Gov. suspends tax refunds
The Associated Press
Originally published 03:50 p.m., February 16, 2009
Updated 08:03 p.m., February 16, 2009
Kansas has suspended income tax refunds and may not pay its employees on time, state officials said Monday.
The state doesn't have enough money in its main bank account to pay its bills. That means payments to public schools and doctors who provide care to needy Kansans under the Medicaid program also could be delayed.
The cash crunch prompted Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to propose borrowing $225 million from other accounts throughout state government. But such a move required the approval of legislative leaders, and top Republicans refused Monday.
Sebelius immediately accused Republicans, who hold majorities in both chambers, of blocking the accounting maneuver to "play political games."
The state often faces cash flow problems when the economy slumps, because revenue isn't collected at the same time bills come due, and it's not uncommon for the state to borrow money from its other accounts to solve the problem.
But GOP leaders said it's illegal under Kansas law to shift the funds around as long as the state continues to face a projected deficit in the budget for the fiscal year that ends June 30. The Legislature has approved a bill to eliminate the shortfall, but Sebelius hasn't received the bill yet and hasn't said whether she will sign it.
"We do want to dot our 'i's' and cross our 't's,'" said House Speaker Mike O'Neal, a Hutchinson Republican. "This is important work, and we do intend to comply with the law."
Republicans said Sebelius could impose emergency budget cuts to pay the state's bills on time.
But Budget Director Duane Goossen, a Sebelius appointee, said only shifting funds around will pull enough cash into the main bank account quickly enough.
"We do not have cash to pay our bills in a timely way," Goossen said during a news conference.
The state's 42,000 employees are supposed to receive their biweekly paychecks Friday, the same day Medicaid reimbursements are supposed to go to health care providers. But the state actually sets aside the money Wednesday.
"If we don't pay our bills on time, we put our credit ratings at risk," said State Treasurer Dennis McKinney, a Democrat appointed by Sebelius to fill a vacancy in that elective office.
The state needs a total of $56 million to meet payroll, make the Medicaid payment and pay tax refunds that were pending when the state suspended them Friday, according to Goossen. As of Monday morning, the state had about $10 million in its main bank account, Goossen said.
He said the state suspended income tax refunds at the end of last week.
"We have to have cash in order to make payroll," Goossen added. "And today, we don't have it."
Republican leaders said they're willing to consider shifting funds around state government to meet the cash crunch once revisions to the current budget become law. The bill they approved last week makes $326 million worth of adjustments, a little less than half of them spending cuts.
Key provisions in that bill would trim $32 million from aid to public schools, about 1 percent of what the state has promised them.
Sebelius and fellow Democrats have said it will be difficult for educators to absorb those cuts so late in the school year. Republicans argue the cuts for schools are necessary to avoid deeper cuts in other parts of the budget, including public safety and social services.
The bill hasn't reached Sebelius' desk, because the Legislature's staff is still proofreading it. But Senate President Steve Morris said the measure could be ready for Sebelius to consider Tuesday evening.
"I would hope that we would make the payroll and all the other obligations," said Morris, a Hugoton Republican.
Democrats accused Republicans of trying to force the governor to accept all the budget changes, including the school funding cut.
"Frankly, I think this is about as irresponsible an action as I have seen," said Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, a Topeka Democrat. "It's blackmail at its worst."
Shifting funds into the state's main bank account requires a special certificate approved by the State Finance Council, which consists of the governor and the Legislature's top eight leaders, six of them Republicans.
The council issued certificates in July and December, totaling $550 million. Sebelius called a council meeting for Monday, seeking another certificate to move $225 million in funds. She called off the session after O'Neal and Morris told her Republicans wouldn't approve a certificate.
Under the law, for a certificate to be issued, the budget director must agree that the money will be paid back by the end of the fiscal year. Goossen didn't have a problem borrowing the money, but Republican leaders doubted that it could be paid back.
GOP leaders noted that in the 26 years the state has issued such certificates, it's never had three in a single fiscal year. Also, the total internal borrowing for a fiscal year has never reached $775 million.
"We have to make absolutely sure that we're doing everything that needs to be done to protect the state's financial stability," Morris said. "We're in a precarious situation — we know that — but we do not want to make that situation worse by doing that is against statutes."
But Sebelius said in a statement: "The Republican legislative leadership is jeopardizing our citizens' pocketbooks for no other reason than to play political games — games in which the only ones set to lose are Kansas families, workers and schools."
