Tax & Spending

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
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A Kansas Budget for Economic Growth & COVID Protection 0
- Tax & Spending
- January 4, 2021
Kansas government is at a crossroads. One path leads to economic malaise, and an ever-increasing budget financed on the backs of those living paycheck to paycheck. Another path leads to a self-sustaining economy, where every tax dollar spent is knowingly tied to a public benefit. As Kansas lawmakers await and consider Governor Laura Kelly’s tax
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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
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Performance-based-budgeting eliminates the deficit & puts Kansans first 0
- Tax & Spending
- December 7, 2020
Reducing spending should be a top priority to eliminate the state’s pending $720 million shortfall through 2022. However, that does not necessarily mean a reduction in quality services. Both the Kansas legislature and the Governor need to think differently about state budgeting. One such option is for the Governor to enforce the performance-based-budgeting that is
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An Open Letter to County Commissioners About COVID Mandates 0
- Tax & Spending
- November 23, 2020
Kansas counties should not consider mandatory non-pharmaceutical intervention: mask mandates, curfews, or lockdowns. There are more productive ways to fight the effects of COVID-19 than mandates. My name is Michael Austin, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Government at the Kansas Policy Institute. We help ensure Kansans are informed about incoming challenges so they can
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