Plan to hire illegal immigrants complicates Kobach's vision

Posted on 1 Feb 2012 at 4:26pm

An architect of state and local laws cracking down on illegal immigration is a leading Republican officeholder in Kansas, but business groups in his home state are asking legislators to move in the opposite direction by starting an unusual program designed to give illegal immigrants hard-to-fill jobs.

Blue Cross of Kansas won't bid to be Medicaid managed-care contractor

Posted on 1 Feb 2012 at 8:22pm

The state's largest insurance company has decided it doesn't want to participate in Gov. Sam Brownback's plan to move Medicaid patients into privatized managed-care programs.In a letter addressed "Dear provider,"; Angie Strecker, director of institutional relations for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, said the insurer "has decided not to submit a proposal to the state to be a Medicaid contractor.".Rep. Jim Ward, D-Wichita, said it brings into question the financial feasibility of the governo...

Bill would allow utility rate hikes before approval

Posted on 1 Feb 2012 at 11:36am

Kansas lawmakers have been considering a proposal that would allow utility companies to raise rates before the state approves an increase.

Taxes, budget, education are critical issues in 2012 Kansas Legislature

Posted on 26 Jan 2012 at 4:11pm

As this year’s legislative agenda begins to clarify itself, a trinity of issues is emerging with the potential to substantially change your life: taxes, education and the budget.Depending on what the House and Senate do in the next few months, you may see your income taxes go down and your property taxes go up — or vice versa.Depending on where you live, your schools could get more money — or hold steady after several years of cuts. Or maybe wind up once again in court seeking money.Read more

Plan ends college-savings tax deduction

Posted on 13 Jan 2012 at 11:59pm

About 60,000 families saving for their children’s college education could take a hit from Gov. Sam Brownback’s income tax plan.The governor’s proposal, outlined in Wednesday night’s State of the State address, removes a tax deduction for contributions to so-called 529 college savings plans, which in Kansas is administered through the state treasurer’s office.The Kansas program, called Learning Quest, offers tax advantages to encourage families to save for their children’s post-high-school edu...

On the governor's agenda

Posted on 8 Jan 2012 at 7:59am

Here's a quick look at changes Gov. Sam Brownback plans to pursue in the legislative session that starts Monday. Taxes Brownback wants to reduce individual state income tax rates and zap some income tax exemptions and credits to create a "flatter, simpler, fairer" tax code. His administration has hushed any further details, saving specifics for his State of the State speech Wednesday night. Income tax is the state´s largest stream of revenue. Democrats and moderate Republicans urge caution, s...

Other key issues for the Legislature

Posted on 8 Jan 2012 at 7:59am

Here are some of the major issues legislators will face in the session that begins Monday.AbortionAfter passing a package of anti-abortion laws last year, the Legislature might continue to chip away at Roe v. Wade by shortening the window for women to terminate a pregnancy. Two ideas on the table: ban or substantially restrict abortions after the fetal heartbeat becomes detectable, usually six to seven weeks; put a "personhood" amendment on the ballot that would define human life as beginning...

Senior Kansans May Have To Pay For Hunting, Fishing Fees

Posted on 6 Jan 2012 at 12:49pm

The tradition of giving free hunting and fishing license to senior citizens in Kansas might be coming to an end.