• ESG-related bills stir discussion in Kansas

    ESG-related bills stir discussion in Kansas0

    Two bills surrounding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria towards Kansas’s public investing and government activities – HB 2436 and SB 291 – have had hearings over the last few weeks. Specifically, provisions in these bills would prohibit decision-making based on ESG-criteria in government contracts, require KPERS to invest solely based on the return to

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  • Think Long-Term Relief with FY 2022 Tax Revenue

    Think Long-Term Relief with FY 2022 Tax Revenue0

    In June of 2022, the state of Kansas’s total tax revenue was $856.8 million, which was 2.2% greater than the estimates for this month. This includes $303.6 million in sales taxes and $523.8 million in income taxes. The revenue collected for June of this year was 7.7% higher than what it was in June of

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  • 2021 Kansas Payrolls: $2.26 billion

    2021 Kansas Payrolls: $2.26 billion0

    Kansas payrolls for employees at state agencies and universities totaled $2.26 billion during the 2021 calendar year, including $33.8 million on overtime. Compared to 2020, total pay was 0.3% greater while overtime was 14.2% greater. Complete records on total pay and overtime for state employees can be found on KansasOpenGov.org. The amounts listed in total

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  • Ideas for ARPA and Kansas Revenue Cash Pile

    Ideas for ARPA and Kansas Revenue Cash Pile0

    Kansas sits on a massive influx in taxpayer cash. By June, the state’s ending balance is expected to hold a $3 billion surplus as monthly tax revenues continually exceed expectations. On top of this, the state also has its second round of federal ARPA relief funds hitting coffers in May. Kansas isn’t unique in this

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  • Achievement gaps persist despite KSDE claims

    Achievement gaps persist despite KSDE claims0

    Deputy Commissioner of Education Brad Neuenswander last week told legislators that achievement gaps began to close after funding was "restored," but as is often the case with KSDE, both claims were misleading.  Funding was increased, not cut, and achievement gaps have remained persistently wide. Legislators were told that proficiency – Levels 3 and 4 onREAD MORE
  • Truth in Accounting Highlights Uncomfortable Truths About Kansas Pensions

    Truth in Accounting Highlights Uncomfortable Truths About Kansas Pensions0

    Truth in Accounting’s Financial State of the States for 2021 ranks Kansas 27th in fiscal health nationwide with an overall grade of a D. This rank is due to the state’s $7,500 burden per taxpayer to pay off its $6.7 billion in debt, including unfunded retirement benefit and pension plans. The state has “only set

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