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January 28, 2013 
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KPI's expertise on a variety of issues is being recognized and requested by leaders in Topeka. This week alone, KPI will be testifying three times and scholars with whom we've partnered are testifying three additional times. A full schedule is below.

From K-12 finance and property taxes to renewable energy and privatization, KPI and our work is in high demand.

Monday at 10:30 a.m. Dave Trabert will testify before the Senate Ways & Means Committee: K-12 Revenue and Spending Review
Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Dave Trabert will testify before the  House Commerce Committee: Public Negotiation Act
Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Michael Head of the Beacon Hill Institute will testify before the Senate Utilities Committee: Head was a co-author of a KPI study on the Renewable Energy Mandate
Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Dave Trabert will testify before the House Taxation Committee: Property Tax Transparency Act
Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Leonard Gilroy will testify before the House Appropriations Committee: Gilroy is the lead author of a study we released last week on privatization
Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. Leonard Gilroy will testify before the Senate Ways and Means Committee- Privatization Study Findings


"Better Service, Better Price" is Gilroy's primer of what privatization is and what it isn't. Gilroy and his co-authors examine best practices and case studies from privatization efforts around the world.

They arrive at the conclusion that savings of between five and 20 percent are achievable with well-implemented privatization...well on the way to making tax reform a reality.
ICYMI...
What happened at KPI over the past week:
The Legislative Session has begun. Legislators were sworn in on January 14th and the next morning commenced a swarm of activity. This year, unlike previous year, there will be no slack time at the beginning of the session.

Press Release - Privatization Can Provide Cost Savings of Between Five and 20 Percent 
A new study from Kansas Policy Institute shows how tax reform can be achieved without raising taxes.

Kansas' Governor and G.O.P. Seek to End Income Tax - New York Times 
President Obama stood on the steps of the Capitol in Washington on Monday afternoon and laid out an expansive liberal agenda for the nation. Inside the Kansas State Capitol here this week, Gov. Sam Brownback and Republican legislators have been drafting what could be a blueprint for the other side.

Kansas governor's school task force issues spending recommendations - Topeka Capital-Journal 
Gov. Sam Brownback's School Efficiency Task Force released a 12-point plan Monday to help school districts spend their money more effectively.

Impact of Gannon Ruling on Property and Sales Taxes 
The Gannon court ruling on school finance would cost taxpayers $597 million more per year. Leading to either a 15% property tax increase or a state sales tax rate of 7.4% along with a 4% increase in property taxes.

E-News - January 21, 2013 
Last week's edition of the weekly E-News.
The Policy Rundown...
A look at the policy debate in Kansas:

  
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