Gov. Brownback

Brownback Wants Sales Tax Extended

Bryan Thompson — Wed, 08 May 2013 11:08:34 +0000

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback wants lawmakers to extend a temporary sales tax hike as a way to fund the state's universities.

The governor says cuts to higher education would be a momentum-killer at a time when he thinks a lot of positive things are happening in Kansas.

Brownback To Holder: 'Kansans Hold Dear Their Right To Bear Arms'

Associated Press — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:56:25 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback has told U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder a new Kansas gun law aimed at reining in the federal government has broad support in the state.

Brownback sent a letter Thursday to Holder defending the law, which took effect last week.

US Attorney Prepared To Go To Court Over Kansas' New Gun Law

Carla Eckels and Associated Press — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:48:23 +0000

On April 26, US Attorney General Eric Holder sent a letter to Gov. Sam Brownback that states the new Kansas law attempting to block federal regulation of some guns is unconstitutional. That new law took effect April 25, just one day earlier.

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Holder To Brownback: New Kansas Law Is Unconstitutional

Associated Press — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:01:24 +0000

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has told Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback that a new state law attempting to block federal regulation of some guns is unconstitutional and that the federal government is willing to go to court over the issue.

The U.S. attorney's office for Kansas on Thursday released a copy of a letter from Holder to Brownback.

Analysis: Kansas Higher Ed Budget Tied To Sales Tax

Associated Press — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:02:36 +0000

Kansas higher education officials are depending upon Gov. Brownback to convince lawmakers to preserve money for public universities and colleges.

Brownback toured university and community college campuses last week to highlight education's importance to the state economy.

The governor and other Republicans want Kansas to phase out individual income taxes over the next few years.

To replace that lost funding, Gov. Brownback wants to make a temporary sales tax that's set to expire in July permanent.

Brownback Wants Higher Education Funding Left Uncut

Carla Eckels — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:50:47 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback met with leaders at Wichita State University Monday to solicit support for his funding proposal that would help maintain state dollars for higher education.

Human Trafficking Laws Updated

Stephen Koranda — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:28:14 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed into law a bill to combat human trafficking and exploitation of underage sex workers.

The governor signed the bill Monday, saying it will provide increased criminal penalties and services for victims of sexual exploitation.

"This would not only strengthen our ability to severly punish traffickers," said Brownback. "It would give us valuable new tools to protect vulnerable young victims so they can have hope of a new life and break the cycle of exploitation."

The bill modifies Kansas human trafficking laws passed nearly a decade ago.

Brownback Visiting Kansas Universities With A Funding Push

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:26:09 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback will start a tour of the state's universities this week to pitch his funding proposal to lawmakers.

Brownback Signs Drug Testing Bill

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 11:29:26 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill into law that allows drug testing for people receiving some types of state assistance or unemployment payments.

Brownback called drug use a “scourge” in Kansas.

People receiving certain assistance payments could be tested if there’s suspicion they’re using drugs. If they test positive, they would have to complete drug treatment and job training.

Analysts Call Kansas Tax Plan Worst In Nation

Stephen Koranda — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:39:39 +0000

In a recent article in Governing Magazine, two tax analysts were asked which state had passed the worst tax policy in the last year, and both said Kansas.

One of the analysts was from the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the other was from the right-leaning Tax Foundation.