Dahl, Barnett talk about dollars, debt, development
Staff reporter
The state's growing debt and lagging behind in business development, health insurance, and wages were topics discussed by Kansas Representative Don Dahl and Kansas Senator Jim Barnett Saturday morning at Zimmerman's Deli and Coffee Shop, downtown Marion.
Dahl began the discussion.
"I think we're at a crisis," he said, referring to the state's fiscal responsibility. "We have growing debt and an increase of government jobs vs. private sector jobs."
Legislators need to get a hold on spending, Dahl said.
There are two philosophies in the House, Dahl said, regarding dispersing additional funds.
There is more money in the treasury — a whopping $300 million more — but the state is $4 billion in debt.
"We have to reverse the trends," Dahl said. "Very few (legislators) say 'let's pay down the debt' with the extra money."
It's a Catch-22 situation for legislators to determine how, when, or if funds are spent.
"If the funds are left until the end of the session, people want to spend the money. If funds are off the table (spent) at the beginning of the session, then there won't be any in the end," Dahl said.
Dahl said there were 39 amendments offered but the House stood firm and held the budget increase to 4.5 percent. During the past three years, increases have been 8.5 percent.
He emphasized that funds now are dedicated for public education and will be left alone.
Tax breaks
"This state needs to be more business-friendly," Dahl said. "We have to get more businesses in Kansas."
High school and college graduates are leaving Kansas for jobs in other states. Kansas is becoming an aging population and businesses are leaving.
"Do we try to draw business into the state and keep them here or do we let them leave in order to survive?" Dahl asked. "Once a business leaves the state, it never comes back."
One of the steps the House has taken to give businesses a break includes the elimination of franchise taxes.
More than half of the other states have eliminated this tax.
Unemployment insurance, a requirement for employers, has been reduced by 40 percent, Dahl said.
"We're looking at other taxes to help businesses and individuals," Dahl said, which includes increasing Social Security benefits.
Dahl would like to end the animosity between employers and employees regarding businesses getting more breaks than individuals.
"Businesses are supplying jobs and benefits," he said. "People ought to be thankful
Currently Social Security recipients have to pay state taxes.
"Taking taxes off of Social Security payments makes it more fair," Dahl said.
Are we a poor county?
Dahl asked the crowd of 15-20 constituents if it knew how Marion County compared with other counties regarding per capita income.
He said the per capita income for Marion County is $24,000 per year. It was no surprise that Johnson County's was $46,000 but it surprised some to know that Chase County was $28,000-$29,000 — significantly more than Marion County.
"We think of Chase County as a poor county but their residents make more than us," Dahl said.
Barnett comments on health insurance
Health care continues to be a priority for state senator Jim Barnett.
"There are 300,000 Kansans without health insurance," he said. Of those, 46,000 are children.
"All or most qualify for public assistance like Health Wave but aren't enrolled," Barnett said. "Getting children insured needs to be pursued."
Another age group that does not have health insurance is those 18-34 years of age.
"They choose not to be insured because of cost," he said. "What can we do for our young people?"
Barnett suggested increasing the age dependents can remain on their parents' health plan. Currently, children can remain until they are 23 years old.
"Should we require everyone to have health insurance?" Barnett asked.
He compared auto and household insurance with health insurance.
"Your employer doesn't own your car or home insurance," Barnett said.
He continued that when employees change jobs, they lose their insurance or it changes from employer to employer. If the individual was responsible for his or her own health insurance, then it would become more portable.
Thirty percent of Kansans cannot afford health insurance, Barnett said. Being able to purchase health insurance with pre-taxed dollars is an option businesses can offer but many do not.
Another suggestion was for spouses to have joint health insurance policies. Barnett said often times spouses have different health insurance providers because of employment. He noted that many families are working more than one job just to pay for health insurance.
"We need to insure everyone," he said. "We all pay for health care when others can't afford it."
Barnett said the state needs to be more fiscally responsible.
"Inflation right now is at 2.1 percent and the budget is above that," he said.
Barnett also would like for the state to be more business-friendly.
"We are losing 3,400 high-end taxpayers each year," Barnett said.
Questions are answered
Marion resident Gene Winkler asked if the state had changed valuation policies that would reflect a 50 percent increase in property taxes for Marion Country Club. Winkler said, as treasurer for the organization, the property value has increased $130,000 which increased property taxes by $4,000.
"What did you change to make it go so high?" Winkler asked.
Dahl said he was not aware of any changes that would affect that.
"This is a prime example of taxes gone rampant," Dahl said.
Roger Hannaford III of Marion said the amount houses sold for four and five years ago is significantly less than what prices were eight to 10 years ago but appraisals continue to increase.
Barnett said the Kansas City area is experiencing the same decline.
"Local units of government have to pay for their budgets and are adjusting accordingly," he said.
Pat Jackson of Marion asked how the governor could halt development of wind energy in the Flint Hills. Barnett said the governor used her position of power.
"The governor scared off developers in the Flint Hills," Dahl said. "Instead they're developing in western Kansas."
Dahl continued that there may be an additional power plant in the works at Wolf Creek in Coffey County. When the original nuclear power plant was planned, a second site also was approved.
Colwich has an ethanol plant where various grasses and grains are used, Dahl said.
"What better plan than Marion County to have a plant like that," Dahl said. "The county has to come together and fight to get it."
Bob Maxwell of rural Marion asked how state university buildings could be in such poor condition.
"It was set up for failure when colleges accepted donations but didn't include maintenance costs," Barnett said. He said he would not support any assistance that wasn't part of the budget.
He said Fort Hays State University used its own budget and personnel to make necessary repairs and improvements.
Both Barnett and Dahl agreed they would not support an increase in turnpike tolls. Barnett said he would not support tuition increases to cover those costs.
Dahl suggested universities prioritize building concerns and look at ways to pay for it.
Dahl said it really "burns me up" when universities like the University of Kansas wants to spend money on airplane hangars and the chancellor's house but not the buildings on campus.
