Tag: Kansas legislature
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Kansas House starts debate on new budget; little progress made
This afternoon the Kansas House of Representatives is debating its replacement budget. The legislation being considered is known as the “Feuerborn amendment”. At 417 pages, it has been divided into 13 sections, with part “A” being the language that “guts” the existing bill.
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For Kansas school spending lobby, truth is frustrating
Today’s lead Wichita Eagle editorial complains that a Kansas public policy group’s position on school fund balances is frustrating. It would be one thing if the findings made by the Kansas Policy Institute were false. But it has been found that these findings are true: Kansas schools have been spending down the funds in the…
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Kansas budget, taxes, still being worked on
At the Kansas statehouse yesterday, some progress was made on the budget, but much work remains. With the session about to end, large decisions about taxation and spending have yet to be made.
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Kansas budget still being worked on
Yesterday the Kansas House failed to pass a budget that did not require raising taxes. The budget, referred to as the “cuts budget” or the “Yoder budget” had only 45 votes in its favor, and would have been vetoed by the governor, based on his stated criteria for an acceptable budget.
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Kansas House committee considers school funds
Yesterday the Kansas House of Representatives Education Budget Committee heard testimony on HB 2748. The bill would give Kansas school districts flexibility in spending funds.
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Kansas budget may be settled today
Last night the Kansas Senate Ways and Means committee came up with a new tax package. The main ingredients are a one cent per dollar increase in the statewide sales tax, but no increase in cigarette taxes. The package relies on the federal government extending a Medicare matching funds program boost, which Congress has not…
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Kansas is a Republican, not conservative, state
A recent editorial prepared by the Kansas Republican Party concluded with: “Kansas Republicans are presenting a united front with sound plans to meet the challenges of a 21st century economy. Our philosophy centers on liberating the promise of the individual and family as the answer, not more government growth, on a path to prosperity.” That’s…
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Kansas schools have used funds to increase spending
Although revenue to Kansas school districts has declined, schools have been able to increase spending by using fund balances. These fund balances have been the subject of controversy, with school spending advocates insisting that they can’t be used in the way that we now see they have been used.
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Kansas sales tax studies are different
As the Kansas Legislature decides whether to balance the budget through reductions in spending or increases in taxes, two studies of the impact of a sales tax increase have emerged. The two arrive at different conclusions, and it’s important to understand the differences between them.
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Balance Kansas budget without raising sales tax
The following article is by Dr. Walt Chappell, a member of the Kansas State Board of Education. A version appeared in the Wichita Eagle. Chappell has offered testimony to the Kansas Legislature on many ways that schools can reduce spending and fulfill their mission at the same time
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Kansas House leadership plans to balance budget without tax increases
A legislative panel at yesterday’s Kansas Defending the American Dream Summit 2010 featured members of the Kansas House of Representatives Leadership presenting the case that the budget can be balanced without increasing taxes on Kansans.
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Kansas Senator outlines plan for revenue without tax increases
Yesterday in Topeka Kansas Senator Ty Masterson, a Republican from Andover, laid out a plan for generating revenue for the state that doesn’t involve raising taxes: The state could sell some of its assets.