A tax measure signed into law Tuesday by Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has generated both positive and negative reviews there. Here are two sides to the story. The first is a signing announcement from the governor’s office. The second is a statement from the Kansas National Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union.

What do you think?  Read both sides, then vote in the poll below.

Governor Brownback signs pro-growth tax legislation

Topeka – Joined by small business owners, state legislators, Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors, Governor’s Cabinet members and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D., Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed one of the largest tax relief measures in Kansas history into law today at the Capitol in Topeka.

The new law cuts state income tax rates for all hard-working Kansans by 14 to 24 percent and eliminates state income taxes on more than 191,000 small business owners.

 

Governor Brownback likened Senate Sub. for House Bill 2117 to a shot of adrenaline into the heart of the Kansas economy.

“My faith is in the people of Kansas, not the government’s ability to tax and redistribute. They know better how to spend their money and I believe they will do incredible things with it,” Brownback said. “Today’s legislation will create tens of thousands of new jobs and help make Kansas the best place in America to start and grow a small business. Now is the time to grow our economy, not state government, and that’s what this tax cut will do.”

Kansas Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan said the new law will leave $1.1 billion in Kansans’ pockets during the next two years to save, spend and invest.

“After the lost decade for jobs in Kansas, Governor Brownback has been incredibly focused on creating a pro-growth environment that will increase Kansas families’ income and accelerate small business growth,” Jordan said. “This focus has turned the budget deficit he inherited into a strong surplus, and, with historic tax relief now in place, Kansas is poised to lead America’s economic recovery.”

The law collapses the current three-bracket structure for individual state income taxes (3.5, 6.25 and 6.45 percent respectively) into a two-bracket system using rates of 3.0 and 4.9 percent. The business income exemption eliminates certain non-wage business income for small business owners (income reported by LLC’s, Subchapter-S Corporations, and sole proprietorships on lines 12, 17, and 18 of federal form 1040).

The law also flattens the tax structure and increases the standard deduction amount for single head-of-household filers from $4,500 to $9,000; and for married taxpayers filing jointly from $6,000 to $9,000.

Dynamic projections show the new law will result in 22,900 new jobs, give $2 billion more in disposable income to Kansans and increase population by 35,740, all in addition to the normal growth rate of the state.

Speaker of the House Mike O’Neal (R – Hutchinson) praised the new tax law.

“By reforming income taxes in Kansas, our state will start building a solid tax foundation that will create a strong economy for the years to come. We must continue down a path that brings prosperity to the residents of Kansas and HB 2117 will move our state toward a healthy and vibrant economy,” Speaker O’Neal said.

Rep. Arlen Siegfreid ( R- Olathe), the Majority Leader in the House, said the new tax plan paints a brighter future for the state.

“There’s a reason surrounding states are racing to keep pace with Kansas in providing tax relief,” Rep. Siegfreid said. “They recognize this was a significant victory in a constant battle to attract jobs and grow our economy.”

The chair of the House Taxation Committee, Rep. Richard Carlson (R – St. Marys), said Kansas is raising the bar on pro-growth tax policy.

“Kansas is embarking on and setting the threshold for the nation with a pro-growth, pro-jobs tax reform policy,” Rep. Carlson said. “Lowering taxes on individuals and small businesses will jump start the private sector growth in Kansas, allowing Kansans to grow Kansas. We invite the nation’s businesses to come grow with Kansas.”

Others joining the Governor for the bill signing included legislators: Sen. Dennis Pyle, Reps. Joe Patton, Brett Hildabrand, and Terri Lois Gregory; Governor’s Cabinet members: Labor Sec. Karin Brownlee, Commerce Sec. Pat George, K-DOT Sec. Mike King, Agriculture, Sec. Dale Rodman, Corrections Sec. Ray Roberts, Aging Sec. Shawn Sullivan, SRS Sec. Phyllis Gilmore, Administration Sec. Dennis Taylor; David Murfin, Kansas Chamber Chairman & President of Murfin Drilling Company; Jason Watkins, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce; Derrick Sontag, Americans for Prosperity; Dave Trabert, Kansas Policy Institute; and members of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors: Patti Bossert, President of Key Staffing; Alfred Botchway, PH.D. President of Xenometrics, LLC; and Larry Sevier, CEO of NEX-Tech, Inc.

