• 2021 Legislator Briefing Book

    2021 Legislator Briefing Book0

    The 2021 version of our Legislator Briefing Book is a quick-reference guide that provides background and perspective on state spending, taxes, education, and general economic conditions. The charts and tables in each section are updated periodically and are available for download in our Tax and Spending media library and the Education media library. KPI 2021READ MORE
  • A Kansas Budget for Economic Growth & COVID Protection

    A Kansas Budget for Economic Growth & COVID Protection0

    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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  • Perspectives on Economic Development Incentives and Economic Growth in Wichita

    Perspectives on Economic Development Incentives and Economic Growth in Wichita0

    Few regional economies become as specialized as the Wichita economy became – and remains. A confluence of events at the dawn of aviation made Wichita the “Air Capital of the World.” A second confluence of events – primarily the demand for aircraft to fight World War II – meta-sized that identity, creating an economic boom

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  • STAR Bonds redirect jobs, not create them

    STAR Bonds redirect jobs, not create them0

    As Kansas desperately searches for ways to pull itself out of the COVID-19 depression, policymakers will undoubtedly consider economic development tools as an answer. Kansas Sales Tax Anticipation Revenue Bonds, or STAR Bonds, are some of the most notable tools at the disposal of state and local governments. However, the latest research suggests that policymakers

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  • County Budgets Review: Bringing Savings to Families

    County Budgets Review: Bringing Savings to Families0

    It is an undeniable truth that Kansas has far too much government for a state of its population and economic size. Kansas’s ranking as the 2nd highest share of local government workers per capita means too many family resources are devoted to maintaining bloated public sector budgets. Therefore, we created a tool for Kansans to

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  • Green Book 2020: Gov. Kelly Vetoes Relief From Nation’s Highest Property Tax Rate

    Green Book 2020: Gov. Kelly Vetoes Relief From Nation’s Highest Property Tax Rate0

    With school closures, businesses shuttered for months, and inconsistent unemployment relief, Kansans’ well-being is in serious trouble. Governor Kelly’s history of denying Kansans tax relief and most recent action to veto the legislature overwhelming approval of property tax relief will only make matters worse. Our 2020 Green Book summarizes what 20+ years of Governor Kelly-like

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