Kansas Views of state budget reality, ALEC conference, jail overcrowding
State budget – In a recent Associated Press interview, Gov. Sam Brownback expressed frustration with those who say that his income tax cuts haven’t worked. But we’re frustrated, too, with a governor who won’t admit that his tax policies have left the state starved for revenue, ushered in historic tax hikes, and never delivered that shot of adrenaline.
Gov. Sam Brownback’s discussion of the state economy sounds a little like the police officer telling people at the scene of an accident, “Move along, folks; nothing to see here.” He can keep saying “we’re going to be in good shape,” but it’s hard for Kansans to see that attitude as anything more than wishful thinking.
Gov. Sam Brownback prefers the Kansas Legislature resist temptation to delve into state tax policy during the 2016 session. He is convinced income tax cuts and other economic stimulus policies are having a positive influence on job creation in Kansas. We fervently hope Brownback’s assessment is on the money, but find no reason to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the state’s tax code.
It’s a travesty that Kansas taxpayers may be out $17,500 to send lawmakers to a conference of the American Legislative Exchange Council. It’s past time to shed light on the dark alliance between Republican state lawmakers, ALEC and its archconservative corporate financiers. Letting legislators pay their own registration for ALEC (and other) conferences, as Rep. Virgil Peck, R-Tyro, suggests, would be a good place to start.
Earlier this month, there were 9,709 state prisoners – exceeding capacity by 73. According to the Kansas Department of Corrections annual report, there could be a total of 11,300 inmates by 2025. Thus far, possible suggestions include transferring more prisoners to county jails or private prisons, increasing the number of days sentences can be reduced for completing rehabilitation programs, building more prison space, offering more low-level offenders non-prison options, and changing state law to reduce punishment severity or even decriminalize certain crimes on the books. We would encourage lawmakers seriously to examine the last two options first.
This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 6:06 PM with the headline "Kansas Views of state budget reality, ALEC conference, jail overcrowding."