Celia Llopis-Jepsen: A LOOK BACK AT 2005, WHEN KANSAS NEARED A CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS OVER SCHOOL FUNDING @ KCUR-FM (audio)

HONORABLE MENTION FROM "ACROSS THE POND" (Atlantic Ocean) for RADIO FREE KANSAS

We are so happy to share our Radio Free Kansas airtime with the Tax Justice Network.

The show produced in England by Naomi Fowler gives us a deeper analysis of the disastrous Kansas tax dodging "experiment" and the nationwide calamity about to take place with the passage of the federal tax avoidance scheme!

Check this out:

We think @RadioFreeKansas will appreciate our mention this month of how Kansas demonstrates the disaster that #Trump's tax giveaways will create in the US https://t.co/ghfQ0adftK #TrumpTaxScam #TaxBillScam https://t.co/44jmN2bkhp

— The Taxcast (@TheTaxcast) December 18, 2017

David Sirota & James Keefe: TAX BILL: KOCH BROTHERS' SENATOR PUSHES TAX BREAK FOR 'DARK MONEY' GROUPS @ International Business Times

ACTION ALERT: Kansas Center for Economic Growth, "BAD NEWS ABOUT FEDERAL TAX PLAN"

ACTION ALERT -   We have three days to stop this.  Our partners at the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas are hosting a call-in day to Senator Jerry Moran's office this Thursday asking him to vote NO on the Senate tax proposal. We encourage you to join in and use the following blog post for talking points! For more information, visit: http://www.expandkancare.com/event/senator-moran-call-in-day/   Federal Tax Plans Threaten Kansas' Fiscal Recovery By Heidi Holliday Tax cuts for the wealthy. Extreme revenue loss. Deep funding cuts to schools and to other public investments that create thriving communities. Sound familiar, Kansas? It should. Just one year after Kansas voters began the process of rejecting the Brownback tax plan, and five months after lawmakers voted to end its most harmful provisions, a dangerous debate has engulfed our nation's capital. At the center of the debate is the pernicious ideology of supply side economics championed by Art Laffer and Stephen Moore, architects of Kansas' tax experiment and current advisers to President Trump. Kansans learned the hard way thatwe cannot cut our way to prosperity. After five years of economic stagnation, nine rounds of budget cuts, two sales tax increases, and three credit rating downgrades, Kansans rejected this flawed ideology. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle put aside political differences, worked together, and put the well-being of Kansans first. Now it's time for lawmakers to do the same at the national level. Both the House and Senate tax plans provide enormous, permanent tax cuts to high-income households and corporations - all while adding at least $1.5 trillion to the deficit. A recent analysis of the impact of the House "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" on Kansans by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy reveals that by 2027: The top 1 percent of households' share of the tax cut would increase from 32% in year one to 45% by 2027, for an average cut of $78,520. Middle-income taxpayers' average tax cut would decrease from $890 in 2018 to $650 in 2027. For the lowest-earning 20 percent of households, their average tax cut of $100 would remain the same. Similarly, the analysis of the Senate tax plan shows that by 2027, the richest 1% of Kansas taxpayers would receive a tax cut of $7,150 while the average taxpayer in the bottom 60% would face a tax hike. Additionally, starting in 2019, the bill would repeal a key provision of the Affordable Care Act, causing millions of people to become uninsured and raising premiums for millions of others. In Kansas, individual market premiums for a family of four would increase by $2,070. These tax cuts primarily benefit the wealthiest Kansans and will add to the nation's annual deficits at the expense of low- and middle-income families. These hardworking families will likely lose more from cuts to education, health care, infrastructure or other public services than they gain from either the House or Senate tax plan. These tax proposals would increase the federal deficit by approximately $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, and guarantee cuts to investments in education, health care, food assistance, services for children and the elderly, and public infrastructure - programs Kansans depend on, right as our state begins down the path to fiscal stability. The House and Senate tax plans are built on a broken premise - that tax cuts promote economic growth. Kansas is a cautionary tale for those tempted by this false logic. Our state, and our country, can't afford another reckless experiment. # # #    See KCEG's latest research & analysis, including briefs, infographics, and other blogs, on our website.

