Sam Brownback

Kansas House Committee Approves NBAF Bonds

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:26:57 +0000

The House Appropriations Committee has approved an amended version of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback’s proposal to issue more bonds for a federal lab in Manhattan. They delayed a decision Wednesday on the governor's proposal to help fund the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, but after a briefing from Brownback's chief of staff, the committee approved the plan for $200 million in bonds.

US Attorney General: New Kansas Gun Law Unconstitutional

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:08:34 +0000

In a letter to Gov. Sam Brownback, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says a new Kansas gun law is unconstitutional, and the federal government is willing to go to court to prove it.

The bill makes it a crime for federal officials to enforce U.S gun laws in Kansas. It also says the federal government cannot regulate guns made, sold and kept in Kansas.

Holder says federal law trumps state law and Kansas can't make it a crime to enforce federal regulations. Some Second Amendment Advocates call Holder’s letter a shot across the bow.

Governor Calls For Continued Medical Center Funding

Elana Gordon — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:31:21 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has been on an all-out tour of state universities this week, calling on lawmakers to extend a sales tax and maintain funding for higher education in the coming budget.

Governor's Higher Education Tour Stops At KU

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:37:19 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback visited the University of Kansas campus yesterday, where he met with school officials and student leaders as part of a tour promoting higher education in the state.

Brownback called KU a "great innovation institution" and highlighted its role in the Kansas economy.

“We’ve really got some momentum moving forward in job creation off of our universities, providing excellence in education, which is a primary issue for us, and we want to keep that momentum growing,” said Brownback.

Brownback Signs Bill Updating Human Trafficking Laws

Stephen Koranda — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:08:09 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has signed into law a bill to combat human trafficking and exploitation of underage sex workers.

The governor signed the bill Monday saying it will provide increased criminal penalties and services for victims of sexual exploitation.

“This will not only strengthen our ability to severely punish traffickers, but it will give us valuable new tools to protect vulnerable young victims so they can have hope of a new life and break the cycle of exploitation,” says Brownback.

Brownback To Visit Kansas Universities

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:15:42 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback will start a tour of the state's universities this week to pitch his funding proposal to lawmakers.

Kansas Senate Could Cut Governor's Budget

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:55:47 +0000

Leaders in the Kansas Senate say they'll likely pursue cuts to the budget recommended by Governor Sam Brownback.

Senate Committee Delays Work on Brownback’s Tax Plan

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:31:55 +0000

A Senate Committee has delayed work on Governor Sam Brownback's tax proposal. A printing mix-up meant the scheduled debate was left off the official Senate calendar, but the committee's chairman says he didn't want to work on the tax plan without letting the public know about it.

The committee was scheduled to debate the bill and offer amendments. In Statehouse lingo, that’s called “working” the bill. Wichita Republican Les Donovan chairs the Senate Tax Committee. He says they’ll benefit from the extra time to prepare.

More Than 1,000 Gather For Anti-Abortion Rally

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:11:17 +0000

More than 1,000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at the Kansas Statehouse in Topeka to mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the country.

Some Lawmakers May Pursue More Budget Cuts

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:27:55 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has proposed more income tax cuts in Kansas over the coming years. And to help pay for that, he wants to make permanent part of a temporary sales tax increase that is set to expire later this year. He's also suggested eliminating some tax deductions, like the home mortgage deduction.

There is now a conservative majority in both the House and Senate, and some lawmakers may try to find additional cuts to state spending instead of using the sales tax and tax deductions to help pay for an income tax cut.

Brownback Calls For Preserving, Strengthening Mental Health Safety Net

Elana Gordon — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 23:14:32 +0000

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback wants to continue funding mental health services at the state's current level.

Prairiefire Breaks Ground In Overland Park

Laura Spencer — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 22:15:56 +0000

City and state officials were on hand Thursday to lift the shovels during a ceremonial groundbreaking for Prairiefire, a new Overland Park development at 135th Street between Nall and Lamar. The site includes a natural history museum.

More Tax Changes May Be Afoot In Kansas

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:26:52 +0000

A large tax overhaul takes effect in Kansas now that the New Year has begun, but it may not remain as-is for long.

Brownback Hopeful For Wind Energy Tax Credit Extension

Stephen Koranda — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 10:38:00 +0000

A wind energy tax credit is set to expire at the end of this year, but Kansas Governor Sam Brownback is still holding out hope that lawmakers in Washington will extend the credit.

Kansas Medicaid Overhaul Begins Next Month

Bryan Thompson — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:12:28 +0000

KanCare is arguably the biggest change in the history of Medicaid in Kansas. The proposal would privatize the entire program.