Taking Control: Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility in Kansas
Last week, the Kansas legislature came back for a special session called by Governor Kelly to focus on cutting taxes for Kansans. The new law, now signed by the governor, shows a big step forward on an issue that has been debated since January.
Kansans are glad this agreement is finally in place and are looking forward to its benefits. However, there's an important issue that needs attention to make Kansas’ government work better for its citizens.
According to the National Association of State Budget Officers, Kansas' general fund and total spending have gone up from $16.9 billion in 2019 to $25.1 billion in 2024. In the six years that Governor Kelly has been in office, spending has increased by 49%. This increase comes from both the Governor and the Republican-controlled legislature approving the spending.
We can and must do better.
The tax reform bill, SB 37, would have given even more tax relief to Kansas taxpayers. It was vetoed by the Governor at the end of the regular session because it was projected to add about $129 million more in relief than the Governor was willing to allow.
Covering this $129 million wouldn't have required cutting spending, just slowing down the rate of spending growth.
Kansas taxpayers deserve fiscal responsibility from both the legislature and the Governor. This means fair tax rates and careful budget management. Ask yourself:
Will we increase spending by nearly 50% over the next six years?
Where would we be now if our unemployment compensation fund hadn’t lost nearly half a billion dollars to fraudulent claims during COVID-19?
How much did the ransomware attack on our court’s IT system cost us to repair?
Managing our finances better will require stronger involvement from the legislature in the budget process. Join me in pushing for the necessary changes in the next legislative term to ensure lawmakers have the resources to make this happen.
As always, if you have any questions please reach out and hopefully I will see you soon.