Kansas Center for Economic Growth 720 SW Jackson St, Ste 203 Topeka, Kansas 66603

Insight Kansas: THE 'GREEN SHOOTS' OF CIVILITY @ Garden City Telegram

Peter Hancock: EIGHT MONTHS AND STILL NO DECISION IN CLOSELY WATCHED KANSAS ABORTION CASE @ Lawrence Journal World

LAURA BAUER, JUDY L. THOMAS AND MAX LONDBERG: 6th in the Series: KANSAS IS 'ONE OF THE MOST SECRETIVE, DARKEST STATES: Why so secret, Kansas? @ Kansas City Star

Linday Wise & Jonathan Shorman: GAY RIGHTS RECORD PRODS SENATE DEMOCRATS TO DELAY BROWNBACK CONFIRMATION VOTE @ The News Tribune

Editorial Board: CONSEQUENCES OF THE PAST FIVE YEARS @ Topeka Capital Journal

Letter to Kansas Dad: Sen. Pat Roberts GOP healthcare (Graham-Cassidy) Is this the "last stage out of Dodge?"

Will the "last stage out of Dodge" carry Sen. Pat's reclining chair?

 A disturbing letter recently received by a diligent "Dad" appears  below. It is submitted as an expression of the common concerns of our youth today.  Sen. Pat Roberts' tenuous hold on a Kansas residence has been referenced in previous articles nationwide and we should be reminded of the blistering Feb. 7, 2014 New York Times piece by Johnathan Martin, "Lacking a House, Senator Renewing His Ties to Kansas." 


Reporter Martin writes:

In an interview, the three-term senator acknowledged that he did not have a home of his own in Kansas. The house on a country club golf course that he lists as his voting address belongs to two longtime supporters and donors — C. Duane and Phyllis Ross — and he says he stays with them when he is in the area. He established his voting address there the day before his challenger in the August primary, Milton Wolf, announced his candidacy last fall, arguing that Mr. Roberts was out of touch with his High Plains roots.

“I have full access to the recliner,” the senator joked. Turning serious, he added, “Nobody knows the state better than I do.”  New York Times, Feb. 7, 2014

Future Health Care for Youth?

A Letter Home

Hi Dad,

Vox.com had a reporter interview 9 Republican senators to hear their thoughts on the policy implications of Graham-Cassidy. Their responses were...illuminating, though not in the way you would hope. The best part was the first response from Pat Roberts, however, which might as well have been lifted directly from a storyboard at The Onion:

Jeff Stein: Senator, I wanted to ask you for a policy-based explanation for why you’re moving forward with the Graham-Cassidy proposal. What problems will this solve in the health care system?

Pat Roberts: That — that is the last stage out of Dodge City.

Jeff Stein: I’m just trying to explain to our readers what the policy —

Pat Roberts: What readers? Who do you represent?

Jeff Stein: It’s a website called Vox.

Pat Roberts: ... [Graham-Cassidy] is the last stage out of Dodge City. I’m from Dodge City. So it’s the last stage out to do anything. Restoring decision-making back to the states is always a good idea, but this is not the best possible bill — this is the best bill possible under the circumstances.
If we do nothing, I think it has a tremendous impact on the 2018 elections. And whether or not Republicans still maintain control and we have the gavel.

Jeff Stein: But why does this bill make things better for Americans? How does it help?

Pat Roberts: Pardon me?

Jeff Stein: Why does this make things better? What is this doing?

Pat Roberts: Look, we’re in the back seat of a convertible being driven by Thelma and Louise, and we’re headed toward the canyon. That’s a movie that you’ve probably never seen —

Jeff Stein: I do know Thelma & Louise, sir.

Pat Roberts: So we have to get out of the car, and you have to have a car to get into, and this is the only car there is.  Jeff Stein, Sept. 20, 2017, Vox.

In a lot of ways I'm looking forward to the slow decline of this country over the next 50 years. We kind of deserve it, electing assholes like that.

Affectionately,

Your Son

Zoe Brown and Emily Rittman: TONGANOXIE RESIDENTS, ERIN BROCKOVICH COME TOGETHER IN FIGHT AGAINST TYSON PLANT @ KCTV5

Peter Hancock: KANSAS LAWMAKER SAYS HE WOULD RATHER GIVE TO NORTH KOREA THAN PUBLIC RADIO @ Lawrence Journal World

I'd sooner give to DPRK News. At least their praise of dear leader is under duress. #ksleg https://t.co/GNbR8cDTPU

— Rep. J.R. Claeys (@jrclaeys) September 6, 2017

Staff Report: MSNBC ANCHORS CALL OUT BREITBART'S KRIS KOBACH SMEARING 'DREAMERS' AS CRIMINALS @ Media Matters

