The Voice of Merrill

Kansas is in much better shape than California, Michigan or Arizona.  But rationalizing Kansas’ economic situation by comparing it to those in worse shape is akin to an obese person pointing to their siblings and saying “It could be worse, look how fat my brother is!”  The conditions of others may put things into some sort of perspective, but they do not remedy any problems. 

Governor Mark Parkinson is not a fool.  He knows the $400 million shortfall in the State budget must be filled from somewhere.  He has proposed a tobacco tax which overall may have enough support to pass but is unlikely to change the income vs. expense ratio.  Raising tobacco taxes increases the importation of the substances from across state lines and via electronic transactions.  The tobacco tax proposal is more of an acknowledgment of the issues and a sign that work is being done than an actual plan.

Fixing the State budget will not be pleasant.  Either Kansans are hammered with tax increases or taboo subjects like teacher salaries and Medicaid thresholds must be addressed.  No matter which direction the legislature decides to pursue, the repercussions could mean political careers will be killed off.

Popularity: 1% [?]