Kansas lawmakers have an opportunity to fix the state’s broken budget process and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. My testimony before the Senate Committee on Government Efficiency (COGE) on Monday, March 17, emphasized the need to stop excessive government growth, enforce strict spending limits, and hold agencies accountable.
Appreciating COGE’s Leadership in Fiscal Reform
The Committee on Government Efficiency (COGE) has exposed wasteful spending and improved government transparency. Their work can make Kansas a leader in budget reform, setting an example as many other states move toward efficiency-driven policies. Their success in demanding fiscal responsibility and accountability is critical to protecting Kansas taxpayers from runaway spending.
Stop Government Growth Before It’s Too Late
Kansas added 5,100 government jobs in 2024, accounting for 28% of all new jobs, while the private sector added 13,300. This trend is unsustainable. The government cannot be an economic driver as it must take from the productive private sector. Every unnecessary position forces higher taxes or debt, crowding out private-sector growth.
Senate Bill 99 is a step in the right direction by requiring agencies to eliminate vacant government jobs unfilled for more than 180 days. This prevents bureaucracies from hoarding taxpayer money for positions they don’t need and frees up resources for tax relief.
Strengthen Kansas’ Spending Limits
Kansas has made progress, but more must be done. The Responsible Kansas Budget (RKB) would cap spending growth at population growth plus inflation, keeping government in check. For 2026, that’s 4.9%—a reasonable limit to prevent overspending.
This approach has worked in other states. Colorado’s TABOR, Texas’ spending cap, and Florida’s long-term planning model show that strict fiscal rules lead to lower taxes and stronger economies. Groups like the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) and Club for Growth Foundation have backed these policies because they work. Kansas must follow suit.
Keep Local Governments Accountable
While state spending is a focus, local governments continue to raise property taxes, making it harder for families to afford homes and for businesses to thrive. COGE should expose local waste and demand spending limits, ensuring municipalities live within their means just like taxpayers do.
While state spending is a focus, local governments continue raising property taxes, making it harder for families to afford homes and for businesses to thrive. COGE should expose local waste and demand spending limits, ensuring municipalities live within their means, just as taxpayers and the state must.
The Path Forward
With COGE’s leadership, Kansas is making substantial progress in budget transparency and efficiency. Many states are now moving toward these reforms, but Kansas has the opportunity to lead. By cutting waste, capping spending, and holding all levels of government accountable, lawmakers can make Kansas a national model for fiscal responsibility.
The Legislature should now lock in these reforms before government spending spirals out of control. Taxpayers deserve better.
