Author: Bob Weeks

  • Libertarian thinking discussed in Winfield

    A recent column in the Winfield Daily Courier illustrates just how difficult it is for some to grasp the ideas and principles of libertarianism. The column, titled Libertarians and Libertarians, makes a factual error but is wrong when describing several important aspects of libertarian thinking.

  • Wichita-area legislative meeting reveals differences in approach to government

    Yesterday’s meeting of the South-central Kansas legislative delegation with citizens featured, in the words of one senator, a level of “intensity” not seen in previous meetings of this body. Senator Dick Kelsey made this observation, remarking that this is the first such meeting where the two parties have been mentioned. Following are a few notes…

  • AFP Kansas event features Malkin, satirist O’Rourke

    This Wednesday April 28 Americans for Prosperity-Kansas is holding its annual “Day at the Capitol” event in Topeka. This year’s event features nationally-known speakers.

  • Kansas legislative ratings posted

    I’ve come into possession of some of the Kansas legislature vote ratings that Karl Peterjohn of the Kansas Taxpayers Network produced. I’ve made available the annual ratings of both the House of Representatives and the Senate back to 1996.

  • Wichita’s Jeff Longwell on TIF districts, tax abatements

    Is a tax increment financing (TIF) district a tax abatement? Wichita city council member Jeff Longwell, now Wichita’s vice-mayor, doesn’t think so. During this week’s city council meeting, Longwell said this in explaining his support of a TIF district created for the benefit of Real Development: “One of the things that people I think need…

  • Kansas sales tax study criticized

    Wichita State University economist John Wong has produced a study showing that while an increase in the Kansas sales tax would kill jobs, it would result in less net job loss than a reduction in state spending. This differs from an earlier study which finds much greater job loss.

  • Chemical security legislation update

    The United States Congress is considering legislation to improve the safety of chemical plants. While a noble goal, this regulation has the potential to actually decrease chemical plant safety while increasing costs and destroying jobs at the same time.

  • Greenpeace climate change extremists are hot on the trail

    Climate change — its reality (or not) and man’s response to it — is an important topic and deserves serious discussion. The actions of one of the most prominent and vocal groups promoting a radical global warming agenda, however, aren’t fostering greater understanding of the issue, much less an informed debate.

  • Wichita Collegiate Young Republicans to host debate

    The Wichita Collegiate Upper School Young Republicans will be hosting the republican candidates for the Kansas 4th Congressional District on Monday, April 26th.

  • Supply-side economics, not taxes, cure for recession, audience told

    Sound money and income tax cuts — the elements of supply-side economics — have produced economic growth in America, according to Dr. Brian Domitrovic of Sam Houston State University. When our country imposes inflationary loose money policies and high income taxes, economic growth suffers, as in the period from 1973 to 1982. Unfortunately, these are…

  • Primer on Mises and Austrian economics published

    If you’ve heard of Ludwig von Mises and wondered why his ideas are important to freedom, here’s a chance to easily and quickly gain understanding of this important thinker and the field of Austrian economics. Or if you’ve not heard of or read about Mises and Austrian economics, here’s your chance. The Institute for Economic…

  • AFP ads spotlight Kansas budget

    One of the things that government spending advocates don’t like to talk about is the fact that spending in Kansas has risen rapidly in recent years.