Kansas Governor

In Kansas, explanations for tax collections may vary

In Kansas, explanations for tax collections may vary

Kansas officials have explanations for low tax collections, but don't mention the same contributing factor when touting high collections. In March, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, in response to the COVID-10 pandemic, delayed the due date for Kansans to file and pay income taxes from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. [1. Executive order 20-13. Available at https://governor.kansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/EO-20-13-Executed.pdf.] This change was bound to affect state tax collections for April, and it did. When presenting tax collections for the month of April 2020, the Department of Revenue explained: "As predicted, the State of Kansas saw a decrease in total tax collections…
Read More
Kansas general fund spending and receipts

Kansas general fund spending and receipts

The Kansas budget is volatile, with rising spending and a large deficit. Figures from Kansas financial reports show that state spending has risen. Based on that and shifts in revenue flows, deficits are large. The following tables and charts show actual data through fiscal year 2019. Figures for 2020 are revised estimates, and for 2021, the figures are from the approved budget. The primary source of data is Kansas Comparison Report: The FY 2021 Governor’s Budget Report with Legislative Authorizations. [2. Kansas Division of the Budget, Kansas Comparison Reports. Available at https://budget.kansas.gov/comparison-reports/.] The revised estimate of receipts is $826.9 million…
Read More

Regulation reform could jump-start Kansas economy after COVID

Regulation reform could jump-start Kansas economy after COVID By Michael Austin. The COVID-19 outbreak has not only posed a severe public health risk, but actions to combat it now risk a global economic collapse. With nearly half of all Kansas hourly jobs gone, the Kansas Department of Labor is overwhelmed processing unemployment claims. Roughly 40 percent of Kansas small businesses are shuttered, with more than half of them saying they are weeks away from closing permanently. Kansans need a pathway through this economic disaster. Will we come back stronger than ever before, or fall deep into an economic depression? To…
Read More
Kansas spending rising

Kansas spending rising

Kansas spending is rising, and will probably rise at a faster pace. Figures from Kansas financial reports show that state spending has risen, and based on approved budget, will rise at a faster pace. The following tables and charts show actual data through fiscal year 2018. Data for fiscal years 2019 and 2020 are based on figures approved by the legislature and governor, plus estimates regarding the future economy. In the following table, spending increases from the general fund average 7.3 percent per year for 2010 through 2020. There is a budget surplus, primarily due to changes in tax law…
Read More
Kansans voted for growth, not stagnation

Kansans voted for growth, not stagnation

Kansans voted for growth, not stagnation By Michael Austin Director, Sandlian Center for Entrepreneurial Government With a new Kansas Governor-elect and State Legislature, Kansans voted to make a change. Despite many elections however, the Kansas economy has been slowing for the past 40 years. While the new administration cites government as the solution to this problem, history shows that government is primarily the cause. Kansans need of a new way of thinking. They won't get that from a Democrat or Republican as governor. Kansas has had a storied life in celebrating freedom and improving its quality of life. Through our…
Read More
WichitaLiberty.TV: Bob and Karl look at election results

WichitaLiberty.TV: Bob and Karl look at election results

In this episode of WichitaLiberty.TV: Bob and Karl look at election results nationally, in Kansas, and in Sedgwick County. View below, or click here to view at YouTube. Episode 217, broadcast November 11, 2018. Shownotes Election results at Politico. This is one of the best sites for analysis of election results. Election results for Sedgwick County. Election resuts from Kansas Secretary of State.
Read More