Kansas Democrats To Introduce 14 Jobs Bills

Tue, December 20, 2011

Kansas Public Radio / Stephen Koranda

Democratic leaders in the Kansas legislature will introduce 14 separate bills aimed at boosting job creation and job training. One proposal would give tax credits to businesses that train apprentices. Ann Mah, a Topeka Democrat, says that could help increase the number of skilled workers in the state.

“It’s a way we can actually take a tax reduction and target where we know we’re going to create jobs,” says Mah. “It’s a proven program. We know it works. It puts people to work.”

The proposals would also require state contractors to employ Kansans, instead of out-of-state workers.

Funding for the programs would come from expanding gaming in southeast Kansas and installing slot machines at racetracks in the state. That could be a sticking point for Gov. Sam Brownback, who has discouraged legislators from taking up gaming issues.