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All Blog Posts
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Governor Parkinson recently argued that the state's current budget plight was caused because Kansas has cut taxes too much over the last 10 years. What do you think?
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With House approval of the statewide indoor smoking ban and the bill now on its way to him for final signature, Governor Parkinson said, "This is a victory for workers, families, businesses and future generations." What do you think?
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One bill debated this week was a lawsuit reform called "pay to play", meaning you couldn't sue someone else in a car accident for your non-economic losses unless you carry personal injury vehicle insurance of your own. What do you think...
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In defense of a legislative proposal to repeal many Kansas sales tax exemptions, Rep. Julie Menghini recently said "It's time to put a stop to this irresponsible spending in the form of sales tax exemptions." What do you think?
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Mark Tallman, lobbyist for Kansas school boards, testified recently that "Although a sales tax is regressive [meaning it's disproportionately paid by the poor], cutting education and social services hurts the poor even more." What do you...
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The half of state budget for K12 education was cut 5.3% for this year (not counting K12 increases from local taxes) while the other half of the state's budget was cut by almost 15%. Some question, for example, whether this treats needy Medicaid recipients...
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On October 17, the federal government reported that Stimulus funds to Kansas had saved/created 209 jobs in this state. Two weeks later, that number mushroomed to 5,935 jobs. Does that mean 5,726 workers were very recently on the verge of losing their...
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Legislative staff now project a $536 million state budget deficit while the Governor projects a $183 million deficit. Last April, state administrators said employer taxes would cover expanded unemployment benefits, but now say we'll be $292 million...
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With just a short period under his belt, Governor Mark Parkinson has already exercised his authority over the state budget, taxes, abortion, energy policy, and more. What do you think about his performance so far?
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With the 2009 Legislature's final budget and tax bills now advanced to the Governor, the state has a 2010 general fund budget to spend about $6 billion. If state revenues come in fully as projected, the year's end budget balance will be $17,000...
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Governor Sebelius again vetoed a bill that would allow new coal-fired electricity plants to be built in western Kansas. Assuming Mark Parkinson is elevated to the role of Governor by the time the Legislature reconvenes April 29, do you think a veto override...
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The hectic legislative process apparently created problems in publishing the House Journal for April 3, which was not publicly available until early in the morning of April 7. KansasVotes.org will have those voting reports uploaded to its site very soon...
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If the Legislature allows it, Kansans could vote to change the state's constitution to clarify 2nd Amendment gun rights. The US Supreme Court recently ruled it is an individual right, not a collective one, but an old Kansas court opinion says otherwise...
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Senate Bill 296 will be heard today, to prevent Kansas from spending any federal "stimulus" money until detailed agency reports show its effect on the state budget deficit in two years. What do you think of the proposal?
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The House Taxation Committee held hearings today on whether property tax valuations should be limited to 2% annual growth while local governments would be free to vote into place whatever mill levy they choose to cover their budget needs. What do you...
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