Gov. Laura Kelly Archives - Kansas Policy Institute

Flawed formula overfunded special education by at least $323 million the last five years 0
- Education
- February 13, 2023
Kansas school officials say the Legislature is falling short of its statutory obligation to fund special education, but it turns out that the formula doesn’t count all the money related to special education. If all the money is counted, the Legislature provided at least $323 million more than required over the last five years. The
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Excess tax collections are not good for taxpayers 0
- Tax & Spending
- August 4, 2022
Governor Laura Kelly is heralding tax collections exceeding expectations as a sign of “forward momentum” in the state’s economy, but that is a government-focused viewpoint. The economic data tells a different story for taxpayers. In July 2022, the state of Kansas took in a total tax revenue of $586.2 million, 27.8% greater than the estimates
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With $1 billion in reserve, schools don’t need a $200 million gift 0
- Education
- January 17, 2022
Gov. Laura Kelly’s budget proposal to gift $200 million to schools this year – on top of a court-mandated $243 million increase – isn’t needed for several reasons. It’s just an election year stunt to paint opponents as being unwilling to ‘fully fund’ public education. Under Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the Legislature deferred about half ofREAD MORE

Cut Wasteful Spending to Eliminate the Food Sales Tax 0
- Tax & Spending
- November 10, 2021
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly this week announced a new initiative to eliminate the states’ sales tax on food. Kansas’ grocery sales tax is the second-highest in the country, so this change would be welcome. However, her plan to make up for the lost revenue with surplus dollars will eventually lead to higher taxes somewhere else
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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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