___
Budget revisions are in the Conference Committee Report for House Sub for Sub for SB 23.
On the Net:
Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org
Governor's office: http://www.governor.ks.gov
Comments
We allow registered users to post comments on this Web site. To learn more about our posting policies please read our User Poster Agreement Policy.
hellfirebluefish (anonymous) says...
What a bunch of crap...They want to hold state refunds from people who deserve them, but these same people are suppose to PAY their taxes. How about we all just stop paying taxes all together. Thank you GOP for failing us again. You think we would be use to this by now.
February 16, 2009 at 4:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
And so goes the game of dirty politics !
February 16, 2009 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I smell a flatulence tax in the works !
February 16, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mythoughts (anonymous) says...
Where do our local elected Republicans stand on this? Is Peggy Mast going to pay my utilities this month? Is Don Hill going to cover my mortgage? Is Jim Barnett going to pick up my groceries? !@$#!*%^!@ Republicans!
February 16, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
I am forced to pay taxes but the State just can't get it together to refund what is rightfully mine. Why am I not surprised? I can wait, a little, for my refund but I sure pity the State employees. Those people are is desperate situations. But then again, government employees, at ALL levels, are always the first ones to get the short end of the deal.
February 16, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Yes, when you're out of money - spend more!!! Borrow more!!! You don't have to promise to pay it back! It's the (new) American way!!!
February 16, 2009 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
One party government here we come. Be careful what you wish for.
February 16, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatajoke (anonymous) says...
how can you blame this all on the republicans? how can you borrow money and promise to pay it back by june when there is not enough money to begin with? that is our DEMOCRATIC governor's plan!!!!
February 16, 2009 at 5:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"But then again, government employees, at ALL levels, are always the first ones to get the short end of the deal."
Really?? How many pay cuts have our representatives and their staffs taken? How is old Sebelius's bank account looking? President Obama is surely spreading some of his own acquired wealth, right? I don't disagree that the government employees that we are friends and neighbors with are the first to get the short end of the deal, but above them, government employees are sitting pretty.
February 16, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
It's clear as a bell. All spelled out in the first paragraph.
"BUdget director Said monday. tHe"
It's embedded in code, but if you look at the capitalized letters in the above sentence.....
BUSH. All his fault.
Ever heard of the Bible Code? This is the Gazette Code - LOL
February 16, 2009 at 5:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
And if you want to hear what our senator is debating right now tune into the senate live broadcast on the internet.
State-wide smoking ban
Steve
February 16, 2009 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
whatajoke
you said
"how can you blame this all on the republicans?"
That's all people know how to do any more. They have tunnel vision and can not see anything wrong with anything the Democrats do simply because thay are Democrats. This is the new way of thinking, or rather not thinking. It so much easier than actual thinking. I'm glad mechanics and doctors still look at all possible problems instead of just assuming it can only be one thing.
February 16, 2009 at 5:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
acricket (anonymous) says...
Everyone go to www.CAFR1.com and take alook at the secound accounting books. It will blow your mind.
February 16, 2009 at 5:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I was in the same boat once. Broke, unemployed, in debt up to my eyeballs. Went to the banker & wanted a huge loan (which I had no way to ever repay) - to spruce up the house, gamble at the boats, take a vacation, (which I had already done, much of the reason I was broke). Banker said no.
Damn Republican banker.
February 16, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
openeyes
That is the funniest post I have ever seen! And that is saying a lot because I find most of my posts to be pretty hillarious. I think what makes yours so funny is because it's true.;)
February 16, 2009 at 5:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Part II:
So, desperate to buy the new Porsche that I just HAD to have, looking for a way to finance it, I went to my friend, a doctor who worked at Tyson & 2 other jobs to put himself thru school. He suggested I go on a strict diet - no more $30 steaks every night, no more $200 worth of Bon-Bons per week, no more bottles of rare $500 wine every weekend.
Damn Republican doctor.
February 16, 2009 at 5:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to suggest transferring $225 million from other accounts throughout state government. But the move required approval from legislative leaders, and the GOP refused Monday."
This is what bothers me, apparently they have the money, the people have done the work, pay them, plain and simple. Whine about partisanship all you want but its does not change that fact. Why would she sign that bill when the stimulus will bridge the gap anyways, sounds like leverage to me on the GOP end, at the expense of people's income, great way to get votes I tell ya.
