4-30-2003
Yesterday
it was reported that the 'Freshman Tax Plan' would have a hearing the HS
Taxation committee. House leadership however, has decided to bring the
bill directly to the full House floor for debate and discussion. It appears HS
leadership thinks this will be over quickly and die on the floor. We cannot let
this happen! We must let our voices be heard. Debate on the floor could happen
as early as tomorrow, Thursday or possibly Friday.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU AND YOUR MEMBERSHIP CONTACT YOUR
HOUSE MEMBERS NOW ENCOURAGING THEM TO SUPPORT THE FRESHMAN PLAN. WE ESPECIALLY
NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON THE DEMOCRATS AND MODERATE REPUBLICANS FOR THEIR SUPPORT
AS WELL AS THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.
TALKING POINTS:
* The freshman proposal moves us beyond the red and blue smoke mirrors
* It gets to the heart of the problem....we need sufficient revenue to solve
the problem to underwrite the critical
needs in health and social services
and in education
* Waiting to fix the problem until next year only makes the problem worse
* State agencies have cut to the bone; excesses have been eliminated
* We are placing the well-being of thousands of Kansans at risk
* We believe the freshman proposal is a responsible balance, the surcharge on
taxpayer's income affects only those
persons who are working and have income
* The 1/2 cent sales tax may be viewed as regressive, however, a part of that
regressiveness is off set by the fact
that the state provides a rebate and
refund tax for low-income and poor
people. In FY 02, the state provided over $20 million in
the form of sales tax rebates or refunds.
Things are just starting to heat up....it is doubtful the GOP will pass the
Governor's compromise plan due to the bonding issue AND the Governor has made
it clear she does NOT approve of the GOP plan to delay tax refund
payments. Therefore, the only sensible plan would be the 'freshman plan'.
We must encourage ALL legislators to exhibit the same courage and leadership of
the 'young mavericks' to stand up now for our seniors and people with
disabilities.
It is also critical that you call the 16 Freshman and thank them for their tax
plan!
The
16 Freshman are:
Rob Boyer, Republican-Olathe
Sydney Carlin, Democrat - Manhattan
Barbara Craft, Republican - Junction City
Paul Davis, Democrat - Lawrence
Tom Holland, Democrat - Baldwin City
Terrie Huntington, Republican - Mission Hills
Jeff Jack, Republican - Parsons
Bill Kassebaum, Republican - Burdick
Cindy Neighbor, Republican - Shawnee
Ed O'Malley, Republican - Roeland Park
Roger Reitz, Republican - Manhattan
Stephanie Sharp, Republican - Lenexa
Josh Svaty, Democrat - Ellsworth
Roger Teolkes, Democrat - Topeka
Kevin Yoder, Republican - Overland Park
Jim Yonally, Republican - Overland Park
Will keep you posted....stayed tuned!
Shannon