We look forward to your visit at www.kansaspolicy.org as we launch.  We are still constructing the site but wanted to get it launched.  We will be sending out an invitation when it is live.   

Sluggish economic rebound expected for Kansas
By Brian R. Hook
New research predicts a slowing economic decline across the state next year. A "sluggish rebound" is forecasted to begin in 2010 at the beginning of the second quarter.
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Economist calls for scrapping state income tax
By Gene Meyer
University of Kansas economist Art Hall says axing Kansas' current income tax system and replacing it with an 8 percent sales tax would help the economy grow. (Read more)
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Rural economy in Kansas improves; still suffering
By Brian R. Hook
Survey of bank executives shows that economic improvement is underway in rural parts of the state, but economic weakness continues, costing the state thousands of jobs.
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State executives line up to detail budget cuts
By Gene Meyer
An estimated $5.3 billion in tax revenues this year means the loss of hundreds of jobs, executives say. "A good deal of uncertainty remains," adds legislative researcher.
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School Audit Finds $1 Million In Potential Savings in Derby District
By Paul Soutar
The first Kansas school district  to complete an efficiency audit could save another $1 million a year even though it already spends less per pupil on non-instruction functions than similar districts.  But the audit isn't all good news. Derby, USD260, is one of only four of the state's 293 districts to ask for an audit by the Legislative Division of Post Audit (LPA). State officials refused to require the audits and districts' ongoing lack of adherence to accounting standards limits the ability to draw meaningful comparisons..
The audit revealed Derby generally spends less per pupil than peer districts on non-instruction functions and a few additional efficiencies could save the district another $1 million dollars annually.  (Read more) 
 
Federal Election Commission fines Kansas Republican Party $500
By Earl Glynn
The Kansas Republican Party paid a $500 fine in September to the Federal Election Commission for failure to file its April monthly report.  On Wednesday the FEC announced publication of enforcement case files dating back to 1975. While reviewing that press release the Kansas Watchdog discovered the FEC Enforcement Query System and the recent fine paid by the Kansas Republican Party. The FEC Enforcement Query System includes all FEC enforcement cases closed since 1999. A search of that system for "Kansas" revealed the administrative fine case against the Kansas Republican Party from earlier this year.  (Read more).  
 
President declares major disaster for Kansas
By Earl Glynn
President Obama declared a major disaster for Kansas for the severe winter storm Nov 14-16, 2009.  FEMA announced this in a press release on Wednesday.
The designated counties include Marshall, Republic, and Washington.  Federal funding is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe winter storm in these counties. (Read more). 

 
Time for Kansas to Make Budget Choices Is Approaching
By Paul Soutar 
A Review of Significant State Tax Changes During 2009, a report by the Tax Foundation released yesterday, outlines budget choices states are making as the recession continues to cut into tax revenues. According to the report: Six states raised general sales tax rates, 17 states increased excise taxes on cigarettes, five states increased rates of alcohol excise taxes, nine states increased individual income tax rates, five states reduced individual income tax rates.  Kansas has done none of the above, yet. Economic projections for Kansas indicate the state isn't out of the woods yet.  (Read more).   
 
Kansans join Nebraska rally in Omaha to encourage Sen. Ben Nelson to oppose health care bill
By Earl Glynn 
"Senator Ben Nelson, Please Represent Nebraska! Oppose the Health Care Bill." Photo Courtesy Phillis Setchell, Topeka.  Dozens of Kansans traveled to Omaha today to join a rally of about 1,800 Nebraskans urging Sen. Ben Nelson (D, NE) to oppose the health care bill.  The Kansas Watchdog interviewed several Kansans by phone on their trip home from Nebraska. Some traveled by car, and others took advantage of free bus trips provided by Americans for Prosperity-Kansas from Topeka and Shawnee. (Read more).