Kansas views on bipartisanship, highway fund, state plane, voting rights
Bipartisanship – With the victories of moderate Republicans in the August primaries, many Kansans made it clear that they’re ready for a return to practical governance in our state. As our increasingly unproductive and backlogged Congress has proved, this can only be achieved if legislators cultivate partnerships across the aisle.
Highway fund – Sweeping money out of the highway fund has been a short-term budget fix, but it is starting to create some long-term woes for the Sunflower State’s highways and the people who use them.
State plane – There are lots of financial decisions Gov. Sam Brownback and legislative leaders should have to answer for in the coming election. The decision to paint and refurbish the state’s executive plane isn’t one of them. Keeping the plane in good repair with regular maintenance, painting and equipment upgrades is logical.
Voting rights – Ideally, Kansas would join other states in seeking ways to improve voter participation. That’s a dream, unfortunately, with ultraconservatives in charge. Secretary of State Kris Kobach and other right-wing ideologues involved with the American Legislative Exchange Council know far-right Republicans fare better when fewer people vote.
Security costs – Thanks to the foresight of the Legislature – which passed legislation that forced local governments to either allow firearms or to secure their buildings to unreasonable levels – Reno County taxpayers are now on the hook for a multimillion-dollar renovation of the courthouse and law enforcement center. Lawmakers claimed this would make the public safer, while local governments and law enforcement officials have said the need for safety justifies some questionable expenses.
This story was originally published September 26, 2016 at 5:05 AM with the headline "Kansas views on bipartisanship, highway fund, state plane, voting rights."