The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity released the following statement in response to Gov. Mark Parkinson’s 2010 State of the State Address:
“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.
“Contrary to the Governor’s claim tonight, Kansas is a high tax state in nearly every measurement. When compared to our neighboring states, Kansas has the second highest personal and corporate income tax rates, second highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second highest in property tax collections per capita. Kansans simply cannot afford more taxes. The only state with a higher tax burden is Nebraska. However Nebraska’s state debt per capita is $22, while Kansas’ is $1,202.
“Now more than ever is the time to implement true fiscal reform in how we spend taxpayer dollars. I encourage the Governor and Legislature to not only avoid increasing taxes, but also to seriously consider passage of key measures that will impose some fiscal sanity in Topeka.
“Kansas needs to enact spending constraints, zero-based budgeting and budget stabilization fund legislation this year. When our state government entirely exhausts a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion in two and a half years, it’s obvious these measures need to be taken.
“Now is the time for our Governor and lawmakers to look in the mirror, not in the pockets of Kansas taxpayers when searching for answers. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business in Kansas by getting control over the reckless way we spend taxpayer dollars and ultimately, changing the reputation of our great state from being considered a high tax state to one that cultivates economic growth and prosperity through reductions in spending and tax rates.”
Showing posts with label Americans for Prosperity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Americans for Prosperity. Show all posts
Monday, January 11, 2010
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
AFP-Kansas prepares transportation policy primer for legislators, taxpayers
The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has prepared a ‘policy primer’ to help Kansans understand what Kansas spends on transportation in the state, and how our state compares with others in the region.
Derrick Sontag, AFP-Kansas state director, said Kansas has had a comprehensive highway or transportation plan for twenty years now.
“There are many in Topeka who believe that the simple act of building new roads and highways spurs economic growth, but the numbers suggest otherwise,” he said. “For example, between 2002 and 2006 Kansas ranked eighth in the country in highway spending per capita, yet our Gross State Product growth lagged at 33rd.”
Sontag said that generally speaking, economic research studies have not found that increased spending and building more roads will lead to a larger economy and to more private capital in a given state.
“Kansas’ rankings in highway spending and GSP growth, as well as other economic measurements, suggest there is no direct correlation between increased government spending on highways and economic growth,” he said.
Sontag also noted that the state’s annual population growth has averaged less than a half percent.
“With lagging Gross State Product and population growth, one has to wonder just what economic measurements the proponents of implementing a new highway plan cite in making their claims that simply building new roads will lead to an economic recovery in Kansas,” he said. “Reducing the tax burden and government spending will best assist the private sector, not increasing our tax and debt burden.”
Sontag said it would be irresponsible for the Legislature to do anything further than authorize an appropriate maintenance plan during the upcoming legislative session.
“Kansas’ roads and highways are in great conditions, and AFP-Kansas supports the implementation of a responsible maintenance program,” he said. “However, with the state facing a $500 million shortfall and Kansans already facing an uncompetitive tax and debt burden the last thing the Legislature should do is embark on a massive tax and debt plan that further places Kansas families and businesses in a financial bind.”
The AFP transportation policy primer outlines the state funding for highway plans, which has traditionally involved taxes and debt. It also compares the Kansas tax rates to those of neighboring states.
Derrick Sontag, AFP-Kansas state director, said Kansas has had a comprehensive highway or transportation plan for twenty years now.
“There are many in Topeka who believe that the simple act of building new roads and highways spurs economic growth, but the numbers suggest otherwise,” he said. “For example, between 2002 and 2006 Kansas ranked eighth in the country in highway spending per capita, yet our Gross State Product growth lagged at 33rd.”
Sontag said that generally speaking, economic research studies have not found that increased spending and building more roads will lead to a larger economy and to more private capital in a given state.
“Kansas’ rankings in highway spending and GSP growth, as well as other economic measurements, suggest there is no direct correlation between increased government spending on highways and economic growth,” he said.
Sontag also noted that the state’s annual population growth has averaged less than a half percent.
“With lagging Gross State Product and population growth, one has to wonder just what economic measurements the proponents of implementing a new highway plan cite in making their claims that simply building new roads will lead to an economic recovery in Kansas,” he said. “Reducing the tax burden and government spending will best assist the private sector, not increasing our tax and debt burden.”
Sontag said it would be irresponsible for the Legislature to do anything further than authorize an appropriate maintenance plan during the upcoming legislative session.
“Kansas’ roads and highways are in great conditions, and AFP-Kansas supports the implementation of a responsible maintenance program,” he said. “However, with the state facing a $500 million shortfall and Kansans already facing an uncompetitive tax and debt burden the last thing the Legislature should do is embark on a massive tax and debt plan that further places Kansas families and businesses in a financial bind.”
The AFP transportation policy primer outlines the state funding for highway plans, which has traditionally involved taxes and debt. It also compares the Kansas tax rates to those of neighboring states.
Friday, October 23, 2009
AFP-Kansas statement on Topeka Planning Commission nomination
The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity has questions regarding Topeka Councilman Jeff Preisner’s move to block Mayor Bill Bunten’s nomination to the Topeka Planning Commission.
