March 25, 2003

Governor Sebelius delivered her revenue proposal.  It does not contain any increases in taxes.  Much of the money for 2003 is selling bonds against receipts from Tobacco settlement money and some anticipated additional tax amnesty money.  The good news is...no there is no good news there. Well, maybe if all this money came in, there would be no need for allotments again this fiscal year (ending June 30th).

For 2004 the increases in revenue would come from people paying property taxes a month earlier and folks who pay quarterly income tax payments may make them monthly instead?

Gaming (gambling, slots or new casino's for those of us outside Topeka) could add 30-75 million next year, but there would need to be legislation to allow that.

Now, the session is just starting to get hot, so the ball is in the Legislatures court now!  They still have the option to raise taxes, as does the Governor.  Much more to come, or not!

Meanwhile, the House started work on their budget bill.  Amendments added so far will require additional check on prescription drugs to try to get folks to use generic brands and to make the composition of the closure commission the same as in 95.

An amendment to eliminate the closure commission was defeated as were two amendments to add money to base funding for K-12 education.

They will be back at 5:30 to continue

(For Shannon and Josie, "don't pay any attention to that man behind the curtain" - Wizard of Oz.)

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