Kansas Governor Sam Brownback was in kansas City, Kansas Tuesday for the official signing of a bill that substantially reduces the percentage rate employers are required to pay into the state's Unemployment Trust Fund.
Brownback used the occasion to tout what he called a call, growing Kansas economy.
"People have said you can't cut taxes, create a business-friendly environment and fund state government," he said, adding, "Well, yes you can, and we are."
After the ceremony, the governor also commented on several bills on or soon coming to his desk.
He said the education funding bill passed Sunday is good for Kansas – providing about $150 million more funding, including for a KU Medical school building – and making it easier for technical professionals to teach in their fields without a teaching certificate.
He said he believes concerns some have about a section ending a state mandate for due process for teachers are an overreaction to a provision that simply leaves those matters to local school districts, not the state.
The governor also disagreed with those who say a proposed request by Kansas to become exempt from federal health care laws has no chance of being accepted by Congress. Brownback said because of the widespread dissatisfaction with "Obamacare," a good alternative proposal would have a chance.
The health care opt-out, if approved by Congress, would create federal block grants with which states could create and administer their own health care programs.