Editorial Board: JUSTIFIED SUSPICION OF KOBACH @ Topeka Capital Journal

Peter Hancock: NOW MORE IN THE PUBLIC EYE, THE MAN WHO WOULD BE GOVERNOR AVOIDS PUBLIC POLICY DISCUSSIONS @ Lawrence Journal World

Samantha Foster: PSYCHOLOGIST: 'FRESHMAN GIRLS DROP-OFF' SIGN NEAR K-STATE NORMALIZES "RAPE CULTURE" @ Topeka Capital Journal

Mary Clarkin: WHIRLYGIG SCULPTOR M. T. LIGGET DIES AT AGE 86 @ Hutch News

Mr.Ligget appeared many times on Radio Free Kansas during the Bush #43 years. R.I.P.

Allison Kite: DEMOCRAT ANNOUNCES BID FOR KANSAS HOUSE SEAT COVERING PART OF SHAWNEE COUNTY @ Topeka Capital Journal

Tim Carpenter: BIG SPLASH BY KANSAS TRIO CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION OR DESPAIR @ Topeka Capital Journal

Allison Kite: NEW DEMOCRATIC GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE, OTHER HOPEFULS TALK EDUCATION AT YOUNG DEMOCRATS MEET @ Lawrence Journal World

Naom Scheiber: THE MANY CONVERSIONS OF BROWNBACK, THE APOSTLE @ The New Republic

Yes Dear Old Kansans, a snake can change skins many times. Click here.

Whether it's destroying women's reproductive rights, voodoo economic experiments with the state budget, protecting millionaires and billionaires, cutting public education funding, appointing his fellow fanatics to government positions. His record must be marked, if and when, he leaves office, forever.

The third "Final Order" destroying Kris Neuhaus, MD, MPH. Who is Garold Minns, M.D.?
Let's start looking at his "Unholy Alliances." 

Peter Hancock: STATE SEN. STEVE FITZGERALD TO KICK OFF 2nd DISTRICT BID THURSDAY @ Lawrence Journal World

DOJ Press Release: KANSAS MAN CHARGED WITH HATE CRIMES, FIREARM VIOLATIONS WITH SHOOTING THREE IN OLATHE BAR @ Federal Bureau of Investigation

Daniel Salazar: KOBACH BLASTS BENEFITS TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, DEFENDS BROWNBACK TAX CUTS @ Wichita Eagle

DRAIN THE POLITICAL SWAMP @KSBHA (Part 1)

by Michael Caddell

(Full disclosure: the author of this essay has been in a matrimonial relationship with Ann Kristin Neuhaus for over 30 years. The opinions expressed within this essay do not represent her or her legal counsel Bob Eye. The author is solely responsible for the content herein.)

NOTE THE DATE FROM THE KSBHA DOCUMENT.
Convicted California clinic bomber Cheryl Sullenger files the original complaint with KSBHA "medical investigator" Clifford F. Hacker who later gave conflicting statements regarding his contact with Sullenger.
Sullenger's mobile phone number was located in the car of Dr.Tiller's killer.
Sullenger later admitted to having phone conversations with Scott Roeder around the time of the 2009 murder.  

Friday, June 9, 2017 for the second time the Kansas Board of

Original cover page, click to enlarge.

Healing Arts (KSBHA) will be forced by a court of law to reconsider the many punishments they and the State of Kansas have dealt-out to Dr. Kris Neuhaus for more than the last decade.

A WITCHHUNT INQUISTION IN “EXECUTIVE SESSION”

Her legal professional nightmare with the State of Kansas began with former state Attorney General Phill Kline’s legal “Inquisition” in December 2006 where an estimated 23 uncensored patient medical records were physically seized from her under a gag order that threatened immediate arrest and indefinite jail terms for criminal contempt charges.

Inquisition transcript identifying those in the room.

Eleven of these same patient medical records have been used for the last 6 years by a politically tainted and bloated bureaucracy known as the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts.

Judge Theis 1st ruling transcript linking Inquistion to KSBHA.

KSBHA and the “disciplinary” lawyers, administrators their legal representatives and the individuals impaneled as members of the board should all each individually be held criminally liable for violating Dr. Kris Neuhaus’ civil rights.

KSBHA and the office(s) of the Kansas Attorney General during the tenure of Phill Kline and his appointed assistants and officers should also be held criminally liable for an established pattern of prosecutorial vindictiveness against Dr. Kris Neuhaus.

