Controversy continues over district maps, while tax reform passes

State legislators will push for final adjournment this week. Reapportionment of legislative districts, especially for the Kansas Senate, continues to be the most difficult issue to resolve.

A House-Senate conference committee proposal to reform the state’s income tax laws was circumvented by the House of Representatives last week when members voted to adopt a bill the Senate passed in March. The Senate tax plan had not been seriously considered since its March 21 passage because it was estimated to reduce state revenues by more than $800 million during fiscal year 2014. The bill sent to Gov. Sam Brownback last week for his signature would reduce the top state income tax rate from 6.45% to 4.9%; exempt certain non-wage business income of LLCs, subchapter S corporations and sole proprietorships; and increase the standard deduction for single head-of-household filers and married taxpayers. Brownback has stated he will sign this bill if the Legislature fails to send him a less costly proposal before final adjournment.

During debate on the state’s 2013 budget, the House of Representatives passed an amendment that would require state agencies to use the federal E-verify program when hiring new state employees. This requirement also would apply to private businesses that have contracts with the state in excess of $50,000. The Senate is not expected to accept this amendment.

The Legislature last week sent two bills supported by KLA to the governor for his signature. HB 2596 includes a provision to strengthen the prohibition of transporting, possessing and hunting feral swine. This bill also would clarify that animal activists who misrepresent their identity cannot avail themselves to the defense that they were given permission to work on or enter a livestock facility if charged with illegally taking photographs or videos or damaging the property. HB 2502 would allow county commissioners to approve the operation of corporate swine facilities.

For more information visit www.kla.org.

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