Memorial Day, vehicle manufacture bid, tax plan

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

On Memorial Day, we honor those who have paid a price for our freedom.

President Lincoln said it most eloquently, "to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Our gratitude to those who have lost their lives and loved ones is overflowing. "We are the land of the free because of the brave."

Last week, the House passed a bill that would give an advantage to one bidder over another -- the bill would automatically discount any bid to sell the state a vehicle that is made in Kansas by 3 percent (the original bill had a 10 percent discount but was amended to 3 percent).

Currently, there is only one vehicle manufacturer in Kansas, one that has come to be referred to as "Government Motors." All other car dealers will now be at a 3 percent disadvantage when bidding to sell the state a vehicle.

An attempt to create a legislative oversight committee for KanCare failed to receive the required 63 votes in the House chamber.

June 1 is Sine Die, the official last day of session. Typically, bills are not worked on that day.

However, there may be an attempt to reconsider this bill and one or two more.

As I stated before, "For the past decade the state increased taxes and spending. It has led to job loss and slow economic growth. This year, the Kansas Legislature (and our governor) has taken a major step to reverse this dismal economic path we are on by passing a Senate tax bill, Sub HB 2117...

There has been inaccurate information about Sub HB 2117 and inflammatory remarks.

It is a plan that will allow us to evaluate the bill's effectiveness and make adjustments as needed. This tax plan was not the House's first choice but it was the only tax plan the Senate passed. It is major tax reform that will stimulate the Kansas economy and create jobs."

Consider that the estimated "cost" of Sub HB 2117 is based on the current conditions of the economy and no other changes in taxes. Both are unlikely scenarios. An amendment that I made to the House tax plan (which didn't pass the Senate) could have saved the state an estimated $97.5 million this year and if no other factors are taken into consideration (i.e. the tax plan, the economy, increased population ...) -- this amendment could have saved the state almost $500 million over the next five years by stopping anyone from getting back more than they paid in taxes.

Editor's Note: Rep. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker, can be reached at (785) 296.6838 (office); (913) 898-2366 (home); or by email at Caryn.Tyson@house.ks.gov.