Transcript clip from KSBHA revocation hearing 2013

"PRESIDING OFFICER" is Ed Gaschler, Administrative Judge
"DOCTOR SETTICH" is the retired chair
Political Science Dept. Benedictine University, Atchison, Ks.
DOCTOR MILFELD is one of the 5 medical doctors.
"MR. HAYS" is the KSBHA lawyer, posing as prosecutor.
This statement was deleted from the formal record.

KSBHA is a regulatory agency which interprets civil procedures to define “Healing Arts” and “professionalism” under the pretense of state government law. It is not a law enforcement agency that can arrest, incarcerate or imprison the subjects of their investigations.

It operates within a dubious framework imitating a court of law under a politically appointed panel of chiropractors, lawyers, partisan activists, a retired political science professor and an administrative judge. A minority within the panel currently practicing medical physicians and they too are politically appointed by the Kansas governor.

The annual budget of KSBHA is reported as $5,400,000 employing 45 staff members and various unspecified “special investigators.”

Undoubtedly the KSBHA disciplinary lawyers will emit farting sounds from self-important mouths and issue more silly statements justifying her continued professional censure. Perhaps stubborn political stupidity will convince the panel to again revoke her medical license to practice in the State of Kansas.

Listen for a wailing chorus concerning the labors of competent bureaucrats behind the board who will claim financial damages to their agency’s budgetary bottom line.

After all, KSBHA spent well over $100,000 and tried to bill Dr. Neuhaus for their troubles. At least $70,000 of this bill was for a doughnut-rich forensic psychiatrist from Catholic Georgetown University who had never treated abortion patients.

Dec. 13, 2014 -- KSBHA final revocation hearing of Dr. Neuhaus licensure.
(Left, Jean Gawdun, clinic picket and Kansan for Life operative;
Center, Dr. Neuhaus;
Right, Cheryl Sullenger, convicted clinic bomber, Operation Rescue operative.)
Photo Credit: Associated Press John Hanna

However, the public will not be able to hear these deliberations because it will be conducted in “executive session” today.

REAL DAMAGES, REAL PEOPLE

An estimate of the financial damages done to Dr. Neuhaus range from $600,000 to 1,500,000 during the more than ten years the State of Kansas has launched a series of jaundiced and vindictive prosecutions.

These monetary estimates are very conservative based on an annual income of $60,000 through $150,000 that a similar doctor in family medicine would earn as an employee operating from an out-patient clinic.

POSSIBLE PUNITIVE DAMAGES

The estimate does not include the less tangible damages to her reputation in the public-at-large or to her standing in the medical community. The estimate of damages does not include those done in maligning the character of her family members, or those medical professionals who have testified on her behalf.

Facebook screen clip before Election Day 2016, linking the

author to the inaccurate hit piece Kansans for Life (KFL) lobbyist

Kathy Ostrowski published. Meridan, Ks. bull breeder Ron Ellis received

the most votes with nearly 30% of the registered not participating

in the General Election.

An inaccurate, spurious hit piece published by KFL lobbyist 

and former abortion clinic picket Kathy Ostrowski. 

The malevolent hit piece was published during the author's 2016 election campaign. 

It was then linked on the Jefferson County Republican Party Face Book page Nov. 6, 2016. 

Ms. Ostrowski has testified as an "expert" before various Kansas legislative committees. 

 She holds no health care credentials.

NO PATIENTS INJURED

NO CREDIBLE COMPLAINTS

STANDARD OF CARE - EXCELLENT

The estimated financial damages incurred on Dr. Neuhaus by these agents of the State of Kansas do not include deprivations to the excellence in standard of care she delivered to her patients. 

Excellence in standard of care as defined by thousands of successful holistic medical treatments patients received in the four Family Medicine-type medical clinics she worked at from roughly 1986 – 1994 before performing abortions.

The subsequent standard practice of excellent health care must also include the nearly 10,000 -- 1st and early 2nd trimester abortion treatments she performed from 1994 - 2004 that were done without injury to, or any substantial complaint from her patients.

KSBHA has twice been ordered by a duly constituted judge to “vacate” their rulings against Dr. Neuhaus after imposing onerous penalties, inflated fines and continued revocation of her medical license by the State of Kansas.

Any continued actions by this body against Dr. Neuhaus should be considered by the public and the courts of law as an injury to all.

