Page 14 - Tom Hawk News Today

Democrats cautioned they were heading back to the atrophied years of tax cuts that defined the era when Sam Brownback was governor. “I worry that we always seem to flirt with the same problem that we had with the last recession in 2008 when we came back and gave tax cuts,” Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan Democrat said, “ and then our state did not recover as rapidly as those around us.” But Caryn Tyson, the Republican chair of the tax committee, said that was just “gloom and doom.” “Th...

Democrats cautioned they were heading back to the atrophied years of tax cuts that defined the era when Sam Brownback was governor. “I worry that we always seem to flirt with the same problem that we had with the last recession in 2008 when we came back and gave tax cuts,” Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan Democrat said, “ and then our state did not recover as rapidly as those around us.” But Caryn Tyson, the Republican chair of the tax committee, said that was just “gloom and doom.” �...

Democrats cautioned they were heading back to the atrophied years of tax cuts that defined the era when Sam Brownback was governor. “I worry that we always seem to flirt with the same problem that we had with the last recession in 2008 when we came back and gave tax cuts,” Sen. Tom Hawk, a Manhattan Democrat said, “ and then our state did not recover as rapidly as those around us.” But Caryn Tyson, the Republican chair of the tax committee, said that was just “gloom and doom.” “Th...

Overall, Kansas might have to spend almost $2.5 million extra to make up for the higher bills. While the amount is small relative to Kansas $20 billion budget, every dollar matters. The states coffers can still face uncertainty from the economic impacts of COVID-19, and GOP lawmakers are looking to override a veto on $284 million in tax cuts over three years. Agencies saw dramatic spike in energy bills Many of the increased energy bills were much, much higher than expected. The Kansas High...

Februarys extreme cold weather event puts added stress on Kansas state budget Titus Wu, Topeka Capital-Journal Many municipalities were in danger of financial ruin from sky-high natural gas bills after extreme cold temperatures swept through Kansas in February and caused rolling blackouts. The high prices were caused by the unprecedented demand for energy during the freezing weather, combined with the limited supply due to the freeze taking down critical energy infrastructure...

Manhattan area lawmakers discuss tax bill, redistricting at virtual forum Screenshot of Friday’s virtual legislative forum, hosted by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Manhattan area state lawmakers fielded questions at a virtual legislative forum Friday, hosted by the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. On the topic of the legislature’s likely veto override of proposed income tax cuts in Kansas, 51st District Rep. Ron Highland (R-Wamego) says he believes it’s one of the first...

Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector photo by: Screen capture/Kansas Reflector Sen. Rick Billinger, center, said the Legislature would consider a proposed 2.5% salary hike for state employees next week when lawmakers return to Topeka to address vetoes by Gov. Laura Kelly. Salina Sen. J.R. Claeys, left, opposes the pay hike, while Manhattan Sen. Tom Hawk, right, supports the increase. TOPEKA — Republicans on the Kansas Senate’s budget committee attacked Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to allocate $52 ...

Kansas governor vetoes most bills in 17 years as Republicans push aggressive agenda Katie Bernard and Jonathan Shorman, The Kansas City Star Apr. 26—TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kellys veto pen moved swiftly last week. Transgender athlete ban? Civics and financial literacy requirements for high schoolers? Gun safety education for students using NRA materials? All vetoed. Kelly has rejected eight non-budget bills this year, more than any Kansas governor in the past 17 years. On...

Kansas legislators are in the waning days of sorting out the state budget for the coming fiscal years, but — much like college students ahead of finals — have left some of the hardest work for last. Much of the spending blueprint has been locked in. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the $20 billion budget bill Monday, opting to keep the core elements of the document intact — although she did opt to use her line-item veto powers on more than a dozen items.  That includes language giving legisla...

Kansas lawmakers still debating how to fund schools, possible raise for state employees Andrew Bahl, Topeka Capital-Journal © Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal Legislature members mill around the mostly empty Statehouse Tuesday afternoon as committee meetings take place. Kansas legislators are in the waning days of sorting out the state budget for the coming fiscal years, but — much like college students ahead of finals — have left some of the hardest work for last. Popu...