http://www.ksn.com/news/local/7066682.html
The recent news that state revenue estimations were overly optimistic to the tune of $13 million makes one wonder if it will have any effect whatsoever when lawmakers return to finalize the budget next week.
What is fascinating is that I was only able to find this story from one news source. When revenues exceeded projections it was shouted throughout the state, but now that the picture isn’t so rosy anymore no one is willing to sound the alarm of overspending. Even the story I did find made sure to reassure that the Kansas economy continues to be “strong.”
Press censorship? Maybe.
State increases in spending the past three fiscal years has been to the tune of over 8.5% each year. The current budget without any changes has around a 5% increase in spending…still pathetic when compared to the average increase in wages of only 3%, but still much better than the past three years.
American’s for Prosperity Kansas is calling for a self imposed 5% spending increase cap, but the self imposed measure only makes sense if legislators are willing to stick by it. With the recent passage of state owned casinos and state sanctioned gambling, it only reasons that there will be many in the statehouse more than anxious to spend the cash years before construction ever begins.
The financial future of Kansas indeed looks bleak unless the citizens of Kansas can stand up and elect responsible legislators who know citizens can only give to the government what they make, and not a penny more.
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I’ve been talking to Republican legislators… not too worried about conservatives holding the line on spending as much as they are able but liberals appear ready to outspend the governor’s proposals! If it votes like a Democrat and talks like a Democrat, but thinks it’s a Republican… Well, Houston, I think we have a problem.