Missouri lawmaker suggests St. Louis could secede

A Missouri lawmaker, Rep. Michael Burton, has proposed making St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County the 51st state. This suggestion arose during a debate on a state takeover of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Burton has not yet filed formal legislation but has asked for assistance in drafting a proposal. He argues that the region could benefit from keeping its tax revenue rather than subsidizing other areas of Missouri. While Burton's idea is unlikely to progress, it reflects ongoing tensions between urban and rural areas in Missouri. The proposal highlights differing political interests within the state, with St. Louis leaning Democratic and surrounding areas often voting Republican.