Dave Trabert, Author at Kansas Policy Institute

2021 Legislator Briefing Book also has good value for taxpayers 0
- Tax & Spending
- January 14, 2021
Our 2021 Legislator Briefing Book is designed to give legislators and taxpayers a quick-reference guide that provides background and perspective on state spending, tax facts, economic conditions, and K-12 education. It’s all government data, but much of it is hard to find. And the data often contradicts what you’ve heard from media and government officials. READ MORE
Cities, counties keep expanding the property tax honesty gap 0
- Tax & Spending
- January 9, 2021
In its 2021 budget report, Douglas County says, “Acknowledging that COVID-19 has had a significant economic impact for many, the mill levy remains flat….” But they don’t mention there is a 4.8% property tax hike in this year’s budget. That’s the epitome of the Kansas property tax honesty gap. Local officials speak only of mill rate
READ MORE

School district hiring underscores need for money-follow-the-child programs 0
- Education
- January 5, 2021
(Editor’s note – this article has been updated with a revised calculation of virtual enrollment; the original article showed a 22,000 total enrollment decline. Some of the district enrollment changes are also updated.) School districts' decisions to add managers and cut classroom aides is the latest indication that legislators need to approve money-follow-the-child programs toREAD MORE
MoneyWise: Kansas 3rd worst state for taxing retirees 0
- Tax & Spending
- December 17, 2020
According to the personal finance website MoneyWise ranking, Kansas ranks as the 3rd worst state for taxing retirees, with property tax, sales tax, and income tax on private retirement income cited as being unattractive. Only Connecticut and Nebraska performed worse than Kansas. According to MoneyWise, Kansas does not tax social security income for those with
READ MORE