Tag: Kansas state government
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Kansas Economic Freedom Index updated
Now that the 2010 session of the Kansas Legislature is over (except for a largely ceremonial final day) and the important votes have been cast, I’ve updated the Kansas Economic Freedom Index.
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Kansas or New Jersey: Which state is on the better road to prosperity?
What’s the difference between Kansas and New Jersey? One answer that comes to mind: unlike the comparison to our neighboring states, Kansas has a more limited, fiscally conservative government than the Garden State. Or so we thought.
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Kansas Senate passes tax bill, on to House
Tonight the Kansas Senate passed its tax bill, adding about $330 million in new taxes for fiscal year 2011, which begins on July 1, 2010. The primary source of the new tax revenue is a one cent on the dollar increase in the sales tax. The measure passed with 23 votes in the 40 member…
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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.