Reinstate Dr. Neuhaus’ license to practice medicine in the State of Kansas without further delay.

(Mike Caddell stood for election to the 47th District seat in the House of Representatives at the Topeka statehouse. He received 3,122 votes from an estimated 13,000 registered voters during a campaign relying on his public written record without the vain litter of a single yard sign. His victorious opponent, Rep. Ron Ellis refused to debate him at risk of “going Pentacostal.”)

Dominic Rushe & AP: KANSAS ABANDONS MASSIVE TAX CUTS THAT PROVIDES TRUMP PLAN @ 'The Guardian, UK

Ann Mah's Newsletter, Post-Galapagos Island Vacation, New Tax Plan Details & More

Neighborhood News from Ann Mah Dear Michael Caddell,  Today is day 110 of the 2017 session and there has been movement at the capitol! See details below. Larry and I just returned from a vacation in the Galapagos Islands. Amazing place and Larry has hundreds of awesome pictures to prove it! In This Issue School funding bill Tax bill Budget update Community calendar Quick Links www.annmah.org   School funding SB 19 creates a new school funding formula. It passed the House 67-55 and the Senate 23-17.  It is on the Governor's desk for his consideration. He can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without his signature. He has made no formal statement about his intentions that I'm aware of. The formula looks very similar to our old funding formula in terms of base state aid plus factors for those things that cause extra cost. It adds $195 million to school funding for the coming year and another $98 million in 2019. After that, increases would be based on a consumer price index adjustment and add about $55 million a year. There was still wide disagreement on the bill as some say it will not meet the constitutional muster required by the court. Those supporting the bill say they believe it does meet the court's order, especially in the area of students not reaching proficiency, and we should send it and let the Justices decide. The court set a date of June 30 to get a formula in place and approved. Once it gets out of the capitol and to the court, there still has to be time allowed for the parties involved to weigh in. Not a done deal yet. Here are some of the key elements of the bill: Base state aid goes to $4006 per pupil in 2017-18; $4128 in 2018-19; and up to $4317 by the 2020-21 school year. Opponents noted the aid after five years would still be less than in 2009. The student count will be based on the prior year or second prior year's enrollment, whichever is higher. Now they do a count in September of the current year. The idea being that going forward districts will know the count funding is based on before budgets have to be set. Funding for at-risk students will be determined based on number of students in poverty, as in the past, but with increased funding per pupil. All at-risk aid must be spent on at-risk students as defined by the State Board of Education. Every school district will have a floor of 10% at-risk students, whether they actually have that many students in poverty or not. I'm guessing this was put in the bill to send extra money to richer districts in Johnson County who have complained for years they don't get enough money per student. The bill expands funding for scholarships for private schools starting July 2018. Currently, only corporations may donate to private schools for tax credits. This bill allows private individuals to also get those tax credits. It also changes eligibility to students on free lunch at the 100 lowest performing schools, which is an increase from the 91 eligible schools previously. It also adds an accreditation requirement by July 2020. The state will pay for all-day kindergarten and add $2 million to help more 4-year-old at-risk students attend pre-k. They added $12 million to special education funding. They added $800,000 for teacher mentoring and $1.7 million for professional development. Slight increase in transportation funding so that no district will receive less than in the past. The statewide 20-mill levy for schools will remain in place. The local option budget remains the same. School districts can levy up to 30% on school board action alone. They can go up to 33% with board approval and right of protest petition. Utilities, property and casualty insurance will be added as options for capital outlay funding in the school district republishes their capital outlay resolution. Currently, Kansas pays for some out-of-state students in towns along our border. Funding for those students gets reduced to .5 by 2021-22. Puts a cap on the amount of bonds approved by the State Board of Education based on the bond amount paid off the preceding year. Tax bill becomes law The Brownback tax plan of 2012 came to an end last night when the House and Senate both voted to override the Governor's veto of SB 30. The bill increases taxes by $591 in the 2018 fiscal year and $633 million in the 2019 fiscal year. This would cover the budget passed by the Senate earlier as well as the school funding increases. There could still be problems a couple of years out. Here are the key points of the tax bill: New tax brackets: marrieds-filing-jointly with $30,000 and less (now 2.7%) to 2.9% for this tax year and 3.10% for tax year 2018; $30,000 to $60,000 (now 4.6%) to 4.9% for the current tax year and 5.25% for tax year 2018, and more than $60,000 (now 4.6%) to 5.2% for this tax year and 5.7% for tax year 2018 and after. This restores the third tax bracket for higher incomes. Note that these final tax brackets are lower than