Category: Kansas state government
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Is the teflon off the Sebelius administration?
Second terms are often difficult and contentious for Kansas governors. Bill Graves’ second term was filled with higher taxes, a record long legislative session and imbroglio oversoaring state spending, and a weakened Kansas economy in his last year, 2002.
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The Kansas legislative buffet
When Sen. Phil Journey, a legislator who is known as a conservative, uses the term “legislative buffet,” it reveals the wisdom and foresight of Bastiat, who long ago described the legislative process as this: “A share of the plunder for me, for me!”
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The collectivism of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius
A few excerpts from Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius’s inaugural address from January 2007: Yet our opportunities will be limited only if we fail to come together around a shared vision for our state. Only a failure to act as “One Kansas” can compromise our future and dash our hopes.
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Problem of low wages not easily solved
The great appeal of a higher minimum wage mandated by an act of the legislature is that it seems like a wonderfully magical way to increase the wellbeing of low-wage workers. Those who were earning less than the new lawful wage and keep their jobs after the increase are happy. They are grateful to the…
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Taxes in Kansas at an All-Time High
At no other time in the state’s history have state and local governments imposed such a heavy tax burden on Kansas residents. This year, state and local taxes will capture 11.2 percent of the state’s income. The graduated income tax contributes to this all time high by creating a boom of revenue and spending during…
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The Perverse Kansas Gambling Law
As humans, we have the right to gamble, as it is an activity that people may voluntarily take part in, and it causes no harm or violence to others. As such, we have to wonder why most forms of gambling have been illegal in Kansas for so long. More importantly, what has changed this year…
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The Kansas Gambling Law I’d Vote For
Here’s the one law concerning gambling in Wichita and Kansas that I would vote for: “All laws prohibiting and regulating gambling in Kansas are hereby repealed.” That’s the only law consistent with personal freedom and liberty. The law that has been passed, however, provides more power for the state and more opportunities to regulate our…
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Disenfranchising and Dissing Kansans
When was the last time you got to vote on raising your property taxes for city, county, or other local services? How about a local bond issue that didn’t involve the government schools? This political power might be inherent but for most Kansans it is mainly invisible. In most other states these votes are routine…
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Wasteful Kansas statehousesSpending
Wasteful spending at the Kansas statehouse is nothing new. What is new is the wasteful spending on the Kansas statehouse. This building still has the ugly look of a construction site with a soaring price tag. In 2007 a bipartisan group of legislative moderates are intent on continuing this unlimited statehouse spending spree.