Expect to hear a lot more about tax policy as the 2023 legislative session continues in Topeka.
Lawmakers typically have a late push on tax and budget matters, and that is setting up again this session. 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia says lawmakers have already spent a fair amount of time on varying tax bills.
Discussions about a possible flat tax will likely heat up as well. Here’s 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia:
The focus on money matters, which will also include education funding and the overall budget, follows Thursday’s veto-proof vote by the Kansas Senate to pass House Bill 2238, commonly called the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act that’s designed to stop transgender women from taking part in girls’ or women’s sports. Longbine voted for the bill, saying the Kansas State High School Activities Association and NCAA policies on transgender athletes aren’t sufficient. Schreiber voted against the bill, saying KSHSAA and the NCAA should lead the discussion and there have been no official complaints filed with KSHSAA on the topic.
Last month, the House passed HB 2238, but the majority was just short of being veto-proof. Schreiber believes the bill could well pass the chamber if it’s vetoed as expected by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, while Longbine isn’t so sure.
Longbine, Schreiber and Representatives Duane Droge and Eric Smith have been invited to take part in the latest Legislative Dialogue, which will be March 18 at the Flint Hills Technical College main campus. A light breakfast will be available at 8 am, followed by discussions at 8:30 am. Dialogues are organized by the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee and the League of Women Voters.
