Missouri Sen. Luetkemeyer talks rest of year, post Senate plans
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- Missouri District 34 Senator Tony Luetkemeyer spoke with KQ2 about his proudest accomplishments at the Capitol and the legislation he hopes to advance as he leaves office.
Sen. Luetkemeyer said passing Max's Law in 2024 is one of his proudest achievements. He also noted his work on tax reform for Missouri citizens and the property tax freeze for seniors.
Looking ahead, one major project Sen. Luetkemeyer hopes to pass this year is a partnership with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe to eliminate the state income tax.
"States like Tennessee without income taxes have seen strong economic growth. If you visit Nashville, cranes line the skyline, and business thrives," the Senator said. "We want to bring that energy to Missouri while allowing people to control how they spend their own money."
While also seeking to eliminate state income tax, the District 34 Senator shared the intention of passing legislation to slow property tax increases for Missouri homeowners. Rather than proposing full elimination, the goal is to implement a cap that offers better predictability for property owners.
"Assessments in recent years where, you know, someone's tax bill is going up by 30 or 40% in a single assessment cycle make it difficult for people to plan and budget," said Luetkemeyer. "It's just really important for families—whether it's a senior on a fixed income or a younger family trying to provide for their kids—to have predictability in their budget so they know what their real estate taxes will be."
The third point he mentioned was transparency in criminal sentencing rather than ranges. Luetkemeyer said legislators have been working with the Sheriff's Association, Police Chiefs' Association and Fraternal Order of Police on this issue.
"Victims will walk out of the courtroom, and they won't have a very clear understanding as to how long the defendant is actually going to spend in prison. And to give closure to the families of victims and to the victims themselves," said Luetkemeyer, "You have to make sure that people have certainty and what the sentence is going to be, and that that sentence is going to be enforced."
He continued by stating that he feels this will restore faith in the jury system.
As for his post-state senate plans, he shared that he will spend time with his wife and new child and work in the private sector.
However, Sen. Luetkemeyer is open to future opportunities.
"I've enjoyed my time in public service. If the right opportunity arose for my family and me, my wife and I would certainly consider it," he said.
Four individuals are running for Luetkemeyer's seat in the Aug. 4 primaries.
According to the Missouri Secretary of State, Republican candidates are Sean Pouche (Platte City) and Nathan Willett (Kansas City), while Democratic candidates are Pam May (St. Joseph) and Shereka Barnes (Kansas City).
The general election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.
