The Ben Broghammer Show

Broghammer Media

The Ben Broghammer show is rooted in facts, and is about our community, the issues, and sharing them with the people that they impact the most—you. Focusing on St. Louis politics, the show will dive into the impact local government and the decisions made on a state and federal level have on us here at home. This show talks about it all— always presenting the facts—unaltered, unfiltered, and unintimidated—allowing you to form your own opinions.

  1. Jul 27

    The Ballot Before Us: Taxes, Prop L, the Fight for St. Louis County, and More

    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/

    The Ballot Before Us: Taxes, Prop L, the Fight for St. Louis County, and More
  2. Jul 19

    The Real Cost of Living: Understanding Affordability in America

    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

    The Real Cost of Living: Understanding Affordability in America
  3. Jul 14

    Webster Groves School District $5.6 Million Budget Gap: What Tax Payers Should Know

    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

    Webster Groves School District $5.6 Million Budget Gap: What Tax Payers Should Know
  4. Jun 2

    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/DocumentCenter/View/15309/Proposed-Budget-Book---FY-2027

    The $2.6 Million Question
  5. May 13

    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://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://apnews.com/article/income-tax-repeal-missouri-sales-ballot-9d0e1d42d8b8bdea2703ce363eee0926 https://annwagner.com/ https://wagner.house.gov/ https://www.stlmag.com/news/nick-vivio-congress-medical-debt/ https://www.vondrasforcongress.us/issues https://www.crevecoeurmo.gov/255/Election-Sign-Regulations https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025190 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.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/01/365-wins-in-365-days-president-trumps-return-marks-new-era-of-success-prosperity/

    Economic Attraction & Government Accountability
  6. Apr 30

    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

    Local Involvement Matters!

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Ben Broghammer show is rooted in facts, and is about our community, the issues, and sharing them with the people that they impact the most—you. Focusing on St. Louis politics, the show will dive into the impact local government and the decisions made on a state and federal level have on us here at home. This show talks about it all— always presenting the facts—unaltered, unfiltered, and unintimidated—allowing you to form your own opinions.