Kansas Legislature completes 2021 session
The Kansas Legislature wrapped up its 2021 session earlier this month by approving a $28.3 billion budget. About 20 members of the Legislative Committee of the Kansas City, Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce were briefed on legislative action Friday, May 28 via ZOOM.
The budget allows for an across-the-board state 20-mill property tax levy that is estimated to raise about $750 million for public school districts. In addition, what legislators described as “full funding of education,” would provide $5.2 billion. The budget also allows $53 million for higher education.
Legislators passed the “Property tax transparency bill” which eliminates the property tax lid, but calls for a public notice and public hearing to account for any increase exceeding a revenue –neutral rate. Certain commercial property owners in Wyandotte County, including those in the Fairfax Industrial Area, have been hit in recent years with substantial tax increases.
The Legislature passed an extension of STAR bond legislation until July 1, 2026. This method of financing uses sales tax money that finances infrastructure such as sewers and streets of major developments such as those in Village West.
Sports book gaming failed to gain approval. Proponents including casinos and convenience stores were at odds.
Gov. Laura Kelly proposed that revenue from medical marijuana legislation be sued to pay for expanded Medicare. Neither measure passed.
Legislation now allows liquor stores to open at 9 a.m. on Sunday instead of noon.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is executive director of Business West.