February 16, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Our thoughts and prayers to the State employees that are not getting paid or to those not getting their tax refunds because of the GOPs blackmail tactics
GOP you can KISS MY GRITS. Maybe we should take away your nice cars and mansions so the State can pay everybody. Or how bout you give up your salary.
GOP is nothing but crooked politicians. Why are we worried about a damn state wide or city wide smoking ban when we have no money in the state or city bank account.
Get your heads outta your arses and smell the real world
February 16, 2009 at 6:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
xfering the $225 million from the other accounts. What do these accounts consist of and do? And what damage would that do by moving it from these accounts?
Just flat out moving the cash no questions asked is stupid.
February 16, 2009 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
how about we create more social programs and raise dem taxes and debt!
February 16, 2009 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Pocket I dunno about but at some point and time have you not paid something with a credit card only to pay it off a few days later? Your not getting it, this is about people getting money they are entitled to, and apparently the GOP is trying to ram this bill through using financial hardship as a means to get it done. I once long ago worked for a construction company that could not pay its employees one week, they did what they had to do make payroll, even if included taking out a loan to do so until they were reimbursed with the contract. The GOP should be working with our governor to get this done regardless of what bills are out there, and from the way the article reads they are not.
"how about we create more social programs and raise dem taxes and debt!"
How about we give everyone some more tax cuts, they have worked wonders in the past!
February 16, 2009 at 6:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
whatajoke (anonymous) says...
jmcmannis, so according to you the state's whole buget deficit stems exclusively from the GOP. I'm curious, what political party is our current governor, for the last 6 years or so, affiliated with? Maybe its time to start passing the democrats their fair share of the blame for the sad situation our state is in.
February 16, 2009 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
Pretty easy to figure out why our state and the others are in trouble, its the massive failure of our economy presently, not poor fiscal policy. The GOP has to sign off on the Governor's budget all the same, so they are as guilty as she is had your assertion been correct. Which it was not.
February 16, 2009 at 7:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Remember during the fall campaign Jim Barnett stated that this shortfall would come to pass. Like him or not he was right on.
Greedy educators and their minions caused this mess!
February 16, 2009 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
My understanding is that just like every other facet of government in this nation,the state of Kansas is way short on revenue. If you are a Democrat, or a state employee, the obvious answer is to either a) raise taxes or b) borrow.
While I sympathize with anyone who is going to get hit hard by this, I am happy the Senate and House of the state of Kansas is dealing with the issue head on, rather than defer payment to future generations, or hitting us with more taxes. This old taxpayer is about tapped out, I don't know about the rest of you.
February 16, 2009 at 7:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
More social programs is more money.
What do you people not understand about this.
More social programs more $.
Where does the money come from?
Taxes.
Oh money is running out?
Raise taxes!
Universal healthcare = $.
Where does that money come from?
Taxes
lol.
Whats the relationship between social programs and $?
Its a positive relationship. More social programs more money.
And yes wasting time on a smoking ban is retarded. Thats just asking for smokers to stop spending money on highly taxed cigarettes.
Oh no more money for social programs. lol
Thats not including what it takes away from the business owner.
The ability to allow smoking in his/her business.
The badside to allowing smoking.
Health is hurt from the Second hand smoke!
-Well you making less trips to the doctors office is nice but what about the trips for other reasons you go there for? Will they decrease because the doctor is making less money because of you not going for your effects of second hand smoke? lol.
Having 14 kids and not being able to pay for them and using the states money to pay for them.
-Higher taxes.
The social programs pay for them.
February 16, 2009 at 7:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cookatwork (anonymous) says...
This is all just crazy... employees not getting paid... doesn't matter who you are it's crazy... they have bills to pay too... and they don't all work FOR the government... I know when I used to work at the ESU library my paycheck was a government check (back when they only got paid once a month). What has ME upset is... for the first time in TEN years I don't OWE Kansas any money because I had extra money taken out of each paycheck specifically for State taxes. Each year I owed, if I couldn't pay on time... they didn't say "oh we understand you don't have the money...just pay us later" they said, "we'll just charge you interest until you get it all paid and if you don't pay it timely we'll garnish your wages" NOW?!?!? Are they gonna pay ME interest on the money they owe ME?
February 16, 2009 at 7:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
Im not for social programs.
