Financial matters, specifically tax relief, is gaining more steam as a likely focal point for Kansas lawmakers once the 2024 Legislative session gets underway next week.
Kansas 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia joined KVOE’s Morning Show Thursday to offer his thoughts on the coming legislative session saying one of the main concerns expressed to him by constituents has been that of property tax relief.
76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington says constituents have also expressed concerns about property tax relief, noting it hasn’t been “extremely loud” but “popular” amongst residents.
A familiar topic that is likely to come up once again is that of Medicaid expansion. Schreiber says he is always hopeful, but highly doubtful the Legislature will approve an expansion despite work by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.
Smith, a known adversary to Medicaid expansion in recent years says he will not be changing his stance on the matter and does not believe it will be taken up in committees during the session. That being said, he tells KVOE News it is possible it may still come before legislators for a vote as “anything can come out on the floor.”
The 2024 session will get underway with the state boasting a $4.2 billion surplus in revenues, something Smith and Schreiber agree is a number many other states would love to see. That being said, Smith tells KVOE News that when you are “flush with money, a lot of people will be knocking at your door.”
When it comes to other areas where they believe attention could or should be given during the session, Schreiber says he would like to see more work done to properly fund K-12 special education.
Smith believes there will be an abundance of work done on matters of law enforcement including bail and bond reform similar to what has been seen in other states such as New York in recent months.
Thursday’s interviews concluded KVOE’s annual series of legislative previews which included a conversation with 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia on Wednesday. All of our legislative previews are available online in the KVOE.com Audio Vault under the listen tab.
