes-or-cut-cops-deadline-approaches-sam-page-urges-action/

What began as a simple question for missing pieces in the Webster Groves School District budget for 2026-2027, published on the district’s own website, led to the quick admission of errors and mislabeling by district leadership.  Instead of being transparent to tax payers, this document was subtly updated on the district website and a footnote added, with the district refusing to make any formal statement as of the publication of this episode.  Ben is the one who found the error, pressed the district for answers, and is working to hold the school board and district leadership accountable.  Also Prop W, the effort to raise roughly $9 million to fill the $5.6 million deficit the district is facing is also discussed in detail.

Get the full story in this episode.

Also, Ben discusses the continuation of political violence in our region, and calls out those who accept and celebrate it.

This is the Ben Broghammer Show.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbroghammershow

Following the show on X @benbroghammer

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music: The Ben Broghammer Show on all platforms.

“Just the Facts!”

Topic Sources:

https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/departments/business-operations/business-finance/budgets

*The erroneous budget has been updated on the district’s website.  A copy of the original can be provided if you send us a message, or open a sunshine request with the district.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_VKGpzEPlc

The August 4th primary election is just around the corner, and the ballot is packed with important decisions that could impact taxpayers across St. Louis County and Missouri.

In this episode, Ben breaks down the latest political controversy involving St. Louis County Councilwoman Lisa Clancy, examines Webster Groves’ Prop L library tax levy proposal, and explores what the measure could mean for local taxpayers.

Ben also walks through the major state constitutional amendments and St. Louis County propositions appearing on the ballot, including Prop U, the proposed online sales tax, and the debate over Missouri’s future tax structure.  He discusses the candidates competing in key primary races and offers his perspective on the broader ideological divide over taxes, regulation, government spending, and economic freedom.

As the primary approaches, Ben’s message is simple: stay informed, stay involved, and pay attention to what is happening in your own community.

Local matters.  Your vote matters.

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.stltoday.com/news/local/column/joe-holleman/article_6379db38-46d0-4d58-8848-05912acf5593.html

https://www.ksdk.com/video/news/local/st-louis-county-police-confirm-investigation-into-councilwoman-lisa-clancy-removing-political-signs/63-2d5960ec-bf85-4553-a413-22bbd11d074b

https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-government/board-of-elections/

Why does it feel like everything costs more today? In this episode, Ben examines the growing affordability challenges facing American families, from grocery bills and housing costs to energy prices, taxes, and the broader economy.

Ben discusses the economics behind rising beef prices, the role of supply and demand, regulatory costs, energy policy, housing affordability, and immigration’s impact on the housing market.  He also explores recent federal tax legislation, government spending, and competing political approaches to addressing the rising cost of living.

Drawing on economic data, industry examples, and public policy debate, Ben argues that government decisions at the federal, state, and local levels have significant consequences for affordability and household budgets.  The episode concludes with a discussion of tax policy, economic growth, and why affordability remains of the defining issues facing Americans today.

Whether you’re interested in economics, public policy, taxes, inflation, housing, or the cost of living, this episode offers Ben’s perspective on the policies shaping affordability in America and the facts to back it up.

Resources discussed in this episode 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.foxnews.com/opinion/steve-forbes-chuck-schumer-beef-doesnt-know-how-grill

https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/07/one-year-later-president-trumps-working-families-tax-cuts-are-delivering-for-american-workers/

https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/fertilizers/reporter/usa

https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2025/mcs2025-potash.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/DEA_GOV_DIR-008-20 Fentanyl Flow in the United States_0.pdf

https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2025/03/the-staggering-cost-of-the-illicit-opioid-epidemic-in-the-united-states/

https://www.heritage.org/government-regulation/commentary/biden-overreaching-using-antiquities-act-create-national-monuments

https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/issues/bidenomics-drives-up-energy-costs

https://www.nahb.org/news-and-economics/press-releases/2026/06/regulatory-costs-jump-40-in-five-years-add-131734-to-new-home-prices

https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/biden-era-illegal-immigration-drove-up-housing-costs-fed-economists-find

https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/trump-admin-maps-out-sweeping-rollback-regulations-push-save-1-5t

https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/06/25/president-trump-signs-executive-order-advancing-regenerative-agriculture-secretary-rollins-announces

Should Webster Groves homeowners pay more in property taxes?  In this episode, Ben examines the Webster Groves School District’s projected $5.6 million budget deficit and the proposed 65-cent property tax increase that district leaders say is needed to avoid future budget cuts.

Using publicly available budget documents and Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Eduction data, Ben breaks down the numbers behind the district’s finances, including declining student enrollment, rising per-student education costs, changes in state funding, healthcare expenses, and the potential impact of Missouri’s senior property tax freeze.

This episode also takes a closer look at the district’s community survey, the arguments being made in support of a tax increase, and the questions taxpayers should consider before any proposal reaches the ballot.

If you’re a Webster Groves resident, homeowner, parent, or taxpayer, this episode provides a data-focused look at one of the community’s most important local issues.

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.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-groves-school-district-lays-out-finances-at-public-meeting/article_fba456bc-0a67-42bd-870b-ff75c6e61889.html

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-expands-indictment-splc-alleging-4m-secretly-funneled-kkk-extremist-groups

https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/webster-school-board-adopts-inclusive-social-studies-curriculum/article_b6800fa2-a8ea-11eb-880f-2f87ce1fb1db.html

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1782834489/websterk12mous/o8istxyh7m2lokxccy2y/26-27Budget.pdf

In this episode, Ben examines that differences between capitalism, socialism, and communism through the lens of history, economics and America’s founding principles.

Drawing on historical examples and political philosophy, Ben discusses Karl Marx’s vision of communism, the role of socialism as a transitional system, and how communist governments have operated throughout modern history.  He also explores the constitutional protections Americans enjoy, such as free speech, private property, religious liberty, and limited government, and argues why these freedoms are essential to preserving the American Dream.

From free markets and enterprises to individual liberty and constitutional government, this episode takes a broad look at the ideological debate surrounding communism, capitalism, and the future of the United States.

Whether you’re interested in political philosophy, American history, constitutional rights, or today’s political environment, this episode offers Ben’s perspective on one of the defining ideological debates of our time.

 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.

From city halls to state capitals and all the way to Washington, DC. The decisions being made today shape the communities we live in tomorrow. Welcome to the Ben Broghammer Show, where we take a closer look at the issues impacting you. From taxes and spending to elections, government accountability, and the policies that affect everyday life.

Every episode breaks down the details, examines the facts, and provides fact-based reporting to help you better understand the issues shaping our communities. Because government decisions have consequences, and staying informed starts with knowing the facts, asking the right questions, and understanding what is happening around us. This is the Ben Broghammer Show.

Subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.

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.