Tax-only revenues to the state fell in May, $51 million below the consensus revenue estimating group projections that are just six weeks old. Since April when the fiscal gurus last predicted the state’s revenue flow-tax-only revenues are down a total of $55.6 million. These figures come from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
The sharpest drop was revenue from individual income tax, which is basically the withholding done by employers on behalf of employees and forwarded to the Department of Revenue.
Sales taxes receipts for May were $138.6 million were down $4.3 million or 3% under the estimate and $11.3 million less than we received in 2007.
The biggest factor in the drop in withholding is the fact there are fewer jobs or that they are paying less yielding less income tax, or Kansans are reducing their withholding in order to have more cash available.
The sales tax drop is means there is less discretionary money floating around or that money is being spent on things that do not generate sales tax, like paying for motor fuels or paying down credit cards, mortgages or bank loans.
Tuesday was an especially busy day for me, I had breakfast to attend the Golden Apple appreciation award in El Dorado, lunch with the Whitewater Senior Citizens group, and that evening I attended the 1958 El Dorado Tornado Memorial dedication sponsored by the El Dorado Rotary Club.
The Golden Apple honors area businesses that help support the education pursuits for USD 490 and Butler Community College, Rand Dellett of El Dorado was this year’s recipient of the award for his assistance with providing eyeglasses, repairs and adjustments.
The Whitewater group asked for a legislative update and I provided a briefing and participated in a question and answer session. I find these meetings most informative for all the participants and provide time for a one on one session as well. If you would like me to come and speak to your group just give me a call to get a place on the calendar.
My congratulation to the El Dorado Rotary members and all the volunteers for a very moving dedication of the Tornado Memorial. All the Rotary Club members, Chairman Steve Pershall, and President Dave Stewart did a fantastic job in bringing this vision to reality. The community turned out by the hundreds to recognize an event that occurred 50 years ago, which had and continues to have an impact on our community.
It was noted that the community responded to the need for assistance, with neighbors helping neighbors and total strangers working side by side to clear debris and recover victims. Special note was made of the Mennonite Church members from Marion, Hillsboro and Greensburg descended upon this city with a single mission to provide help and assistance where needed.
All this happened before FEMA and other government disaster relief agencies were available. There were many hours donated by the Red Cross, Salvation Army, city employees and area churches. On a personal note I remember that day very well. Our house was severely damaged, my Grandfather (Arthur Scharping) was killed and one of his sons critically injured. I was an 8-year-old riding out the storm in the basement of a neighbor and I have very vivid memories of that day and the weeks and months following.
Speaking for all the survivors and family members of those killed or injured in the Tornado we thank-you again to all those involved, it was a job well done. You all should take time to view the memorial in Graham Park just west of Skelly School and listen to the wind harp.
Our Butler County Historical Society Museum located at 383 East Central; El Dorado has a very informative display of Tornado memorabilia as well.
The Kansas Legislative Research Department provides an Annual Summary Report on Legislation that is available on line at www.kslegislature.org/klrd. A printed copy may be obtained by calling them at 785.296.3181; there will be a fee to cover printing costs.
House Substitute for SB 81 enacts the Health Care Reform Act of 2008, and makes amendments to several health insurance statutes, and establishes the Physician Workforce and Accreditation Task Force. The bill also appropriates money from the State General Fund for the Wichita Center for Graduate Medical Education (WCGME) in FY 2009.
Some of the highlights of this bill include:
*Adding the Commissioner of Education to the Ks. Health Policy Board.
*The requirement of KDHE to establish a program to increase access to screening for colon, breast, prostrate, and cervical cancer and to be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, rural health and safety net clinics.
*Directs the KS. Health Policy Authority with SRS to establish a system for reporting suspected abuse and fraud in connection with the state welfare and medical assistance programs.
*Allows WCGME to receive money from the Kansas Bio-Authority to conduct research projects in Wichita by the KU Medical Center.
I will begin traveling to Topeka on a regular basis to attend interim committee meetings. I have not received all of my assignments although I do know I will continue on the Legislative Post Audit Joint Committee.
You can contact me at my home 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado, or call 316-321-2087, my e-mail address’s include, johng@carlisleinc.net, grange@house.state.ks.us, or my website www.johngrange.net.
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you and I want to know what you think. Thanks, John
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