March 27, 2020
Before the last week of session, the Governor had signed only one bill into law that dealt with a cemetery near Wichita, but that changed.
The Kansas Legislature passed a budget for 2021 that is beyond belief. It contains a $1.2 billion increase in total spending. It increases the State General Fund (SGF) by over 9%. It is over-the-top spending in this time of national crisis. After thanking the legislature for passing the budget, the Governor admonished legislators for spending over $100 million more than she requested and she requested a lot. This budget’s Billion dollar increase only allots $50 million for the pandemic and $15 million for emergency equipment. This budget thumbs its nose at the situation before us. Knowing the state is going to face a drastic decrease in revenue, less taxes collected; income tax, sales tax, fuel tax, and other taxes and fees; knowing taxpayers are facing unforeseen hardships; knowing funds will need to be redirected, why would anyone commit to this budget. The excuse used to pass it by some was, ‘maybe it can be fixed when we’re back in session.’ Once in law, changes become difficult. I voted no on this reckless overspending spree of a budget, Senate Bill 66.
SB 173, the 10-year transportation plan includes language for new construction, maintenance, and increasing broadband infrastructure. The bill passed 37 Yes to 2 No votes. I voted Yes. The bill was signed into law.
SB 322 would make permanent the removal of sales tax on vehicle rebates. If the law doesn’t pass by June 2021, then for example, a new vehicle listing for $30,000 has a rebate of $5,000 so you would pay $25,000 for the vehicle but you would pay sales tax on the $30,000. I offered an amendment to remove sales tax on all manufacturer coupons. You shouldn’t pay sales tax on money you didn’t spend. I voted Yes with 34 Senators. Two Senators voted No.
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2054 would allow banks tax breaks on certain loans currently enjoyed by credit unions. It would also allow credit unions to increase membership. It passed 29 Yes to 5 No votes. I voted Yes.
House Bill (HB) 2595 eliminates the 30-day delay before state surplus can be sold. I voted no. Instead of removing the 30 days, there should be more restrictions. An example is the private auction of state confiscated deer antlers. The Minority Leader hosted a private auction in his office that only allowed two parties to bid on the antlers, the landowner where the deer died after being poached and Bass Pro. The bill passed 36 Yes to 3 No votes and was signed into law.
HB 2168 combined SB 225 and SB 409, increasing bed taxes on nursing homes and hospitals to get more federal funding. It will increase the cost to self-payers and health insurance because insurance companies will pass the cost to their customers. I voted against these tax increases. The bill passed on a vote 33 Yes to 6 No votes and was signed into law.
Legislation 101 Senate Bill (SB) 294, the bill we are following in these updates, that brings transparency to your property tax increases, had a hearing March 16 in the House Tax Committee. The Committee did not take action.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn