Topeka — Senate President Ty Masterson accused Gov. Laura Kelly of being divisive after strong economic numbers were released Friday.
“Last week’s positive consensus revenue estimates reflected the strength of a burgeoning Trump economy and our consistent efforts to promote economic growth in Kansas,” Masterson said in a release. “Instead of celebrating this success with unity, the governor opted to issue a divisive and ‘bizarre’ press release on Good Friday, in which she resorted to left-wing class warfare rhetoric in an attempt to lecture the legislature and pretend to be a fiscal conservative. The truth is our responsible Republican budget spent $50 million less than the governor’s budget and $200 million less than the prior year in SGF, while fully funding public schools and boosting public safety. It’s also common sense that when revenues increase, we should return that to low-and-middle income Kansans.”
Kelly said the postiive outlook was underscored by what she called excessive spending by the Republican Legislature.
“Today’s Consensus Revenue Estimates could be seen as positive news, but in reality, they underscore the seriousness of the financial predicament ahead,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The bizarre and irresponsible budget gimmicks used by the Republican-led Legislature spend more than the state takes in by nearly $800 million per year. Ultimately, this will lead to a historically large budget deficit, rivaling the worst of the Brownback years.”
Kansas Hosue Speaker Dan Hawkins shared how the Legislature cut the proposed Kelly budget.
“This year, the legislature took on the budgeting process to get a better handle on how your tax dollars are being spent,” Hawkins said. “We funded essential government services while reducing the total budget by 5.4 percent — $42.3 million less than the Governor proposed. We also took responsible measures to lower the cost of living for all Kansans with additional tax relief to what was passed last year. Be wary of those who want to make political hay by invoking the budget boogeyman and screaming that the sky is falling. These positive consensus revenue estimates reaffirm we’re headed down a smart and sustainable path as we continue to monitor all fiscal data as it’s available.”
Kelly’s proposal offset her increase in spending with higher tax rates, something the Kansas Legislature did not support. And the Legislature opted to return a portion of the $3 billion plus overage the state collected in recent years back to the taxpayers, something Kelly referred to as a budget deficit. Lawmakers intentionally kept from raising the cost of government on Kansans by using the overage rather than increasing taxes.
Masterson claimed Kelly’s negative response by be related to the Legislature’s efforts to nullify most of her vetoes.
“Perhaps the governor is still shell-shocked from having nearly 30 vetoes overridden in a matter of hours,” Masterson said. “But it was sad to see her sound more like a commentator on MSNBC than a governor who is supposed to lead.”
Earl Watt is the owner and publisher of the Leader & Times in Liberal, Kansas. Watt started his career in journalism in 1991 at the Southwest Daily Times. During his career, the newspaper has won a total of 17 Sweepstakes awards from the Kansas Press Association for editorial content and 18 Sweepstakes awards for advertising. Watt has been recognized with more than 70 first place awards for writing in categories from sports and column to best front pages, best sports pages and best opinion pages. Watt is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and is the descendant of several patriots who fought for America's freedom and independence.
