3.16.10 Kansas Policy Institute E-newsletter

Kansas Policy Institute

3.22.10

New Study Promotes Competitive Tax Policies

"Positioning Kansas for Economic Growth with Competitive Tax Policies" shows how Kansas' tax policies compare with neighboring states and recommends how tax policy can be used to position the state to be more competitive for job creation and retention. The study is authored by Jonathan Williams, adjunct fiscal policy fellow with Kansas Policy Institute and director of the Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Washington, D.C. Read More

Commentary

Everyone Wins or We All Lose

By Dave Trabert
March 22, 2010

One of the biggest obstacles to conflict resolution is the petty notion that one party has to lose in order for the other party to win. Amazingly, people (regrettably, including me) who very clearly understand and explain this common-sense concept when settling squabbles among their children can completely lose sight of it when they are engaged in a conflict. It happens in the boardroom, in personal relationships, in union negotiations and is increasingly becoming the hallmark of politics. Read More>>

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Rural economy slow to recover

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 CST

The rural economy in Kansas is slower to recover than urban areas.

KPERS fund rate might increase

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Friday, March 19, 2010 CST

The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System might see an increase in state contributions starting in 2013.

Kansas tax panel offers balanced budget, no new taxes

By Gene Meyer. Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 CST

Plan calls for freezing school funding at 2010 levels, closing state offices early on Fridays and other measures to build a $302 million cushion next year.

Senate Committee says no to new taxes

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Thursday, March 18, 2010 CST

The Senate Taxation and Assessment Committee took final action on four revenue enhancers Thursday and none of them were voted out of committee.

Exemptions severely erode Kansas' tax bases, audit finds

By Gene Meyer. Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 CST

Counties lose an estimated $400 million in property tax since 2006; some exemptions also are more generous than required.

O'Neal ethics hearing to begin Thursday

By Gene Meyer. Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 CST

Opponents claim representing businesses suing Kansas is a conflict of interest; House Speaker says he's done nothing wrong.

KOSE seeks more protection for whistleblowers

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 CST

Kansas Organization of State Employees testifiy before a senate committee to receive more whistleblower protection.

Parkinson names Biggs as Secretary of State

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 CST

Governor Mark Parkinson named Securities Commissioner Chris Biggs as Secretary of State on Tuesday.

Kansas House postpones sales tax decision

By Rachel Whitten. Posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 CST

Delay opponents warn of potential tax trap; backers say needs must be met before exemptions are voted.

Closing Statements from 3rd District Debate (video)

By Earl Glynn on March 21, 2010

Watch the 90-second closing statements from each of the eight candidtes at a 3rd Congressional District debated and forum held Saturday. Candidates show below (in alphabetical order by last name): Daniel Gilyeat (R-Kansas City) Nick Jordan (R-Shawnee) Dave King (R-Leawood) Patricia Lightner (R-Olathe) Craig McPherson (R-Overland Park) John Rysavy (R-Overland Park) Jasmin Talbert (Libertarian-Overland Park Kevin Yoder (R-Overland Park) Read More>>

3rd District Candidates Debate

By Earl Glynn on March 21, 2010

A candidate debate and forum of eight 3rd Congressional District candidates was held Saturday at the Blue Valley Northwest High School. About 300 people attended to listen to 7 Republicans and a Libertarian candidate. Read More>>

Overland Park Tea Party in the Snow Against Health Care Bill

By Earl Glynn on March 20, 2010

More than 50 protested Saturday in the snow outside Congressman Dennis Moore's (D-Lenexa) office against the proposed health care bill being discussed by the U.S. House. Read More>>

Kansas City Tea Party Protests Health Bill in Congress

By Earl Glynn on March 20, 2010

Kansas City, MO. A small group held a "Tea Party" outside Congressman Emanuel Cleaver's Office on Friday to protest the proposed health care legislation being considered by Congress. Two participants explain their views in the video: Read More>>

$472,000 in Bonuses in 2009 for City Workers in Overland Park

By Earl Glynn on March 19, 2010

[Editor's Note: This is the first of two articles from recent discussions with Overland Park City Manager John Nachbar. The second article will address Overland Park budget reductions of $140 million over the next 5 years. Also see related Tables and Statistical Charts.] Bonuses paid to City of Overland Park workers totaled nearly $472,000 in 2009, [...] Read More>>

Sun Editor Steve Rose Needs Facts and Figures not Fear Mongering about Schools

By Earl Glynn on March 19, 2010

Steve Rose in his "Memo" this week, Teachers, programs slashed. Thanks, Ray, needs more hard facts and figures instead of fear mongering about "slashing" school budgets. Rose attacks House Republican Majority Leader Ray Merrick: Merrick wants to take schools back to the dark ages, and he is getting us there in a hurry. ... Ray Merrick knows this. Why [...] Read More>>

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In This Issue

Open Records & Open Meetings Training

Event: Law Liberty and Market Lecture Series

Launch of New Transparency Blog

Coming Soon: Tax Day Tea Party

The Kansas Attorney General's office will offer free Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA) and Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) training from June 22 to July 1 at five sites around the state.

Salina, June 22
Wichita, June 25
Olathe, June 29
Pittsburg, June 30
Topeka, July 1

More information and registration are here. The deadline for registration is May 24.

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Law Liberty and the Market Lecture Series

March 30, 2010, 7-9pm
Friends University, Alumni Auditorium

The lectures are free and open to the public. Dr. Chris Fawson of Utah State University will show how the application of market principles by different societies product different results in liberty and prosperity.

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Make sure to visit our new transparency blog:

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Tax Day Tea Party

April 15th, 2010

Details are pending but it will be in the area around the

Wichita City Building and Sedgwick County Courthouse
In the area of Central and Main.
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Bring your favorite sign, flags
and lawn chair

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