2015

Kansas Legislative Priorities

Kansas has made steady progress along the path of economic
freedom in recent years and we are starting to see the
positive benefits of fiscal responsibility in our individual family
pocketbooks and our economic vitality as a state.
We want to build on that progress and continue to advance
the cause of economic freedom for Kansans. In 2015 we
will promote common sense policies that make our state
government more open, efficient and responsible.
TOPEKA OFFICE

WICHITA OFFICE

900 S Kansas Ave, Suite 402A

Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: (785) 354-4237

151 Whittier Street

Wichita, Kansas 67207
Phone: (316) 681-4415

InfoKS@afphq.org

Kansas Budget

We are now starting to see the positive effects of the 2012 tax reforms.
Unemployment is down and new businesses are starting up. We should not risk
placing a drag on our improving private sector, or punishing business that just
recently moved to Kansas. It is imperative that the Legislature get serious about
finding ways to reduce spending, without increasing the tax burden on Kansas
families and businesses. This will present real challenges for legislators, and
provide real opportunities for positive change.
Reduce the overall state budget.
Cover temporary budget shortfalls and planned 2016 tax relief
through spending reductions (approximately 6% based on current
revenue estimates) rather than tax increases.
Keep the 2012 tax reforms in place. Now is not the time to turn back
the clock.
Require all state agencies to submit a zero based budget at least
once during every four years. Rather than just determine the amount
of increase, agency heads and legislators should be able to review the
budget from the ground up.
End corporate welfare programs which cost Kansas taxpayers
millions for a very limited return on investment. In a time of budget
shortfalls, corporate handouts should be the lowest priority.
Appropriate all revenue from State income tax, sales tax and
property tax through the normal budget process rather than
automatic transfers to specific agencies. This will improve
transparency and give legislators more flexibility.
Require a 2/3 legislative super-majority for tax increases. Currently,
16 states, including three of our four neighbors, require a super-majority
to approve tax increases.

We urge Kansas leaders to put Kansans first and say No to

Medicaid expansion.
Implement a thorough review of the Kansas Medicaid program to
ensure quality care for those who need it most.

Oppose the EPAs proposed rule on power plants

The cornerstone of the Presidents Climate Action Plan is a proposed rule on power
plants that will require our state to cut emissions by 22.7 percent by 2030. This
will damage job creation and economic growth, and threaten Kansans access to
affordable and reliable energy. State leaders are requested to stand up for families
and businesses in Kansas by opposing efforts to implement the proposed rule.
We urge the Kansas Legislature and Governor Brownback to
support legislation that would prohibit the state from submitting an
implementation plan while outstanding legal issues remain.

Expand Democracy to all Branches of State Government

It is outrageous that Kansas is the only state in the country where control of the
Judicial Branch of government resides with a select, non-elected few, to the
exclusion of Kansas voters. Kansas lawyers vote for the majority of the Judicial
Nomination Commission that selects Kansas Supreme Court nominees, while the
rest of us have no voice in the process. We support either of the following methods
to give Kansans a voice in all branches of government.
A Federal System with appointment by the Governor and
confirmation by the Senate, similar to that used by the United States
Constitution.
Direct Election of Justices, which has been successfully used in other
states.

Energy Policy that puts Consumers First

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a state mandate that requires electric
companies to purchase power from certain types of producers. This is intended to
pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Kansas electric prices have followed
the national trend of higher rates for states with an RPS.
AFP supports a full repeal of the Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Review of other distortions in energy production and sales, such as
property tax exemptions for favored producers.

Reject Medicaid Expansion

A massive expansion of Medicaid was a key component of President Obamas

Affordable Care Act. Kansas leaders have wisely chosen not to incur massive
future costs by expanding Medicaid and should continue to reject expansion in
light of a new Congress, unresolved legal challenges, and continuation of federal
payments to Kansas hospitals.

Opportunities for Education

An educational system that provides multiple options and opportunities for each
and every student will provide the best outcomes for all Kansas students. Last
year the Kansas legislature retained the Virtual School program and created an
Educational Scholarship Tax Credit program. However, Kansas remains 42nd of the
43 states with Charter Schools.
Expand the approval authority of charter schools. Approving entities
should include colleges and universities, select non-profit organizations,
city and county governments, and a state level Charter School
Commission.
Fully implement the Educational Scholarship Tax Credit program.
This program is designed to help students in the worst performing
schools. Any delay in implementation will have real consequences for
children most in need.

Taxpayer-funded Lobbying Reform

More than 60 government entities and associations actively lobby the Kansas
legislature, often lobbying for larger budgets and more regulatory control. It just
doesnt make sense for a government agency to use scarce tax dollars to pay
lobbyists to ask for more tax dollars.
Require state employees lobbying the Kansas Legislature on
behalf of State agencies to register as a lobbyist and report their
expenditures.
Require government entities at all levels to report how much they
spend to influence the legislature.

Tear down barriers to the market

We believe its time for Kansas to embrace more free market access rather
than allowing government and connected interests to stifle opportunity through
regulation, licensing requirements and bureaucracy.
Update Kansas alcoholic beverage laws. Our outdated system of
alcoholic beverage laws restrict consumer choice.
Allow trained and experienced Nurse Practitioners to provide basic
health care services without collaborative agreements with doctors.
In reality, these agreements require no real supervision, but drive up
costs for providers and patients.
Create a mid-level dental provider license. This would allow hygienists
with additional training to provide basic dental care in underserved parts
of the Kansas.

State Pension Reform

The existing state pension system is ballooning in costs and reduces options for
State employees. Kansas has more than $10 Billion in unfunded pension liability
that will soon start to crowd out other state spending priorities. Kansas owes state
retirees and employees currently in the system the retirement benefits they have
been promised, and it is time to look at reforms to stabilize the current system and
ensure benefits for future employees.
Create a defined benefit, 401k style retirement program for new
employees and current employees who wish to change. This will
result if fixed, up front expenses for the state, and give employees greater
flexibility to move back and forth between the state and private sector.