Author: Bob Weeks

  • Kansas budget may be settled today

    Last night the Kansas Senate Ways and Means committee came up with a new tax package. The main ingredients are a one cent per dollar increase in the statewide sales tax, but no increase in cigarette taxes. The package relies on the federal government extending a Medicare matching funds program boost, which Congress has not…

  • Most Kansas students not ready for college

    While Kansas high school students perform slightly better than the nation, only 26 percent of students that take the ACT test are ready for college-level coursework in all four areas that ACT considers.

  • Kansas is a Republican, not conservative, state

    A recent editorial prepared by the Kansas Republican Party concluded with: “Kansas Republicans are presenting a united front with sound plans to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy. Our philosophy centers on liberating the promise of the individual and family as the answer, not more government growth, on a path to prosperity.” That’s…

  • Kansas schools have used funds to increase spending

    Although revenue to Kansas school districts has declined, schools have been able to increase spending by using fund balances. These fund balances have been the subject of controversy, with school spending advocates insisting that they can’t be used in the way that we now see they have been used.

  • Wichita economic development claims deserve scrutiny

    Reports that Southwest Airlines may be considering adding service in Wichita has lead to enthusiasm for the economic development that this service would add.

  • Kansas sales tax studies are different

    As the Kansas Legislature decides whether to balance the budget through reductions in spending or increases in taxes, two studies of the impact of a sales tax increase have emerged. The two arrive at different conclusions, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.

  • Wichita’s Intrust Bank Arena shrouded in mystery

    Okay, maybe that’s a little over-hyped, but when arena cheerleader Rhonda Holman of the Wichita Eagle starts to question the operations of Intrust Bank Arena in downtown Wichita, there must be something going on.

  • Andover schools label opponents ‘anti-education’

    Are those who question or oppose the need for additional spending on Kansas schools opposed to education? Melinda Fritze, who is chair of the Andover Parent Legislative Council, says so

  • Kobach explains Arizona illegal alien law

    The following op-ed from the New York Times by Kansan Kris Kobach, who was involved in the forming of the law, explains the law and speaks to its critics.

  • Summit to provide training in activism

    Next Friday and Saturday (May 7 and 8) American Majority is holding a Post-Party Summit in Kansas City. These events are being held around the country to help organize and train activists and candidates who want to work for individual freedom through limited government and the free market.

  • Balance Kansas budget without raising sales tax

    The following article is by Dr. Walt Chappell, a member of the Kansas State Board of Education. A version appeared in the Wichita Eagle. Chappell has offered testimony to the Kansas Legislature on many ways that schools can reduce spending and fulfill their mission at the same time

  • Kansas House leadership plans to balance budget without tax increases

    A legislative panel at yesterday’s Kansas Defending the American Dream Summit 2010 featured members of the Kansas House of Representatives Leadership presenting the case that the budget can be balanced without increasing taxes on Kansans.