where they were in 2012. It eliminates the tax-free status of non-wage income from LLCs, chapter S subcorps, and sole proprietor businesses. These businesses can also begin claiming certain non-wage business income losses aligning with federal tax law. Medical expenses can again be itemized at 50.0 percent of expenses currently allowed under federal law for tax year 2018. The amount would be increased to 75.0 percent of the federal amount for tax year 2019 and to 100.0 percent in tax year 2020 and thereafter. Itemized deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes, currently set at 50.0 percent of the federal amounts, increases to 75.0 percent for tax year 2019 and to 100.0 percent beginning in tax year 2020. A child and dependent care tax credit repealed in 2012 is restored in stages. The credit is set at 12.50 percent of the federal amount for tax year 2018, 18.75 percent for tax year 2019, and 25.00 percent for tax year 2020 and thereafter. The low-income exclusion threshold is reduced from $12,500 to $5,000 for married filers and from $5,000 to $2,500 for single filers. Budget undecided The Senate has passed a budget for the 2018-2019 fiscal years, but the House has not. The House Appropriations Committee continues its work on that. This is the last thing between the Legislature and the end of the session, assuming the Governor doesn't veto the school funding bill. More to follow, and likely quickly as funding for the Legislature itself runs out. Community Calendar If you have community events coming up, let me know.  This email goes to nearly 3000 homes in Shawnee, Osage, Jefferson, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, and Douglas counties. I'd love to help you get the word out!  Just remember to send your activities ahead of time.       Thursday, June 8: Jefferson Co Democrats meet at 7 pm at the Oskaloosa Public Library. Fri-Sat., June 9-10: Rodeo and Mutton Bustin' at the Overbrook Fairgrounds at 8 pm. Saturday, June 10: Free movie night at Highland Heights Christian Church, 2930 SE Tecumseh Rd. Showing "Home Run". Doors open 5:30; show 6 pm. June 2,3,4,9,10,11: Day Out with Thomas the Train at the Midland Railway, 1515 High St, Baldwin City. Call 785-594-6982 or at www.midlandrailway.org.  Monday, June 12: Perry Senior Citizens lunch at noon at the Perry Community Building. Bring dish to share, table service and $1. June 22-23: Garage sale to benefit the I Care Food Pantry at Southern Hills Mennonite Church, 511 SE 37th St. in Topeka. Saturday, June 24: Independence Day parade in Scranton. 6:30-9:30 am Biscuit & Gravy Feed at the Community Building. 9:30 am parade staging at the school. 10 amparade. Tuesday, July 4: Overbrook 4th of July celebration: Kid's Bike Parade, free swim, DJ music, and a great fireworks show! Sunday, July 23: Performing Art Series concert at the Overbrook Library Community Room at 3 pm. Friday, July 28: Shawnee Heights Public Schools Foundation golf tournament at Shawnee Country Club to benefit scholarships and classroom grants. To register to sponsor or play, go to www.shawneeheightsfoundation.net. Saturday, August 5: National Night Out Against Crime. 60 neighborhoods are registered already. For information, contact Judy Wilson at jwilson@safestreets.org.  Saturday, August 12: Getting Up from the Fall 5k Run/Walk at 9 am at the Carbondale Ball Diamonds. Proceeds to benefit Nancy Fike, who is battling Stage 4 Leimyosarcoma of the liver. For information, go to www.gettingupfromthefall.com or contact Emily Roberts at eroberts24@yahoo.com. Monday, Sept. 11: Culpepper & Merriweather Circus sponsored by the Carbondale Lions Club. Shows at 5 and 7 pm. Advance tickets available from Lions Club members or call 785-836-7887. Saturday, Sept. 16: Pre-Fall Festival street dance from 7-11 pm in Carbondale. October 12-14: Carbondale Fall Festival. For advertising and sponsorships, contact Pat Barr at 836-7596. For vendor info call Mary Burgett 836-7887.   ONGOING EVENTS: Farmer's Market every Tuesday through September at the Auburn Presbyterian Church parking lot from noon to 5:30 pm. Carbondale Farmers' Market at the city park every Wednesday from May 24 through September from 4-6:30 pm Swap meet at Premier Farm & Home last Saturday of the month from March to October from 7 am to noon. 900 SW University Blvd (across from Forbes Field). No fee to set up.  No goats.  Kansas Prairie Pickers meet to jam the fourth Sunday of each month from 1 to 5 pmat the Auburn Community Center. Free music. No jam in December.  CARE meets monthly on the second Thursday at the KNEA building, second floor, at 2 pm. For retired teachers or Kansans interested in advocating for education. For info: Larry Brayton at larrydene@cox.net.  Enjoy BUNCO at the Carbondale Community Building once a month on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  Call 785-836-7478 for details about dates, prizes, treats, etc.  The Berryton Pickers are at Berryton Baptist Church the first Saturday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.  Bring snacks and have some fun! Country and ballroom dancing at Croco Hall on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 pm.  For information call Edwina Hamersky at 379-9538.  First Saturday of the month community breakfast buffet at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church.  7:30 to 10 am.  Free will offering. A friend of mine is doing an informal survey on interest in having a Papa Murphy's Pizza store near 29th and Croco. If you have an opinion about that, call Dick Laird at 785-423-1540. Sincerely,    Ann Mah www.annmah.org

