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Minority leader: Tax plan 'reckless'
The Kansas House minority leader said in Fort Scott Tuesday night that the tax plan passed at the end of this year's state legislative session in Topeka is one of the "most reckless" moves ever made by the governor and lawmakers.
"It spends us into the red," Rep. Paul Davis, D-Lawrence, told a meeting of about 55 Bourbon County Democrats and independents at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus.
Davis said the nonpartisan Kansas Legislative Research Department reported that in five years "we will have a deficit of between $2.5 billion and $3 billion.
"The entire state budget is $6 billion. That has absolutely enormous consequences," Davis said.
About half the state budget goes to education, he said, adding funding for social services will also be slashed. Davis' parents are both teachers.
Gov. Sam Brownback contends the state will "grow" its way out of the deficit. But Davis differs.
"This is a plan the state cannot afford," he said.
Participants also heard that Denise Cassells of Mound City plans to run against Rep. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, for the District 4 state legislative spot Tyson now holds.
Also, Tobias Schlingensiepen, a Topeka minister, plans to run for the position held by Republican U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Topeka.
Davis said Democrats asked the Kansas State Department of Education to estimate the impact those cuts would have on schools.
He said that department projected that in Bourbon County, USD 234 in Fort Scott would lose more than $4 million over a five-year period and Uniontown, $1.3 million.
If those entities tried to recoup the money in property taxes, it would mean a 53 mill increase in Fort Scott and a 99 mill increase in Uniontown, Davis said.
Under the Brownback tax plan, Davis said, Kansans making $10,000 a year or less would see an average tax increase of $148 a year while those in the top 1 percent of filers would find an average tax reduction of $21,087.
"It eliminates taxable income for probably 99 percent of all small businesses," Davis said.
Some larger businesses would no longer pay taxes, he said.
"This is going to simply line the pockets of the wealthiest Kansans," Davis said.
Although he had some grim offerings, Davis said the bright side is that the state's future is being debated "like we have never seen before."
He urged Democrats to get involved, vote in the Aug. 7 primary and Nov. 6 general election and talk to their friends and neighbors about jobs and education.
The state currently has a $600 million surplus and the 10-year legislative veteran would like to see at least some of those funds allocated back to education.
"I believe Kansans want to see schools funded. We know Kansas want to make sure those with disabilities and people in the twilight of their lives are taken care of and that we have an economic development plan that works for everyone," Davis said.
"I think everyone needs to talk to their neighbors and friends and get involved like never before," Davis said.