Last month, Mayor Bunten nominated Topeka citizen and local radio host Raubin Pierce to the planning commission. Earlier this week Councilman Preisner introduced a resolution seeking to block Pierce’s nomination, claiming he is “unfit” for the position. AFP-Kansas released the following statement in response to Preisner’s resolution:
“I was disappointed to learn of Councilman Jeff Preisner sponsoring a resolution that states Raubin Pierce is “not fit or is unqualified” to serve on the Topeka Planning Commission,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag.
“Mr. Pierce has been an advocate for the taxpayers of Topeka for a number of years now. During this time he has consistently expressed a desire to see Topeka improve and become more prosperous. His willingness to express his opinion on matters involving the city in which he lives and works in should be used as an example to encourage a more active citizenry, rather than being used against him in his nomination for an important role in our city government.
We applaud Mayor Bill Bunten and Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz for their efforts to put on the Topeka Planning Commission a community member who consistently works to improve the Capital City.
What kind of message is Mr. Preisner sending when he works to defeat the nomination of an opinionated individual who is well educated on the matters of his city government and who asks the questions that others might not dare to ask? It seems to send the message: ‘keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself if you’re going to stir the pot.’
Perhaps this is simply a case of rejecting any nominee stemming from Mayor Bill Bunten, who soundly defeated Mr. Preisner in the last mayoral election.
Of course we don’t know the exact reason why the resolution was introduced and it is important to note that council members aren’t required to elaborate on the reasoning. But perhaps Mr. Preisner will have the decency to publicly state his reasons for rejecting the nomination of a well-respected member of the community. He not only owes it to Mr. Pierce, but to all Topekans who dare speak their mind on issues involving their city.”
Last month, Mayor Bunten nominated Topeka citizen and local radio host Raubin Pierce to the planning commission. Earlier this week Councilman Preisner introduced a resolution seeking to block Pierce’s nomination, claiming he is “unfit” for the position. AFP-Kansas released the following statement in response to Preisner’s resolution:
“I was disappointed to learn of Councilman Jeff Preisner sponsoring a resolution that states Raubin Pierce is “not fit or is unqualified” to serve on the Topeka Planning Commission,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag.
“Mr. Pierce has been an advocate for the taxpayers of Topeka for a number of years now. During this time he has consistently expressed a desire to see Topeka improve and become more prosperous. His willingness to express his opinion on matters involving the city in which he lives and works in should be used as an example to encourage a more active citizenry, rather than being used against him in his nomination for an important role in our city government.
We applaud Mayor Bill Bunten and Councilwoman Sylvia Ortiz for their efforts to put on the Topeka Planning Commission a community member who consistently works to improve the Capital City.
What kind of message is Mr. Preisner sending when he works to defeat the nomination of an opinionated individual who is well educated on the matters of his city government and who asks the questions that others might not dare to ask? It seems to send the message: ‘keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself if you’re going to stir the pot.’
Perhaps this is simply a case of rejecting any nominee stemming from Mayor Bill Bunten, who soundly defeated Mr. Preisner in the last mayoral election.
Of course we don’t know the exact reason why the resolution was introduced and it is important to note that council members aren’t required to elaborate on the reasoning. But perhaps Mr. Preisner will have the decency to publicly state his reasons for rejecting the nomination of a well-respected member of the community. He not only owes it to Mr. Pierce, but to all Topekans who dare speak their mind on issues involving their city.”
Friday, May 22, 2009
AFP Viewpoint: Gov. Parkinson chooses local government control over people of Kansas
The free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity-Kansas released the following statement in response to the veto of Senate Bill 51:
“Today, we learned that the Governor has vetoed a measure to restrict the power of annexation of cities,” said Americans for Prosperity Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “AFP supported this bill, as it would have given local residents more control in the annexation process by allowing them to vote to approve annexation in certain instances.
“The legislation was viewed by AFP and others as taking a critical first step towards providing the ultimate safeguards from over-zealous annexation by government bodies.
“Property rights and freedoms should not be trampled in the name of supposed ‘economic development’ by the public sector. Economic development is best left for the free market to determine without government intervention.
“The consent of the governed is the backbone of this country yet today, despite receiving more than 450 emails in support of this legislation within the last week, Governor Parkinson violated that right.”
“Today, we learned that the Governor has vetoed a measure to restrict the power of annexation of cities,” said Americans for Prosperity Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “AFP supported this bill, as it would have given local residents more control in the annexation process by allowing them to vote to approve annexation in certain instances.
“The legislation was viewed by AFP and others as taking a critical first step towards providing the ultimate safeguards from over-zealous annexation by government bodies.
“Property rights and freedoms should not be trampled in the name of supposed ‘economic development’ by the public sector. Economic development is best left for the free market to determine without government intervention.
“The consent of the governed is the backbone of this country yet today, despite receiving more than 450 emails in support of this legislation within the last week, Governor Parkinson violated that right.”
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