Kansas views on renewable energy, school funding, waitress’ tip, KanCare, Ex-Im Bank, gay marriage
Energy standard – Wind energy has been good to the state, but the industry is grown up now, and moving to the next phase of its development makes sense. The mandatory renewable portfolio standard had been the proverbial line in the sand between the fossil fuel and wind energy industries for years, and a settlement of some sorts was needed. That the state’s utilities expect to reach the 20 percent mark in another year created an environment conducive to retiring the mandate.
The renewable energy standards in Kansas were unfortunately weakened in a compromise unveiled by Gov. Sam Brownback and wind power supporters. However, the state’s energy mandate is not being totally repealed, which is a small victory for forces that have fought Koch Industries and others seeking that destructive outcome.
School funding – K-12 public school districts are realizing they’re being hamstrung by the state’s new block-grant funding approach that replaced a long-standing school-finance formula. Garden City USD 457, for example, faces a $2.2 million deficit in the coming year. As school districts struggle to find the least painful mix of budget cuts and higher property taxes to make up the shortfall, it’s important to remember how we ended up in this predicament – and why it’s necessary to change course by revising the state’s flawed tax policy.
Tip the schools – A Topeka waitress’ plea on a receipt to “tip the schools” shows the reach of the state’s school financing dilemma. What often seems like a high-level game of chicken between state legislators and school administrators is one that everyone in Kansas wants to see fixed. We commend the waitress for her willingness to stand up for her beliefs and for returning the focus to what’s important – the people of Kansas.
KanCare – One of the governor’s stated goals for the privatized KanCare system was to reduce the state’s Medicaid costs. That may be happening, but if the state is reducing its own costs by reducing patient services or forcing additional financial burdens on hospitals and insurance carriers, this system seems neither acceptable nor sustainable.
Ex-Im Bank – Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, should support reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank. In his 4th Congressional District, with Wichita at its heart, this issue should be a slam dunk. We in this district live on exports. Spirit AeroSystems is lobbying for reauthorization. Its small-business suppliers want reauthorization. Boeing is lobbying hard for reauthorization. But Pompeo, under pressure from the “just say no” tea party, is balking. It is hard to believe Pompeo can let contentious Republican politics trump his responsibility to stand up for the many export-dependent jobs in his district.
Gay marriage – We realize that legalizing gay marriage is an affront to some people’s religious beliefs. But this is not a matter of protecting someone’s religion or the long-held definition of marriage. This is now and always has been a matter of equal rights. There are many advantages the institution of marriage offers, and not only is it past time to grant those to everyone, but it’s the right thing to do, morally and legally.
This story was originally published May 10, 2015 at 7:07 PM with the headline "Kansas views on renewable energy, school funding, waitress’ tip, KanCare, Ex-Im Bank, gay marriage."