Kansas views on revenue shortfall, Orman, Brownback, Taking Back Kansas, Stegall
Revenue shortfall – New figures indicate Kansas’ radical income tax cuts still are reducing revenue expected to help provide public services. In August, individual income tax revenue was $11.1 million below budget estimates, or a full 6 percent lower than predicted. That’s a sobering detail you won’t hear from Gov. Sam Brownback or his staff. They continue to promote the myth that tax cuts will bring in more money – ignoring the reality that Kansas’ budget ended the last fiscal year $300 million below expectations.
Orman – A group of prominent Republicans made a strong statement last week in the Kansas race for U.S. Senate. The moderate group Traditional Republicans for Common Sense – including many former lawmakers – endorsed Olathe businessman Greg Orman, an independent looking to unseat incumbent Republican Sen. Pat Roberts. The Kansas Republicans had cause to embrace a viable independent candidate in Orman, who would be more willing to seek commonsense solutions than Roberts. Like many Americans, Orman understandably feels alienated by both parties.
Brownback – During a recent stop in Hutchinson, Gov. Sam Brownback, who was met by a group of red-shirted education supporters, said he regrets the adversarial relationship he has with the state’s teachers. That’s a little comical coming from a governor who has spent much of his time in office fostering and developing an adversarial and contentious relationship with teachers and other supporters of public education. Brownback has spearheaded a handful of education initiatives that are admirable, especially efforts to raise awareness and incentives to pursue a technical degree at places such as Hutchinson Community College. But when it comes to teachers and public education, his words and his actions don’t align.
Taking Back Kansas – It’s a little early to know the impact of the recent “Taking Back Kansas” convention in Wichita. The bipartisan, grassroots organization Women for Kansas brought 500 women from 88 communities to the two-day gathering. The evidence is growing that the courses taken by Gov. Sam Brownback and Secretary of State Kris Kobach have so alienated serious, reasonable women that those women have a real chance to “take back Kansas.” And the evidence is growing that grassroots movements rather than political parties themselves can make the most difference on Nov. 4.
Stegall – Gov. Sam Brownback made his first appointment to the Kansas Supreme Court with Caleb Stegall. Stegall brings strong beliefs to the bench but not much experience as he’s only worn a judge’s robe since January, when Brownback appointed him to the Kansas Court of Appeals. In selecting Stegall for the high court, the governor passed on two judges who each possessed more than 20 years on the bench. Brownback promises “Justice Stegall will be an excellent addition to the Kansas Supreme Court.” He’ll certainly support Brownback’s view of justice for the Sunflower State.
This story was originally published September 7, 2014 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Kansas views on revenue shortfall, Orman, Brownback, Taking Back Kansas, Stegall."