Want more proof that Governor Sam Brownback's (R. KS) economic policy hasn't been helping Kansas' economy? Just ask his own advisors:
http://www.kansascity.com/...
A new report from within Brownback’s own administration indicates that tax cuts in Kansas, which took effect in 2013, are not boosting the state’s economy. (Here’s the mission of that group.)
Indeed, the state is not keeping up with the rest of the nation and a group of six neighboring states in a number of key statistical areas.
The March report reviews trends in the Kansas economy over the last year and over a five-year period. The document is worth reading for a couple of reasons.
First, it comes from the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors. That’s not a group anyone can claim is out to undermine or attack the governor. Instead, it looks at the facts, as it should, in several areas. In fact, Brownback is the chairman of the group.
Second, it paints an unvarnished truth that should be a great concern to all Kansans who care about the state’s future. And it’s a truth that Democrats are likely to pounce on as they run against Brownback and other Republicans in the Legislature this fall. - The Kansas City Star, 3/31/14
You can read the report here:
http://www.kansascommerce.com/...
Here's the big indicators the report points to as evidence:
A recent report shows Kansas lagging in five areas the governor identified as key economic indicators.
Private establishment
Kansas: 0.7%
6-state region: 2.6%
United States: 2.2%
Private sector employment
Kansas: 0.9%
6-state region: 1.5%
United States: 2.1%
Population
Kansas: 0.3%
6-state region: 0.7%
United States: 0.7%
GDP
Kansas: 3.1%
6-state region: 3.6%
United States: 4.1%
Per capita income
Kansas: 2.2%
6-state region: 3.6%
United States: 3.4%
Not to mention Brownback's tax cuts aren't very business friendly:
http://www.kansas.com/...
A tax plan that Gov. Sam Brownback sold as “a shot of adrenaline to the heart” of the Kansas economy is causing heartburn for business owners who lost money in 2013.
About $60 million worth of heartburn, according to a state estimate.
The new tax code requires people who lose money in business to add those losses to any wages they report on their state returns, meaning they’re paying state taxes on money they didn’t make.
It’s a glitch critics say undercuts one of the major stated goals of the Brownback tax plan: to make the state a friendlier place to start and nurture a business.
The Legislature has begun to make changes, which, if approved by the House and signed by the governor, would allow taxpayers to amend their state tax returns for 2013 and deduct business losses of as much as $25,000 a person.
Profitable businesses are saving millions of dollars from the new tax code.
But as the tax code is now written, many business startups and others that took a loss last year are paying higher state taxes because of the reform plan that was sponsored by the governor and passed by the Legislature two years ago.
Even with lower tax rates across the board and no tax on business income other than wages, elimination of the deduction for business losses can easily add up to an overall tax increase for individuals. - The Wichita Eagle, 4/5/14
And this doesn't look for Brownback either:
http://www.theolathenews.com/...
Gov. Sam Brownback’s election-year proposal for the state to pick up the bill for all-day kindergarten is apparently dead, key lawmakers said Tuesday.
The governor’s plan to phase in funding for all-day kindergarten is being cast aside as lawmakers scramble to find money to resolve what the courts decreed an unconstitutional wealth disparity between rich and poor school districts.
Legislators are under a court order to find an estimated $129 million to fix the problem by July 1 or risk having a panel of state judges fashion its own solution. This year’s legislative session is set to end May 15.
“Now is not the year,” said House Speaker Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell.
Merrick was joined by other lawmakers from the Senate who do not think enough money is available to fund the court ruling and add a major new education program. - The Olathe News, 4/6/14
Yep, these are all reasons why Brownback is looking like a big target and why House Minority Leader Paul Davis (D. KS) is looking like a top candidate in this race:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Paul Davis (Kansas governor): Kansas is a very conservative state, but that doesn't mean Gov. Sam Brownback (R) is a lock for reelection. His likely opponent is state House Minority Leader Paul Davis (D). A politically youthful 41, Davis has caught the eye of national Democrats, who view Kansas as a sleeper pickup opportunity. Brownback isn't popular, polling shows. And a group allied with him has already hit the airwaves -- a sign Republicans think this could be a real race. Even if he loses, keep an eye on Davis as a potential candidate for another office down the road. Running a competent campaign for governor can be a great platform. - Washington Post, 4/4/14
Click here if you want to donate and get involved with Davis' campaign:
http://davisforkansas.com/