News Archives:
House Lawmakers Reject Tax Increase
Wed, January 27, 2010
Some House lawmakers are going to be looking at new ways to fill a projected 400 million dollar state deficit. That?s because Governor Mark Parkinson?s proposal to use a sales tax increase to help fill the hole was rejected yesterday by a House committee. The proposal would have increased the state sales tax by 1 percent for a three-year period. Stephen Koranda has more.
StoryCorps: Rita Chavez and Lana Bennett
Wed, January 27, 2010
Today we’ll hear Rita Chavez tell her friend, Lana Bennett, about piecing together the parts of her family she never knew.
State Hospitals for Those with Developmental Disabilities Will Stay Open
Tue, January 26, 2010
Both of the state hospitals for Kansans with developmental disabilities will remain open, at least for now. Bryan Thompson has more.
Opponents of Sales Tax Increase Testify
Tue, January 26, 2010
Lawmakers are looking at ways of filling a projected 400 million dollar hole in the Kansas budget. Governor Mark Parkinson has proposed a 3 year sales tax increase as part of the solution. Opponents of the increase shared their views with the House Tax Committee yesterday. Stephen Koranda has more.
Still Time to get H1N1 Vaccination
Sun, January 24, 2010
The H1N1 swine flu pandemic that first appeared last Spring has swept across the country in two waves?so far. Public health officials say it?s not too late to get vaccinated against a possible third wave. Bryan Thompson has more.
Legislators Consider Sales Tax Increase
Thu, January 21, 2010
Supporters of the governor?s proposed 1 cent sales tax increase are hoping the bill will advance in the Kansas House. In a hearing yesterday, the House Taxation Committee took testimony from proponents of the increase. We get more from Statehouse Reporter Stephen Koranda.
StoryCorps: Jo Brown and Carla Eckels
Wed, January 20, 2010
Today we’ll hear from former Wichita School Board member Jo Brown, as she tells her friend, Carla Eckels, about her desires to revive a dying art.
Bill to Ban Texting While Driving Progresses
Tue, January 19, 2010
Texting while driving would be barred in Kansas if a bill in the legislature becomes law. A House committee heard testimony on the legislation yesterday. Statehouse Reporter Stephen Koranda has this report.
State to Turn to Federal Government for Unemployment Funds
Sun, January 17, 2010
The Kansas Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is running out of cash. The fund may start drawing loans from the federal government as soon as next month to keep paying benefits. Stephen Koranda has more.
Unemployment Taxes Increasing
Thu, January 14, 2010
The state’s unemployment trust fund is just about tapped out, and that’s causing unemployment taxes to increase for many Kansas employers. As Stephen Koranda reports, lawmakers are looking at ways to soften the blow.
Smoking Ban Will Be Proposed Again
Wed, January 13, 2010
Governor Mark Parkinson called for a statewide smoking ban during the State of the State address this week, but that issue has faltered in the legislature in past years. Stephen Koranda files this report from the Statehouse.
Lawmaker Says School District Suit Won’t Change Budget Negotiations
Tue, January 12, 2010
A group of school districts is pushing to reopen a statewide lawsuit against the state over school funding. But a key lawmaker says the action won’t change lawmakers funding decisions. Statehouse Reporter Stephen Koranda has more.
StoryCorps: Floyd “Rocky” Rockenbach and Micala Gingrich-Gaylord
Tue, January 12, 2010
Today we’ll hear from Floyd “Rocky” Rockenbach as he talks to his friend, Micala Gingrich-Gaylord about a time when he was young that helped him understand the consequences of his actions.
State of the State Address
Tue, January 12, 2010
Democratic Governor Mark Parkinson has outlined his proposals to deal with a deficit in the coming fiscal year. He made his case before the legislature during the State of the State address last night in Topeka. Statehouse Reporter Stephen Koranda files this report.
State Confirms Latest H1N1 Death
Sun, January 10, 2010
Kansas has confirmed its 26th death due to the swine flu pandemic. As Bryan Thompson reports, that?s the official toll, but the real number is probably much higher.
Contaminated Fish
Thu, January 07, 2010
This isn’t very good weather for fishing unless you enjoy ice fishing. If you do, you still need to be cautious about which fish you eat and how much according to state health officials.
Residents Can get Text Messages About Government.
Thu, January 07, 2010
Kansans now have a new way to get answers to questions about the legislature. The state library is now taking legislative questions by text message. Stephen Koranda has more. The numbers to call or text: the Legislative hotline 1-800-432-3924 Text number 785-256-0733 State Library website http://www.kslib.info
StoryCorps: Trecia Vanover and James Thayer
Wed, January 06, 2010
James Thayer, a former police officer who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, talks to his significant other, Trecia Vanover, about the day of the accident and his approach to life afterward.
Cutbacks for Elders
Tue, January 05, 2010
The ongoing budget shortfall in Kansas has prompted the Kansas Department on Aging to suspend some of the services that help frail elders continue to live in their own homes. Bryan Thompson reports.
New Sports Hall of Fame Location Opens
Sun, January 03, 2010
Starting today, Monday, Jan. 4, the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is scheduled to open at one of its two new locations. The Newton facility is ready for visitors, but the Boathouse location in Wichita won’t be ready until later this year. Greg Echlin has more.
