March 11, 2002
The budget deficit that started out to be around 500 million
now appears to
be more like $679 million. This week the caseload estimates for SRS and
Aging are to be recalculated and probably will go higher than originally
projected.
That's the bad news. The only good part to all this is it will be almost
impossible to find that much money in current spending, so revenue
enhancements are more likely to be considered. That does not mean however
that they won't cut programs.
This week, The Speaker of the House, Kent Glasscock will be entertaining
ideas for tax increases and will have debate on the floor each day. The
schedule is:
Monday - Income Tax (That's our favorite because it is not as regressive as
others).
Tuesday - Inheritance and property.
Wednesday - Sales
Thursday - Sin Taxes (beer, tobacco, alcohol)
Glasscock says a bill for slot machines will be ready soon.
Senate President Dave Kerr is calling together a nine member budget balancing
group to make recommendations to the Senate. Members of that group include:
Steve Morris R Hugoton
David Corbin R Towanda
Jim Barone D Frontenac
Pete Brungardt R Salina
Stan Clark R Oakley
Les Donovan R Wichita
Christine Downey D Newton
Paul Feleciano D Wichita
Nick Jordan, R Shawnee
It would be a good idea to start calling ONLY YOUR Reps and Senators and
reminding them that raising the LOC scores to 50 is unacceptable and that we
NEED revenue enhancements. We are concerned when we hear that some taxes
are
unacceptable because they will hurt poor people. Reducing and eliminating
these programs will hurt poor people a lot more than paying an extra fifty
cents on groceries.
Don't forget about the SILCK Day at the Capital this Thursday March 14th. See
you there!
Gina