During Gov. Sam Brownback’s bid for re-election he assured Kansans he would balance the budget and preserve services by making government more efficient and cutting expenditures. But, now there could be a rollback of the tax cuts that have been Brownback’s hallmark reports the New York Times.
The governor is working to address a $280 million dollar shortfall this fiscal year. Last week he responded with million dollar cuts in agency spending and general fund transfers.
The state’s nonpartisan legislative research office just released new data suggesting the transfers simply inflate the deficit and kick the can down the road.
Shawn Sullivan is the state budget director. He says, “Everything is on the table, including the tax policy.”
Brownback is reaffirming his support of a privatized child support system. He says costs have declined and overall results have been good.
However, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the percentage of current support collected is at a 14-year low.
Late support collection rates are also at a 13-year low.
Cost-effectiveness has risen. In FFY 2014, Kansas collected $5.89 for every $1 spent. In 2002, the ratio was $3.39 to $1.