Daily Archives: July 13, 2008

How much is illegal immigration costing Kansas?

July 13, 20086:05 a.m.

illegals“Before we decide on fiscal policies that affect our economy, shouldn’t we have some idea on what we are doing and what the outcomes might be if we make those changes?” said state Rep. Nile Dillmore, D-Wichita. Absolutely. That’s why Dillmore was smart to insert a provision in the state budget requiring an audit of the cost of illegal immigration in Kansas. The audit, which is expected to be completed during the next legislative session, will try to determine the costs to the state of Kansas for benefits and ervices provided to illegal immigrants, the estimated tax revenues from illegal immigrants, and whether the taxes they pay offset the costs of benefits provided. Though there is a lot of rhetoric about how much illegal immigrants cost taxpayers, it may be that the taxes they pay and the economic impact they make exceed the social costs, and that punitive laws might harm the state’s economy. A study by the Oklahoma Bankers Association determined that an anti-illegal immigration law in that state will cause $1.8 billion in economic losses.

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Immigration | Comments (53)

Open thread 7/13

July 13, 20086:04 a.m.

thread

By Phillip Brownlee | Filed under Open thread | Comments (196)

Vote on policies, not rumors

July 13, 20086:02 a.m.

Christian Morgan, executive director of the Kansas Republican Party, is second to few in his searing e-mails about Democrats. But to his credit, he hopes Kansas voters will pick John McCain based on the merits, and not on “silly Internet rumors” about Barack Obama. “Anybody that participates in that silliness is just really doing a disservice to not only Sen. Obama — who deserves our respect — they’re also doing a disservice to John McCain,” Morgan told Harris News Service.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Presidential race | Comments (123)

Statehouse price tag keeps rising

July 13, 20086:00 a.m.

capitolThe state Capitol is a treasure that must be maintained. But its long-running renovation is trying Kansans’ patience. Members of a legislative committee learned last week that the project, budgeted at $120 million eight years ago, may end up costing closer to $300 million by the 2011 completion date, because construction costs are projected to be up 15 percent this year. “It’s a cause for concern, but we just have to plan for it,” said Statehouse architect Barry Greis.

By Rhonda Holman | Filed under Kansas government | Comments (7)