Im not for tax cuts.
Because somehow someway they will be paid for one way or another.
Im also not for raising taxes but we will not have a choice before too long.
February 16, 2009 at 7:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
Before i get flamed on the last post about the kids.
Its not like we have a choice to pay for those 14 kids, Its not the kids fault the mom went out and popped them out.
Just because she is in california doesnt mean we arent helping pay for her kids or californias social programs.
When bailout package pays off state debt it affects the states who were responsibile about budget.
Bailout package is connected to california's debt.
And we as taxpayers helped pay for the bailout package which helps pay off california's debt which pays for that familys food.
Everything is connected.
What good is getting a tax cut when everyone gets them from money that the US does not have.
February 16, 2009 at 7:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
When a mother cannot afford to support her own kids, she should not be allowed to have more. From the way the laws and rules are set up what stops me from going out and having 50 kids and having the state/taxpayers pay for them.
February 16, 2009 at 7:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Regardless of who/how we got in this mess, the question is, how are we going to get out??????????
Spend more? Run up more debt? Seems to be the prevailing "wisdom"...... (oxymoron).....
I'm just glad Pelosi got the vote done before anyone could read thru the pork bill...... so she could take off on vacation.....
February 16, 2009 at 8 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
This deal wasn't caused by the GOP or the dems. It was a concerted effort of all of the above plus us. Any time we don't vote conservative this is what we get. I'm as GOP as u can get but the key word is conservative and I'm not sure they exist in any party any more. The best thing to do is make sure u go vote every chance you get and try to get in some fiscally responsible people. We can throw the blame around all we want, and I've done my share, but it is what it is, now we need to try to find the right people in 2010 to fix it.
It's utterly ridiculous to blame the republicans or, I hate to say this, the democrats for any of this it took them both to get us here.
February 16, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
PocketKings (anonymous) says...
yeah, its the saying money does not grow on trees.
February 16, 2009 at 8:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
Whatajoke,
I was not meaning to imply the GOP is the only one at fault in the budget crisis. Everyone is at fault but when you use financial blackmail so you can get a damn bill passed your stepping over the line.
I may not work because I am disabled and I receive Social Security and Medicaid but that does not mean just because our Gov. asked for a loan to meet the state payroll and the GOP decideds to play hardball with peoples lives just to get a damn bill signed, we are going the wrong way fast.
I think the goverment on both sides has forgotten the big word
COMPROMISE
GOP needs to make sure the State employees get paid for their work done already and worry about getting the Govenor later. Put the petty polotics behind and fix the damn system or give up the money you are making to serve us your constituents.
February 16, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
oops I forgot to put something in my post:GOP needs to make sure the State employees get paid for their work done already and worry about getting the Govenor to sign the bill later.
February 16, 2009 at 8:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LifeGoesOn (anonymous) says...
Once again, What are you going to do about it? Nothing, you cant and thats what pisses you off. rightly so, But one can only control thier own world and not the world around them. I hope it all works out soon and everybody gets thier tax refunds and paychecks. I for one will just have to make ends meet until the time comes.
February 16, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
".....Our Constitutional rights are slipping away, and our government seems to be hell-bent on ushering in the Great Depression Deux"--Glenn Beck -- Dec.18, 2007
Hind-sight is 20/20. Back then, the citizens were calling these third-party advocates "messengers of doom." America didn't want to hear about hard times or hard work. Collectively, we wanted to hear feel-good messages of prosperity and ease. And even now, as we see how dead-on the predictions of these conservatives are, most of us will become defeatists and say, "What good will it do us now? GOP sucks, Dems bite..........we're screwed." And then we will look to the government and whine, "Help us!! We CAN'T!!!!!"
Maybe, we should rally around these conservatives and their messages of hope THROUGH hard work and demand these policies be implemented NOW! Get these third-party people appointed and elected to as many places as possible and be the government of our own nation again!! Or we can act like spoiled, lazy, selfish children and say, "I CAN'T!!! You do it for me. I don't want to......"
February 16, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
oh4: Good points, we didn't want to hear the truth. I figured the first deal was to get us through the election, remember when we all got $600 per head payoff, and how easily that bill raced through Congress? I said at the time all of them wanted to put off the inevitable until after they got elected. Next, the unholy trinity of Bush, Pelosi and Reid pushed the TARP through, think about it, Pelosi and Reid hated Bush, but they united, the most reviled Republican President in history(according to the Dems) and the Democrats(by and large) passed the TARP, looking back, I think that was to bailout their rich buddies and supporters while there was something left to bail them out with. Now, we have this new plan, passed entirely by the Dems.
