"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain
By my latest count this is my 52d update for the 2010 legislative session. That means, I kept my calendar pretty close and completes my weekly updates for the year at the proper time. I want to thank those that have sent me suggestions, comments, requests for information and otherwise became involved with me during this process.
I use your suggestions during my research to sort out the data and find information that appeals to you as I try to translate the story into everyday language with most all of the “legalize” removed. I always appreciate hearing from you, at least that proves to me that someone is watching what I do.
Have things really changed? I recently acquired some local papers from long ago. One particular paper from October 1972 is filled with political ads that promote “sweeping changes” herald past successes” and promise a bright new future. These ads were for federal state and local political races.
One of my predecessors John Ivy has an ad that states “A man that will work to encourage the establishment of new industry and the support of existing industry.” Mr Ivy was my wood shop teacher and served 3 terms (73-78) as State Representative from the 75th District.
Governor Docking has a political ad for his Re-election as well; many of the issues sound familiar. “Tax relief is the issue in 1972. We have been winning Tax relief laws since 1967.”
Our record includes:
1967-reduced individual income tax,
1967- increased interest rates banks pay on the state’s money (idle funds) producing $20 million that individual taxpayers did not have to pay;
1969-homestead property tax relief for senior citizens-first in Kansas history;
1970-Property tax lid law-first in Kansas’s history;
1972- eliminated the federal income tax deduction on state income tax returns of corporate and financial intuitions—a major reform for tax fairness.
The ad continues; “In 1967, Kansas was the only state in the nation to reduce income taxes. During our administration, Kansas has been only 1 of 3 states to reduce income taxes”
In the same paper, Mid-Continent Federal Savings and Loan Association advertised new interest rates:
2-year certificates of deposit, $5,000 or more 6% compounded or paid quarterly;
1-year certificates of deposit, $1,00 or more, multiples of $500,, 5 ¾% compounded or paid quarterly;
6-month certificates of deposit, $1,000 or more, multiples of $100, 5 ¼% compounded or paid quarterly;
Passbook Accounts, 5%.
The current problems of the state parallel these same issues and then add some new ones. I did not see one political advertisement or story that mentioned K-12 education funding and pending lawsuits, abortion, illegal immigration, campaign finance, wars, high gasoline prices, or budget shortfalls.
Preliminary figures on tax-only receipts for December show the state has received less than expected for the month. We are sitting at $35.7 million below estimates, with $30 million of that shortfall being the corporate income tax. The good news is that this receipt is higher than we had a year ago.
Individual tax receipts are up $5.8 million or .5% higher than expected and sales tax receipts were $1.9 million or 0.2% below the estimate. As I write this update we still expect some $10 million to come in before the end of Thursday the 30th. We will be short of our expectations and are still looking at a $500 million shortfall to begin FY 2011.
I received my committee assignments, I am being posted to some very interesting secondary requests. I will be the Vice-Chairman of the Pensions & Benefits, I will be a member of the Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security Committee, Transportation Committee, and Government Efficiency Committee. I welcome your input and I am sure there will be a lot of discussion on what needs to be done.
I am scheduled to remain on the Legislative Division Post Audit Committee, several house/senate joint committees and The National Conference of State Legislatures Committees on Transportation and the
Co-Chairman of the Military and Veterans Affairs National Committee.
We are being sworn in on January 10th and I do keep my same office in room 268W B, which is below the House Chamber and SW corner of the Capitol. My office phone will be the same, 1-785-296-6755, email grange@house.state.ks.us. On the 10th I will have the office email, office assistant and phones operational.
There are changes in administration appointments by Governor-Elect Brownback, some realignment of vacant senate seats and subsequent elections held for open seats in the senate and house. I am confident everything will be completed and everyone reassigned by the first of the year.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your State Representative in Topeka and I do want to know what you think. Have a happy and safe New Year!
Thanks,
John Grange
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