Historic veto override vote against Gov. Brownback's #FailedExperiment while protecting the top 1%

Here's the latest (print) version of the tax story. https://t.co/OIQV9E0FkI #ksleg pic.twitter.com/Rt7PTy1QNQ

— John Hanna (@APjdhanna) June 7, 2017

*reads House and Senate pass override of Brownback's veto*#ksleg pic.twitter.com/sdIa5aubCV

— Zach Woolf (@zwoolf) June 7, 2017

Congratulations #ksleg! 🥂 pic.twitter.com/BtZXvTW4s5

— Jennifer (@jenniferjo1977) June 7, 2017

me scrolling through bipartisan #KSLeg love fest tonight pic.twitter.com/BWyRN7VHHD

— Sarah Smarsh (@Sarah_Smarsh) June 7, 2017

#ksleg is now trending in #NYhttps://t.co/dh7nYG3esR pic.twitter.com/I5ntXB4E13

— Trendsmap New York (@TrendsNewYork) June 7, 2017

Here's how all 165 senators and representatives voted in tonight's historic #ksleg override. pic.twitter.com/cBIhP5aPyE

— Daniel Salazar (@imdanielsalazar) June 7, 2017

Sen. Pyle exhorts biblical in "debate" on senate floor, 11pm June 6, 2017

First Moses quote of the night from Sen Pyle-"Let my people go." #latenightlegislating #ksleg #ksed pic.twitter.com/G0XkVMNzQj

— sam zeff (@samzeff) June 6, 2017

And another one blows too hard during the same night.

#ksleg pic.twitter.com/TOpVxC1bha

— The Ronimal (@aaronx51) June 6, 2017

Portions of the #ksleg Twitter stream during the last minutes of the Sunday, June 4, 2017

House will gavel in at 8am. #ksleg

— Celia Llopis-Jepsen (@Celia_LJ) June 5, 2017

Majority Leader Hineman says House won't debate tax/schools plan tonight. Tells AP it won't be ready in time. https://t.co/LANZqrQTJf #ksleg

— John Hanna (@APjdhanna) June 5, 2017

AP: Hineman said the measure was still being drafted and would not be ready in time for a Sunday night debate. #ksleg

— Jonathan Shorman (@jonshorman) June 5, 2017

Go, #ksleg gals!!!! https://t.co/9eyI6OU9Lk

— Shelley Addis (@AddisShelley) June 5, 2017

Possible the vote will come up tonight, stay tuned. Waiting on CCR to be drafted. #ksleg #ksed https://t.co/T3PlPxBgSq

— Heidi Holliday (@KCEGHeidi) June 5, 2017

While we're waiting to see what happens (or if anything happens at all) here's where things stand https://t.co/9xUU96Z6R9 #ksleg

— Jonathan Shorman (@jonshorman) June 5, 2017

Still wondering why I'm on record calling it a "border line crime scene" at the Topeka statehouse?

The legislature returns to work on Sunday, June 4, 2017 and she's still being harassed.

