TOPEKA OFFICE900 S Kansas Ave, Suite 402ATopeka, Kansas 66612Phone: (785) 354-4237

WICHITA OFFICE151 Whittier StreetWichita, Kansas 67207Phone: (316) 681-4415

InfoKS@afphq.org

Kansas Legislative PrioritiesKansas has made steady progress along the path of economic freedom in recent years and we are starting to see the positive benefits of fiscal responsibility in our individual family pocketbooks and our economic vitality as a state.

We want to build on that progress and continue to advance the cause of economic freedom for Kansans. In 2015 we will promote common sense policies that make our state government more open, efficient and responsible.

2015

Kansas BudgetWe are now starting to see the positive effects of the 2012 tax reforms. Unemployment is down and new businesses are starting up. We should not risk placing a drag on our improving private sector, or punishing business that just recently moved to Kansas. It is imperative that the Legislature get serious about finding ways to reduce spending, without increasing the tax burden on Kansas families and businesses. This will present real challenges for legislators, and provide real opportunities for positive change.

Reduce the overall state budget. Cover temporary budget shortfalls and planned 2016 tax relief

through spending reductions (approximately 6% based on current revenue estimates) rather than tax increases.

Keep the 2012 tax reforms in place. Now is not the time to turn back the clock.

Require all state agencies to submit a zero based budget at least once during every four years. Rather than just determine the amount of increase, agency heads and legislators should be able to review the budget from the ground up.

End corporate welfare programs which cost Kansas taxpayers millions for a very limited return on investment. In a time of budget shortfalls, corporate handouts should be the lowest priority.

Appropriate all revenue from State income tax, sales tax and property tax through the normal budget process rather than automatic transfers to specific agencies. This will improve transparency and give legislators more flexibility.

Require a 2/3 legislative super-majority for tax increases. Currently, 16 states, including three of our four neighbors, require a super-majority to approve tax increases.

Energy Policy that puts Consumers FirstThe Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a state mandate that requires electric companies to purchase power from certain types of producers. This is intended to pick winners and losers in the marketplace. Kansas electric prices have followed the national trend of higher rates for states with an RPS.

AFP supports a full repeal of the Renewable Portfolio Standard. Review of other distortions in energy production and sales, such as

property tax exemptions for favored producers.

Reject Medicaid ExpansionA massive expansion of Medicaid was a key component of President Obamas Affordable Care Act. Kansas leaders have wisely chosen not to incur massive future costs by expanding Medicaid and should continue to reject expansion in light of a new Congress, unresolved legal challenges, and continuation of federal payments to Kansas hospitals.

We urge Kansas leaders to put Kansans first and say No to Medicaid expansion.

Implement a thorough review of the Kansas Medicaid program to ensure quality care for those who need it most.

Oppose the EPAs proposed rule on power plantsThe cornerstone of the Presidents Climate Action Plan is a proposed rule on power plants that will require our state to cut emissions by 22.7 percent by 2030. This will damage job creation and economic growth, and threaten Kansans access to affordable and reliable energy. State leaders are requested to stand up for families and businesses in Kansas by opposing efforts to implement the proposed rule.

We urge the Kansas Legislature and Governor Brownback to support legislation that would prohibit the state from submitting an implementation plan while outstanding legal issues remain.

Expand Democracy to all Branches of State GovernmentIt is outrageous that Kansas is the only state in the country where control of the Judicial Branch of government resides with a select, non-elected few, to the exclusion of Kansas voters. Kansas lawyers vote for the majority of the Judicial Nomination Commission that selects Kansas Supreme Court nominees, while the rest of us have no voice in the process. We support either of the following methods to give Kansans a voice in all branches of government.

A Federal System with appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, similar to that used by the United States Constitution.

Direct Election of Justices, which has been successfully used in other states.

Opportunities for EducationAn educational system that provides multiple options and opportunities for each and every student will provide the best outcomes for all Kansas students. Last year the Kansas legislature retained the Virtual School program and created an Educational Scholarship Tax Credit program. However, Kansas remains 42nd of the 43 states with Charter Schools.

Expand the approval authority of charter schools. Approving entities should include colleges and universities, select non-profit organizations, city and county governments, and a state level Charter School Commission.

Fully implement the Educational Scholarship Tax Credit program. This program is designed to help students in the worst performing schools. Any delay in implementation will have real consequences for children most in need.

Taxpayer-funded Lobbying ReformMore than 60 government entities and associations actively lobby the Kansas legislature, often lobbying for larger budgets and more regulatory control. It just doesnt make sense for a government agency to use scarce tax dollars to pay lobbyists to ask for more tax dollars.

Require state employees lobbying the Kansas Legislature on behalf of State agencies to register as a lobbyist and report their expenditures.

Require government entities at all levels to report how much they spend to influence the legislature.

Tear down barriers to the marketWe believe its time for Kansas to embrace more free market access rather than allowing government and connected interests to stifle opportunity through regulation, licensing requirements and bureaucracy.

Update Kansas alcoholic beverage laws. Our outdated system of alcoholic beverage laws restrict consumer choice.

Allow trained and experienced Nurse Practitioners to provide basic health care services without collaborative agreements with doctors. In reality, these agreements require no real supervision, but drive up costs for providers and patients.

Create a mid-level dental provider license. This would allow hygienists with additional training to provide basic dental care in underserved parts of the Kansas.

State Pension ReformThe existing state pension system is ballooning in costs and reduces options for State employees. Kansas has more than $10 Billion in unfunded pension liability that will soon start to crowd out other state spending priorities. Kansas owes state retirees and employees currently in the system the retirement benefits they have been promised, and it is time to look at reforms to stabilize the current system and ensure benefits for future employees.

Create a defined benefit, 401k style retirement program for new employees and current employees who wish to change. This will result if fixed, up front expenses for the state, and give employees greater flexibility to move back and forth between the state and private sector.