Author: Bob Weeks
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Taxpayer-funded development in Wichita opposed
After the formal presentation I personally complemented the Minnesota Guys and thanked them for what they were doing downtown. They assured me that their redevelopment work in our downtown would be completed without government incentives, and I assured them that they would have my support as long as they stayed out of the public treasury.
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Topeka tax increment financing project struggles
In Topeka, a residential and retail project funded with $5 million of tax increment financing (TIF) is in trouble.
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American education in 2030: teacher pay
Caroline Hoxby, a Stanford University economics professor who studies the economics of education, looks at the future of teacher pay and teaching. While her vision of what might happen is positive for both teachers and schoolchildren, substantial change will need to take place for this vision to be realized. Specifically, the nation will have to…
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Tax day should bring tax awareness
As a country we spend an enormous effort on tax recordkeeping and compliance.
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Tax increment financing questions topic at Wichita city council meeting
On Tuesday the Wichita city council heard a request by Real Development for a $2.5 million increase in tax increment financing on a downtown project. Discussion during the meeting revealed how little is known about the numbers that the city uses in deciding whether to participate in the project. Numbers that don’t make sense, plus…
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Wichita Larksfield Place bonds should not be issued
Today’s meeting of the Wichita city council will have a public hearing concerning the issuance of health care facilities revenue bonds for Larksfield Place, a decidedly high-end retirement and assisted living center in east Wichita.
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Wichita Exchange Place TIF should be rejected
Tomorrow’s meeting of the Wichita city council will feature a public hearing as to whether a tax increment financing district that benefits Real Development should be modified.
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Kansas taxes and spending debated
On the editorial page of the Wichita Eagle yesterday, three editorials discussed the Kansas budget, taxes, and spending.
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Wichita city hall silent on handling of ethics issue
On Tuesday the Wichita city council will hold a public hearing regarding a request by Real Development for a $2.5 million increase in tax increment district financing. While this proposal should be opposed on its merits, there is reason to give extra scrutiny to this matter. That’s because Real Development employs the services of Wichita…
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Constitution class to be held in Wichita
Constitution and immigration law professor Kris Kobach will be teaching a free class on the history and relevance of the U.S. Constitution.
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Situation in Iraq to be topic of talk
On Friday April 16 at the Wichita Pachyderm Club, Rodger Woods of Wichita will speak to members and guests. Woods recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, and will be speaking on the topic “Thoughts on the changes in Iraq.”
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Sweatshops best alternative for workers in many countries
While sweatshops are not the place most Americans would choose to work, they are often the best alternative available to workers in some countries. Pay is low compared to U.S. standards because worker productivity is low, and the process of economic development will lead to increases in productivity and pay. But most policies promoted to…