The bill, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2117, passed the Senate by a vote of 29-11 and the House by a vote of 64-59.

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A bleak outlook for the future of Kansas
(Submitted by Blake West. President of Kansas NEA)

In a move that is all but certain to force devastating cuts to education, public safety, highway maintenance, and services to seniors and those with disabilities, Governor Sam Brownback today signed into law a tax bill that will leave a $2.5 billion hole in the state budget within six years.

The Governor and legislature have decided to abandon common sense and bet the future of this state on the false promise that hundreds of thousands of jobs can be created over the next five years, more new jobs than in any other state that has attempted this flawed strategy.

An analysis by the Kansas Economic Progress Council shows that to try and recover the lost revenue through increased sales tax collections, Kansas would need to add nearly 500,000 new jobs each paying $50,000. That is equivalent to a 50% increase in jobs in just six years.

Yet the Governor’s plan assumes this will happen. It also assumes a savings of over $350 million in Medicaid. It assumes the state, now under investigation for failing to provide needed services to the disabled, will not be forced to provide those services. It assumes that businesses that don’t qualify for his business income tax cuts won’t bother to change their tax status to get the cut. It assumes that every business receiving a tax cut will use it to create jobs instead of padding their profits.

Said KNEA President Blake West, “By signing this reckless bill the Governor is ensuring that the damage done by education cuts over the past several years will not be repaired. In fact, Kansas schools, classrooms, and our students will likely see even more programs cut, fewer opportunities for learning 21st century skills. Despite salaries frozen for four years while assuming the increased cost of health benefits, Kansas teachers have tried to fill the gap created by inadequate school budgets, purchasing school supplies needed to help students learn with their own money. Just when we see a light at the end of the tunnel, the Governor shuts it off.”

“Legislation passed through parliamentary tricks and bullying, a communications system in the Governor’s office that does not allow citizens to express their concerns, and a hastily scheduled signing ceremony have all worked to silence the voice of the people in this process. We call on the Governor and the Legislature to take action as soon as possible to reverse this destructive course for Kansas.”

“With the economy in recovery, this is not the time for massive corporate tax cuts. This is a time to reinvest in the future of Kansas with great schools and quality of life for all citizens.”

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President Barack Obama says the graduating seniors of Joplin are a “source of inspiration” to him and the nation. Obama delivered the commencement address at Joplin High School last night, one day short of a year after a tornado killed 161 people and destroyed a third of the city.

Obama says the story of Joplin is one of a community coming together in response to tragedy. He says the graduating class can use it as a lesson that, in his words, “we can define our own lives not by what happens to us, but by how we respond.”

A highly decorated Army Sergeant from Overland Park was among two soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan Friday.  The Pentagon has notified the relatives, and released the names of Sergeant Michael Knapp, 28, of Overland Park, and Sergeant Jabraun Knox, 23, of Auburn, Ind.

Defense Department officials say the pair died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their unit with indirect fire. Both Soldiers were assigned to 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

“On behalf of the Soldiers and Family members of the 17th Fires Brigade, I express our deepest condolences to the families of Sgt. Michael J.Knapp and Sgt. Jabraun S. Knox,” said Col. Kenneth L. Kamper, 17th Fires Brigade Commander. “Their actions and sacrifices for their unit and mission will always be remembered. They were sons, husbands, fathers and Soldiers who contributed immeasurably to their families, communities, our unit and the nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.”

According to unit records, Sgt. Knapp entered military service in October 2003.  He served one overseas deployment to Kosovo from January 2005 through January 2006; and two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Knapp attended Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13B (Cannon Crew Member) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Sgt. Knapp reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on March 10, 2010. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Air Assault), 377th Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade.

He deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in October 2011. This was his first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal (two awards), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,  Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (three awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal L/W M device (two awards), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Mechanic, Marksmanship Qualification Badge – Expert with Field Artillery.

According to unit records, Sgt. Knox entered the Army in January 2009 at Indianapolis, Indiana.

He reported to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for initial Army training and then reported to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Advanced Individual Training in Military Occupational Specialty 13B (Cannon Crew Member).

