Pompeo tells reporters he is pessimistic about the Fiscal Cliff; KS Senators are considering redrawing political boundaries again; Peace advocate and civil rights advocate to speak in Wichita Friday.
Pompeo Pessimistic About 'Fiscal Cliff'
Kansas U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo is pessimistic about the ability of Congress and President Obama to reach a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff.
The conservative Wichita Republican told reporters Thursday on a telephone conference call that he's disturbed by comments from Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner that the administration would let the country go over the cliff if Republicans won't allow taxes to increase on the wealthiest Americans.
Pompeo opposes such a tax increase and said the administration is "fixated" on the idea. He said the right path is lower taxes and smaller government. Pompeo said he wants even larger spending cuts than the looming reductions.
Kansas Senate May Consider Redrawing Boundaries Next Year
The Kansas Senate's new leaders are receptive to redrawing the state's political boundaries again next year, even though federal judges drew them just this year.
Incoming Senate President Susan Wagle told The Associated Press Thursday that she is interested in redrawing legislative districts. However, she said she wants to consult first with attorneys to see whether a quick round of redistricting is allowed under the Kansas Constitution and past court rulings.
Incoming Majority Leader Terry Bruce said he's open to adjusting the state's four congressional districts. He said he'd be willing to consider it if the congressional delegation can agree on a map. Asked whether Governor Sam Brownback is interested, his spokesperson said only that he'd carefully review any legislation sent to him.
Human Rights Advocate And Peace Advocate To Speak Friday
Tom Hayden, internationally known human rights and peace activist, former California state legislator, and Freedom Rider will speak Friday at the Peace & Social Justice Center's twentieth anniversary dinner.
Feds Collect $15.8 M In Civil, Criminal Cases
Prosecutors say they have collected $15.8 million in criminal and civil cases filed in federal courts in Kansas. U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said yesterday in a news release the amount his office has recovered for the federal treasurer and for crime victims in fiscal 2012 was up by one-third. -