We are in BIG trouble. This deal with the state is just one more piece of that puzzle. Hang on, this is going to be the roughest ride any of us have ever been on.
February 16, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"Any time we don't vote conservative this is what we get. I'm as GOP as u can get but the key word is conservative and I'm not sure they exist in any party any more."
tbluma
You are "right" on with this, I feel exactly the same way. People are convinced that the Republicans are SATAN and they think it's because they are conservative so they think being conservative is EVIL. This is just not the case but look at some of the posts on here and you will see that people aren't exactly smart. I hope that when they get into financial trouble they don't just keep spending like they are on crack because they think it's a good idea when the government does it.
February 16, 2009 at 9:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
seriouslyfolks - regarding your last statement - and why not? The government will bail you out, no matter how stupid & irresponsible you act. At least that's the road we're on now, & heading further down. So everyone, party like it's 1999!!!!
(sarcasm)
tbluma - dead on. GOP ain't the GOP we used to know. But then again, neither are the Dems.
February 16, 2009 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Pocketkings--
Too bad money DOESN'T grow on trees! The Govt. wouldn't be able to spend it so fast!
February 17, 2009 at 3:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporiateacher (anonymous) says...
This is very disheartening to myself and my family. My husband is a state employee who may or may not get paid this Friday. State employees are paid 2 weeks behind. This means that really they can't pay the employees for 1 month of work. Please keep us in your prayers. We have 2 sons under 3 years of age and we help out my husbands dad who recently had a stroke leaving him paralyzed.
February 17, 2009 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
People, this is all about our great two-party system and how it works.
What better way for the GOP to make the Dem Governor,(who is in the running for a national position), to look bad in the national press than to pull this STUNT now. and if the little guy gets the shaft, so be it. We had all better start looking at any alternative to our candidates now.
50,000 some people may not get paid this week and our senator spends the day debating a smoking ban and our governor has spent a week in D.C.
What's wrong with this picture?
Steve
February 17, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TacoBellB (anonymous) says...
Everyone is to blame - Democrats and Republicans alike. I can remember a time when Gov. Sebelius gave KS government employees an extra PAID vacation day - how much did that add up to again?
Suspending income tax refunds?! Our "government" has become a real joke!
February 17, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
difference_of_opinion (anonymous) says...
I want to know who is going to put food on my table and buy my baby his formula if I don't get paid this Friday? Some of us live paycheck to paycheck. Suspending tax refunds is one thing, but not getting our paychecks is a much more immediate issue!
February 17, 2009 at 9:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Many Churches in town can and will help those that need it. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who this will affect.
When I was in the Army there was a similar power struggle between the two parties but it was at the federal level, I was single at the time living in the barracks but many of my friends were married and very worried about not getting paid. It is really sad that the two parties are so willing to use the little guy as pawns in their power struggle.
As oh4theluvof said above we had ample warning of this but didn't want to listen to the "crazy" third party folks. We put on our Republican or Democrat blinders and just assume everything they are doing is OK. I used to wear the Republican blinders but over the last eight years it's been pretty easy to take them off and throw them away. I'm going to give them 4 more years to return to true conservatism and if they don't, I'm done. Please check out the "third" parties and seriously consider them. The only way they will be taken seriously is if we do it.
February 17, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
toninj (anonymous) says...
My pay comes through the state and I will not receive money until this matter is resolved.
Am I upset? YES
Do I want to put all the blame on Republicans? NO
What I do want is this mess to have a long term fix. Transferring funds here and there is a temporary fix that is not going to help me continue to get paid in the future. I would rather wait a week or two to get paid now and make some cuts in my own budget, if it means assuring I will continue to get paid as the year goes on.
The way I see it is Ms. Sebelius has not shown responsible behavior with our tax dollars and now someone is trying to hold her accountable. That in my opinion is NOT a political game, it is our politicians looking out for us.
February 17, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmcmannis (anonymous) says...
emporiateacher you are in my prayers as are all state employees at this difficult time. My mom works for a credit union that has a lot of members that are state employees and I on occasion hear how bad it can be in crunch time.