Upon completion of AIT Sgt. Knox reported to Joint Base Lewis-McChord on June 17, 2009.  He deployed with 1/377 FA Regt. in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from July 2009 through May 2010. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in October 2011. This was his first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and decorations include Army Achievement medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Marksmanship Qualification Badge – Expert with Field Artillery.

St Joseph School District officials on Monday released to the public the contracts signed with two architectural firms to design two new elementary schools here.   (Click links to read contracts)

The school board signed contracts with River Bluff Architects for the school at the Carden Park site, and with Ellison-Auxier Architects for the new facility going up at Bishop and Cook roads.  Both companies are based in St Joseph.

Earlier, officials estimated the Carden Park school will cost $17.9 million, and the Bishop and Cook Roads project will cost about $15.3 million.

Those estimates include the costs of roads, bridges and other infrastructure which must still be negotiated with the city.

The cost to the district for architectural services will be four and three quarters percent of the total construction cost of the projects.  The construction costs do not include the infrastructure expenses.

There remain several governmental processes and permissions, possible voluntary annexation proceedings, and other planning and design deadlines that must be met.  Officials believe they could begin construction on the two schools in late 2012 or early 2013, weather permitting.

Walk-in registration for summer 2012 classes at Missouri Western State University will be Thursday, May 24 at Eder Hall from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Classes begin Tuesday, May 29 for the eight-week session and the first four-week session, and June 25 for the second four-week session.

“Summer classes are a great way for students to pick up some credits and graduate faster, whether they take classes online or on campus,” said Howard McCauley, dean of enrollment management. “Students of other universities who are home for the summer can take classes here that will transfer to their home institution, and high school students who want to jump start their college degree are welcome too.”

Details on course offerings and eligibility requirements for visiting and high school students are available at http://summer.missouriwestern.edu.

The walk-in registration process will begin in the office of admissions, Eder Hall 101. New students are required to meet with an advisor to select courses.

Late registration will be held May 29 and 30 in Eder Hall. The late registration fee is $50. For more information, call admissions at 271-4266 or 800-662-7041.

The Robidoux Resident Theater has moved back into its fire-damaged, storage and rehearsal space adjacent to the Missouri Theater in downtown St Joseph. The sprawling, second-floor facility was extensively damaged in the fire last year, but has been repaired and renovated.

About sixty people were expected this week for company’s auditions for the musical “Rent,” which were held in the space, above the RRT offices in the Missouri Theater annex. Executive Director Jeff Haney says everyone was “blown away” by the beauty of the room.

Haney says they will use the facility for a “VIP room.”

“We have about four hundred season ticket members a year that we try to make sure that they feel special, because they are, and without them we couldn’t do it,” Haney said. “And so, before shows downstairs in the Missouri theater, we’ll invite them up here, have drinks and snacks, and socialize, meet the cast afterwards.”

The room now boasts a beautiful hardwood floor, and is nearly unrecognizable to those who used the room before the fire. Haney says they could also use the space for some special cabaret performances.

“That kind of thing really works well in St Joe,” Haney said. “We’ve tried a few this year, and people are very receptive to Gershwin and Cole Porter and Rogers & Hammerstein.”

“Sometimes a piano and two or three people doing music is a phenomenal thing too.”

Court appearances are expected soon for Camareo Goodwin and Felix Turner, charged with leading three other men to the home of Brian Ulmer last August with the intention of robbing him. Ulmer was killed in the home invasion/robbery.

Goodwin turned himself in on Friday. Turner was arrested at an apartment complex in Raytown by that city’s police department and SWAT team.

Both men are charged with attempted robbery and are being held in the Buchanan County Jail, unable to post $100,000 bail.

Turner and Goodwin are scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday, May 22.

Witnesses say three men entered Ulmer’s home near 16th and Jules on August 22, 2011 and robbed several occupants at gunpoint. When the gunman allegedly threatened one of Ulmer’s children, he tried to intervene and was fatally shot, according to witnesses.

Last week Xavier Johnson and Kasey Hall pleaded guilty to murder charges and will be sentenced in July. Elijah Pickett, the alleged shooter, is scheduled for trial June 8th.