The Ben Broghammer Show

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 real...

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.&nb...

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 th...

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 publi...

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 t...

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 ...

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 th...

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 constitu...

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 reportin...

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...

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. ...

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,...

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!

F...

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...

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...

On this episode, Ben recaps recent council meeting, including the St. Louis County Council where Sam Page requested supplemental funding just 6 days into the year, and Webster Groves tabled proposed sales tax increases.  Candidates are announcing, including St. Louis County Assessor Jake Zimmerman who is looking to becoming the next County Executive, and some of Cori Bush’s recent posts on X are fact checked.

LOCAL INVOLV...

The St. Louis County Council has approved its 2026 budget, cutting $48 million from County Executive Sam Page’s original proposal—without reducing services or eliminating jobs.  The vote wasn’t unanimous, however, as the budget passed 6-1.  In this episode, Ben breaks down how the budget came together, what was cut, and why one council member voted no.

Plus, County Executive Sam Page announced he will not...

On this episode, Ben talks about St. Louis County’s budget issue that is heating up and  the work the council is doing to pull the county back from the bankruptcy cliff, fiscal topics coming up in the City of St. Louis and its failed Green Line project, and more tax increases being proposed in Webster Groves to cover the city’s massive budget deficit.

LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IS VITAL!

Follow the show on Instagram @benbrogh...

St. Louis County’s budget deficit has ballooned to $80 million, and county executive Sam Page is pitching a mix of tax increases and NFL settlement dollars to plug the hole.  But the numbers don’t add up—especially when you account for his massive 2026 budget, which more than doubles the current deficit. The proposed tax hikes fall short of covering the long-term shortfall, and the settlement funds are a one-...