Keep your chin up and things will get better.
February 17, 2009 at 11:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
They have also considered suspending making State employee's medical insurance premiums for seven pay periods.
February 17, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
demo1957 (anonymous) says...
Republican legislative leaders decided to oppose this proposal in an attempt to blackmail Governor Sebelius into signing the budget bill that slashes funds for our children's education. Through their inaction legislative leaders have put in jeopardy the state's ability to make payments for payroll, public schools, income tax refunds as well as money for health services to our seniors and our poor.
The proposal to transfer money to the state general fund was not about spending. This was about ensuring that the state can continue to pay its bills until our account balances improve with tax returns in April (as has been done in most years). Even if the Governor does sign the budget rescission bill (which she hasn't received yet), it will have done nothing about the current balance in the state's general fund.
Governor Sebelius is doing everything in her power to ensure that the state lives up to its financial commitments.
February 17, 2009 at 12:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hornetfan00 (anonymous) says...
this all makes me very sad.....and I am tired of politics controlling my money
February 17, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flinthillsmom (anonymous) says...
'Steve.Morris@senate.Ks.gov';
'mike.oneal@house.ks.gov'
http://www.governor.ks.gov/contact.htm
It's great to express our opinions but if you really want to do something then I suggest you write to the above addresses.
February 17, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
From what I heard on the radio this morning, it sounds like the actual truth of the matter is that the GOP is NOT trying to cut the budget. They are trying to hold the spending increases in the budget to 2-3%. The budget Sebelius proposes has large spending increases. So my understanding is that this is NOT a budget cut or slash. The GOP plan STILL has a 2-3% budget increase over last year.
Sounds like things are being spun every direction, just depends on who you talk to.
February 17, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
It does appear that there are budget cuts for education - so, if this proposed budget is 2-3% larger than last year, and is still reducing spending on education, then where are the increases? Anyone know?
February 17, 2009 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"My pay comes through the state and I will not receive money until this matter is resolved.
Am I upset? YES
Do I want to put all the blame on Republicans? NO
What I do want is this mess to have a long term fix. Transferring funds here and there is a temporary fix that is not going to help me continue to get paid in the future. I would rather wait a week or two to get paid now and make some cuts in my own budget, if it means assuring I will continue to get paid as the year goes on.
The way I see it is Ms. Sebelius has not shown responsible behavior with our tax dollars and now someone is trying to hold her accountable. That in my opinion is NOT a political game, it is our politicians looking out for us."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know if this had happend during a time when the economy was stable I would be inclined to agree with you, but this is simply not the case. Ms. Sebelius has held office for reason, this is a predominately republican state, a democrat here gets much less slack then they would in other states. Currently we are one of MANY states out there facing a deficit, some because of mismanagment, some because the economy has tanked and revenue is low. I think we are the latter.
Here is what I see, we have a situation here where people are working and might not be getting paid for it, we also have a big chunk of aid coming in from the Stimulus bill that will alleviate the situation, my question is this, why would we not use a temporary fix in situation to ensure these public servants get paid for their service? Why is this bill even being mentioned as a solution? The solution to our shortfall was passed last week and is on the way. Republicans complained non stop about the stimulus, but yet this is a-ok? the question I would like ask is what the solution to this situation would be if the bill was not a factor.
February 17, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Are the politicians going to continue to receive their checks, or is their pay suspended also?
February 17, 2009 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
http://cjonline.com/stories/021709/br...
And to quote one of the posters there:
Morris said it was not their intention to deny Kansans the $12 million in tax returns or $24 million in paychecks due to go out Friday.
What are the two possible outcomes of this action?
A) You deny the governor time for due process and get your way
B) You deny Kansans the $12 million in tax returns or $24 million in paychecks due to go out Friday.
Hope ALL the KS GOV workers, Senate, House, etc are included in those that will not be paid. Bet that would light a fire under them.
February 17, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
from http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/1...
"The idea that the Legislature is preventing state employees from being paid is the equivalent of shouting fire in a crowded theater. The Governor is attempting to draw attention away from the fact that she has multiple options to fix this problem. Her options do not include illegally issuing certificates of indebtedness when revenues, in this climate, cannot begin to repay the debt. She can easily sign House Substitute for SB 23 or fix the problem by issuing allotments.
