What matters most about Kansas’ tax revenue is how it compares with the official projections – which are what lawmakers use to create the state budget. But when the revenue comes in below those estimates, as it did last month, the Kansas Department of Revenue tends to focus on how the revenue is higher than it was the previous year. “Kansas economy shows signs of growth compared to one year ago,” the headline on the department’s news release said, before noting how tax receipts for August were $14.9 million less than expected. A press release about the May numbers touted how “revenue receipts show that the Kansas economy continues to improve,” though revenue was $27 million less than the projections. So far this fiscal year, which began in July, tax revenue is about $12.2 million less than projections.
The GOP needs to broaden its appeal if it wants to win in November, columnist Michael Barone wrote in the Wall Street Journal. In the 2008 election, whites without a college education accounted for half of the votes cast for John McCain. When the GOP has had more success at the polls, it has appealed to a broader electorate. In 2010, for example, white no-college voters accounted for 42 percent of the voters for winning congressional Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., warned that the GOP can’t lose the demographics race. “We’re not generating enough angry white guys to stay in business for the long term,” he said.
It’s encouraging that plans by the city of Wichita and Sedgwick County to consolidate their code enforcement offices are moving forward. The County Commission and City Council recently passed a resolution creating a merged Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department. The idea is to create a one-stop shop for area builders and tradespeople. But it can be complicated to merge city and county functions, particularly when there are different codes and union issues. Though there are still many steps to go – including establishing new trade boards and hiring a director of the new department – city and county officials and staff are making good progress.
What matters most about Kansas’ tax revenue is how it compares with the official projections – which are what lawmakers use to create the state budget. But when the revenue comes in below those estimates, as it did last month, the Kansas Department of Revenue tends to focus on how the revenue is higher than it was the previous year. “Kansas economy shows signs of growth compared to one year ago,” the headline on the department’s news release said, before noting how tax receipts for August were $14.9 million less than expected. A press release about the May numbers touted how “revenue receipts show that the Kansas economy continues to improve,” though revenue was $27 million less than the projections. So far this fiscal year, which began in July, tax revenue is about $12.2 million less than projections.
