Wolf Creek operated safely in 2012, but is still under scrutiny; Agriculture business in Kansas is thriving; Delays in concealed carry permits causing frustration; Kansas officials set to issue new financial forecast.
Wolf Creek Deemed Safe, But Still Under Scrutiny
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says the Wolf Creek nuclear plant operated safely last year.
But the plant, which is the only nuclear plant in Kansas, remains under heightened scrutiny because of a series of problems in 2013.
Agriculture Business Thriving In Kansas
A monthly survey of bankers says that strong farm income continues to boost the economy in Kansas, Missouri and eight other Midwest states.
The overall economic index for the region grew to 58.3 in April from March's 56.9.
Creighton University economist Ernie Goss oversees the survey from Omaha, Neb. He says agricultural businesses and energy-producing firms continue to thrive in the region.
But the continued growth in farmland price index that hit 66.9 in April remains a concern for smaller farmers.
The index ranges from 0 to 100, with 50 representing growth neutral. Any score above 50 suggests economic growth in the months ahead.
Concealed Carry Delays Cause Frustration
Gun rights advocates say the Kansas attorney general's office is struggling to process a record number of applications for concealed carry permits on time.
Kansas Officials To Issue New Financial Forecast
The new revenue projections will be used by legislators and Gov. Brownback in making budget decisions.
Friday's meeting allows the forecasters to revise earlier projections for the current fiscal year and the budget year that begins July 1.
The current forecast was issued in November. It predicts the state will collect $6.2 billion dollars in revenues during the current fiscal year and $5.5 billion dollars for the next fiscal year.
The forecasters predicted that revenues would decline by $705 million during the next fiscal year following massive state income taxes enacted last year. The drop in revenues would be about 11 percent.
The forecasting team includes legislative researchers, members of Brownback's budget stuff, Department of Revenue officials and university economists.