The Governor is attempting to mislead the public in an effort to drum up support for poor public policy. The majority of the Legislature recognizes the severity of the current economic situation and is acting in a responsible manner. How the Governor can say on Thursday that we don't have enough money and issue allotments and then turn around and on the following Monday say, we will have enough money when the numbers HAVE NOT changed is irresponsible and disingenuous. We strongly urge the Governor to use her power to make allotments and cut state spending rather than withholding tax refunds or paychecks from hard working Kansans.
The decision was made, by the Governor, to halt income tax refunds last week....
The Governor did call a meeting of the State Finance Council to consider the issuance of a certificate of indebtedness. However, when it became apparent to all that the certificate could not be issued because it would violate state law, she reluctantly agreed to postpone the meeting. Incredibly, it was reported that Legislative leadership refused to meet. This is patently false.
Republican Leadership is happy to postpone any State Finance Council meeting until after the Governor has had a chance to review and to sign House Substitute for Substitute SB 23.....
The Governor is asking the Legislature to be complicit in breaking the law by approving certificates of indebtedness outside of the parameters set in statute. Kansas law requires the Director of the Budget to certify that money will be present at the end of the year to pay off certificates of indebtedness, and there is no evidence that will be the case. There is no reason to believe that under the current budget such money will be available. It is irresponsible and illegal to act as if the money will be available when all economic indicators show that we may see even less.
If anyone is, as the Governor alleges, "jeopardizing our citizens' pocketbooks" one should look no further than the Governor's office. Fee sweeps, illegal certificates of indebtedness and non-existent gambling revenue is no way to provide a long-term solution to the economic issues facing our state.
Although we are glad that the economic crisis in Kansas finally has the Governor's attention, playing a shell game is not the solution."
February 17, 2009 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
So pocket kings, if mothers should not be ALLOWED to have more children, what is your plan for preventing this? Some social program to sterilize them against their will? You gonna hold 'em down? It takes two to tango, so where do fathers fit this picture? Why heap all the blame on mothers?
Right on, oh4theluvof who said, "Or we can act like spoiled, lazy, selfish children and say, "I CAN'T!!! You do it for me. I don't want to......" This is exactly right, especially when we can see that some would actually delay paying their taxes just for spite. Way to cooperate! Way to help your state out! I don't believe real Kansans do things that way. How sad.
All this partisan mewling is disgusting! Neither party is to blame. Schools aren't to blame. How many would bitch if some athletic program was cut due to lack of funds? This entire country has been on a long-time spending spree and it's time to pay the piper.
Just think how it has been for those states in the iron belt that have felt this bite long before we have. They've had bread lines.
open_eyes, you're right. There are huge cuts in Education right now. Teachers are being told not to expect raises anytime soon; they must economize to the bone, and some are being laid off. Be ready for larger classes next year. I hope not to hear any screaming about that under the circumstances.
Please, we need to have patience with those who are trying to hammer this out. In the meantime, we all need to learn how to put a few bucks aside for emergencies and stop spending on every whim.
Alfalfa is right. This promises to be a rough ride and we need to be ready to sacrifice, not to bellyache. We need to cooperate, not act selfishly. And if we can afford to part with a little of ching, help out our churches and local agencies who are getting hard pressed themselves.
Praise God and pass the plate! If you owe taxes, why not pay them now. If you are getting a refund, be patient, you'll get it eventually. No one said you weren't going to get it at all. And when you do get it, save some of it for emergencies. Remember those poor people in New Orleans after Katrina? Some couldn't even leave the city because they didn't have the funds.
February 17, 2009 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Well said, create. Although I think there should be some law against a doctor emplanting 8 embryos in a woman who has 6 kids already....
February 17, 2009 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, I definitely agree, but then again, that's another fight. We need to sharpen our swords for that one.
February 17, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/?q=node/1... UPDATE
Could the Kansas standoff be resolved today?
Well, probably not. Tomorrow is a possibility.
Senate Republican leaders called on Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to set a new meeting of the state's Finance Council to discuss the stalemate over budget cuts that's now jeopardizing tax refunds and paychecks for state workers.
Sebelius called the meeting for 2 p.m. tomorrow. She also called a press conference for 4:30 today - we'll let you know what she has to say.
Sebelius now has the budget bill, and Republican lawmakers hope she signs it quickly. They say they have no interest in blocking paychecks or tax refunds, and that if it comes to that, it's the governor's fault.
