Issue Position: Economy

Issue Position

DO YOU THINK THE KANSAS TAX STRUCTURE IS WELL BALANCED AND THAT ALL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY ARE TREATED FAIRLY? NO
I was very involved in helping to repeal Sam Brownback's 2012 failed "tax experiment" that allowed unfair, disastrous and irresponsible income tax exemptions for over 300,000 businesses and our very wealthiest individuals. I voted for the repeal and I voted to override Governor Brownback's veto of that repeal.

I voted for and will continue to support a new tax structure that is broad based, that includes ALL segments of the economy, and that eliminates political and financial favoritism for the wealthy elite and special interests that benefitted most from the Brownback tax plan. Brownback's 2012 tax cuts were implemented at the expense of the middle class, our students, and our most vulnerable citizens. Brownback's irresponsible tax cut "experiment" resulted in an unprecedented economic downturn in Kansas. The Republican Brownback leftovers in the Legislature would like to return to his disastrous tax policies which would again disadvantage the vast majority of working Kansans.

Savvy business people and the great majority of Kansans in general understand that a fair and balanced tax structure is a critical necessity for strong economic development which will help bring modern businesses and high paying jobs to Kansas. As a member of the House Taxation Committee I have and will continue to support a balanced tax plan that will provide a more equitable income tax schedule while decreasing overly used and regressive sales and property taxes that are hurting many Kansas families and businesses.

DO YOU SUPPORT A REDUCTION IN THE PRESENT STATE SALES TAX ON FOOD WHICH IS ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION? YES
The present sales tax in Kansas on food and other products and services is one of the highest in the nation. It is a regressive tax that places an unfair burden on the middle class and on citizens least able to afford basic necessities for their families. The present sales tax rates should be cut as part of an ongoing effort to revamp the tax code to provide a more equitable system of taxation that spreads tax responsibility over the entire Kansas economy, that encourages true economic development, that provides the funding necessary to address the basic responsibilities of Kansas government and reduces the burden of regressive taxes like the sales tax on food.

I am in favor of a tax structure that eliminates the sales tax on both food and medicine. Kansans should not have to deny their families proper nutrition or needed medications based on their inability to afford an inordinately high tax on food and medicine.

SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE BE ALLOWED TO TAKE MONEY FROM KDOT FUNDS WHICH ARE EARMARKED FOR ROAD AND BRIDGE REPAIR? NO
The previous Republican administration constantly took money out of the highway funds to cover up for general fund losses created by the Brownback "tax experiment". I have been a strong advocate for fully funding KDOT and to keep those funds from being "swept" into the general fund to cover shortfalls caused by fiscal mismanagement of the General Fund.

KDOT funds go to keeping all Kansans and their families safe on our roads and bridges. Fully funding KDOT also generates thousands of good paying, highly skilled jobs which help stimulate and sustain our economy. Using those funds to cover fiscal mismanagement of the general fund puts the safety of Kansans at risk as well as undermining our efforts to re-energize and sustain a thriving economy.

SHOULD THE LEGISLATURE PASS A BILL ALLOWING BUSINESSES TO DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY? NO
I have and will continue to adamantly oppose any form of legislation that promotes or allows any form of discrimination based on race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation or gender identity. To do any differently is unacceptable, un-American and should be plainly and without exception illegal.

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