Category: Kansas state government
-
Availability of testimony in the Kansas Legislature
Despite having a website with the capability, only about one-third of standing committees in the Kansas Legislature are providing written testimony online.
-
Transparency in the Kansas House of Representatives: Some success
Last week the Kansas House of Representatives took votes on several amendments to its rules regarding transparency and understandability of the legislative process. Of the three most important amendments, two passed.
-
This is how much the Kansas Legislature wants Kansans to know
This is so simple. It is almost without cost. It would have great benefit.
-
Ray Merrick on the gotcha factor
The Kansas House of Representatives, led by its Speaker, decides to retain the ability to cast votes in secret.
-
On Kansas tax experiment, we do know what doesn’t work: High taxes
Those who criticize lower Kansas tax rates tax rates as an experiment that may not work should be aware that we know with certainty what hasn’t worked in Kansas.
-
Kansas Democratic Party income tax reckoning
A story told to generate sympathy for working mothers at the expense of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is based on arithmetic that is not plausible.
-
In Kansas, straight-ticket voting could leave some issues unvoted
There are several issues involved with straight-party voting. Kansas shouldn’t adopt this practice. But on the other hand, why not?
-
Unemployment insurance for school bus drivers
Should a Kansas state insurance program be expanded to cover entirely predictable events?
-
Property tax for state universities proposed to increase four-fold
A bill introduced in the Kansas Legislature would hike the property tax going to state universities by a factor of four.
-
In Kansas, PEAK has a leak
A Kansas economic development incentive program is pitched as being self-funded, but is probably a drain on the state treasure nonetheless.
-
Kansas minimum wage hike would harm the most vulnerable workers
A bill to raise the minimum wage in Kansas will harm the most vulnerable workers, and make it more difficult for low-skill workers to get started in the labor market.
-
Hate crimes should not be enhanced in Kansas
A bill in Kansas proposes to toughen penalties for hate crimes, thereby judging people on their thoughts and beliefs rather on their actions.