"How about we talk about this and find a middle ground?" asked Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, an Independence Republican.
If lawmakers and Sebelius can work out a resolution tomorrow, it will be just in time to allow paychecks for state workers to go out as planned on Friday.
Schmidt said there's no reason why the governor can't take action on the budget bill as soon as today - an act which would make GOP leaders more comfortable with Sebelius' internal borrowing proposal.
He also accused Democrats of using scare tactics to distract attention from these self-loans. Sebelius had asked lawmakers to approve $225 million in loans from healthy state funds to cover the state's payroll, tax refunds and other expenses. Officials have already authorized a record $550 million in such loans this fiscal year, and GOP leaders said they can't endorse any more self-loans until there's a budget reduction plan in place.
Schmidt said no one wants state workers to go without a paycheck, and that the Democrats are fear mongering.
"The state's going to pay them," he said. "It'll be resolved. It'll be resolved if the governor will meet with us to talk it through."
______________________________________
Why did the Republicans approve the budget in the first place if things were so dire? There is so much mud being thrown both ways I don't even care who is right or wrong anymore, just stop bitching and make sure people are paid for services rendered.
February 17, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
All I have to say is thank goodness the stock market didn't drop 300 points or we'd be even worse off than we already are!!
February 17, 2009 at 4:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
All just a blame game, posturing, grandstanding & spin - from both sides.
Politics as usual... and guess who gets caught in the crossfire... as usual....(sigh).....
February 17, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
allintogether (anonymous) says...
Well said open_eyes. Status quo. Point fingers and hold nobody accountable. I would like we the people to stop taking sides when it comes to politics and adopt an "us against the politicians" posture when discussing issues like this. It is a disaster. Plain and simple. If the politicians won't hold each other accountable then they all need to go. Vote out the incumbents. That is the only way to change things. If a politician acts in their own interest and solely in the interest of whoever is throwing them money they need to be shown the door. Either through impeachment or in the election cycle.
February 17, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Wait..........I don't like soup. What now???? Oh crap!!!!!!!!!
February 17, 2009 at 6:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
17,000 more troops to Afghanistan today.
Oops, I almost forgot. Surge is wrong. Didn't work. Wrong tactic.
I remember someone during a campaign debate claimed they were going to scrutinize the federal budget very closely and make cuts everywhere possible. Now we just shoved thru nearly a trillion dollars and didn't even let anyone read it. What happened to all that scrutiny?
Palin's big mistake was the "bridge to nowhere". She should have went ahead with it and just called it a stimulus package.... after all.... 450 new jobs....
Ok, I'm starting to ramble all over the place........ all that pork has spiked my blood sugar......
February 17, 2009 at 7:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I like soup.
...or was it duck?
Which one do you shoot?
February 17, 2009 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Yeah, you're going to have to learn to like things you don't shoot--no guns under the new shiny government. Sorry.
February 17, 2009 at 8:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I hope Obama makes me Security Captain because I have sweet nunchuck skills!
February 17, 2009 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I think we will be being assigned jobs based on our aptitudes--or mercifully euthanized so we don't have to have troubles sleeping at night, knowing what drains we are on society....
February 17, 2009 at 9:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Sorry folks, but none of you are getting any of those jobs. All going to illegal aliens, imported foreigners, h-1b visas, etc. Don't care how many of you apply, or how many times. You don't want the job, and you drink too much.
Now that we've got a power base, we're nervous that many of you won't vote in 2/4 years to keep us there, so we've gotta get as many people in this country that are guaranteed to vote for us as soon as possible.
Viva la Socialism!!!!
February 17, 2009 at 9:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
You underestimate my nunchuck skills. If they assign jobs by skills, I'm good to go.
February 17, 2009 at 10:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I'm sure there is some way we could renounce our American citizenship. Then we could get free health care, jobs, all the perks that come with breaking the laws in this country. In the words of Bill Ayers: "Guilty as hell, free as a bird, America is a great country!"
February 17, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Henry Morgenthau Jr. was FDR's treasury secretary during his entire presidency. On May 9, 1939 , testifying to the House Ways and Means committee, he said this: "We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and if I'm wrong ... somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosperous. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. We have never made good on our promises ... I say after eight years of this administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started ... And an enormous debt to boot."
February 17, 2009 at 11:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (Gwen Larson) says...
And we turn to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
February 18, 2009 at 7:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )