Dave Trabert, Author at Kansas Policy Institute

Coronavirus reactions must be balanced, thoughtful 0
- Tax & Spending
- March 23, 2020
The Kansas City Star editorialized that politics must be set aside in dealing with the coronavirus, but it certainly isn’t practicing what it preaches. Its March 19 editorial slapped “Kansas and Missouri Republicans” for not mirroring Democrat Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s actions. The day before, they accused Republicans who wanted protections of basic liberties added
READ MORE
Local government hiked property tax 3X inflation in 2019 0
- Tax & Spending
- March 16, 2020
Contrary to claims that local officials are ‘holding the line’ on property tax increases, local government entities averaged a 4.5% increase in 2019. That’s three times the inflation rate of 1.5%. Education property taxes – mostly for public schools and community colleges – increased 3.6% last year according to the Kansas Department of Revenue’s 2019
READ MORE

University spending largely to blame for tuition hikes 0
- Education
- February 24, 2020
Last February, the Kansas City Star and the Wichita Eagle faulted legislators’ lack of funding for tuition increases, but analysis of university spending showed most of the blame went to the universities themselves. Now it’s deja vu all over again – the Star and the Eagle are blaming legislators with one-sided ‘news’ reporting to push
READ MORE
Many city and county officials don’t trust taxpayers 0
- Tax & Spending
- February 10, 2020
Last week’s hearing on SB 294, a property tax transparency bill, exposed an ugly truth that’s simmered beneath the surface for a long time – many city and county officials don’t trust taxpayers. Kansans are decent, understanding people. If their city and county officials make a compelling case to raise taxes for things like improved
READ MORE