Someone please provide snowflake @SSCJoCoKs with a pacifier and safe space. We don't want her to be scared of her colleagues. #ksleg

— Jeff Melcher (@jeffmelcher) June 4, 2017

This is happening to me at work: #ksleg pic.twitter.com/GkWWWEKpdT

— ❄️Stephanie Clayton❄ (@SSCJoCoKs) June 2, 2017

I just saw Sen Pyle's gun. No more questions from me. #ksleg

— Sen. Randall Hardy (@SenRandallHardy) May 30, 2017

Sen. Denning says the concealed carry bill will be their only floor work today. Maybe a K-12 conference committee. #ksleg

— Stephen Koranda (@kprkoranda) June 1, 2017

When legislators outlaw guns, only the outlaws will have guns. #ksleg

— Mary Pilcher-Cook (@imwithmary) June 1, 2017

Prof. Ron Barrett brings show and tell #ksleg #failcampuscarry pic.twitter.com/WJAiuAGKK2

— Reb Moti (@rebmoti) June 1, 2017

Professor Michael Smith: TO SAVE STATE & NATION WE MUST GIVE UP MAGICAL THINKING @ Garden City Telegram

Editorial Board: LAWMAKERS AREN'T LIVING IN REALITY @ Topeka Capital Journal

Duane Goosen: OPEN LETTER TO KS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION: YES VOTE ON TRUMP TAX PLAN BETRAYS STATE @ The Kansas Budget

Michael Leachman: TIMELINE: 5 YEARS OF KANSAS' TAX CUT DISASTER @ Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Neighborhood News from Ann Mah, "Day 95 #KsLeg and Counting" May 19, 2017 Newsletter

Neighborhood News from Ann Mah
Dear Michael Caddell,  Today is day 95 of the 2017 legislative session. The House and Senate took the weekend off again. No tax bill. No budget. No school funding bill. Details follow!		In This Issue Tax bill School funding Bills to the Governor Community calendar Quick Links www.annmah.org
Tax bill update The House and Senate tax conference committee met several times this week. Near the end of the week the House offered to simply repeal the Brownback tax cuts from 2012 and go back to the 2012 tax rates. The House members wanted to have simultaneous debates in the House and Senate, but the Senate would not agree. The Senate wanted the House to debate it first. That did not fly, so they continue to talk. Why not just repeal? What many do not realize is that the Brownback tax cuts were not just about giving 330,000 businesses a pass. That was only about 1/3 of the $700 million tax cut package. Another 1/3 or so of the tax cuts went to those making over $250,000 a year (about 21,000 taxpayers). The final 1/3 was spread across those Kansas taxpayers making less than $250,000 a year (about 1,360,000 taxpayers).  So to do a complete repeal means that they have to raise taxes on most Kansas taxpayers as well as the businesses. Just putting the tax back on businesses will not raise enough revenue to put the state back in a stable financial situation or fund schools, roads, and critical services that were cut over the last several years. School funding The House K12 Education Budget committee sent a bill to the House over a week ago (HB 2410), but the House Speaker will not allow it to be debated. He seems to want to get a tax bill passed first. An attempt was made to force a debate on the House floor today, but that attempt failed along party lines, with Democrats wanting to debate the bill and Republicans voting not to debate. House Speaker Ron Ryckman said they were not ready to debate that bill yet. The Senate Special Committee on Education Finance took the House bill, made a few changes, and held hearings Thursday and Friday on its version of an education finance bill, SB 251. The Senate bill not only includes education finance, it has provisions to fund the bill through increased fees on water, gas and electric utilities. A number of groups representing those impacted by increased utility rates testified against that part of the bill. As it stands currently, the Senate bill would not get base state aid back up to the level it was in 2009. The Senate committee will debate that bill starting at 1:30 pm on Monday. They expect to work on the bill Monday and Tuesday. You can listen to that debate online at:  http://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00287/Harmony/en/View/Calendar/ That page should list all of the hearings you can listen in on.   Bills to the Governor There were a number of bills sent to the Governor for his signature this week. Some of those include: SB 40 increases the penalties for human trafficking. SB 23 would establish the Office of the Securities Commissioner of Kansas as a division under the Insurance Commissioner and consolidate certain prosecutorial functions of the Attorney General. HB 2041 extends the sunset for judicial surcharges on a number of docket fees until June 30, 2019, to help pay the salaries of non-judicial employees. It also requires the cost of collection of debts owed to courts to be paid by the responsible party in all cases. It also increases the drivers license reinstatement fee from $59 to $100. SB 98 increases some fees associated with vehicle title registration and also increases the fine for driving without a seat belt from $10 to $30. Most of the fine increase goes to a seat belt education fund. HB 2313 amends the Kansas Lottery Act to allow the use of lottery ticket vending machines and instant bingo vending machines. Community Calendar If you have community events coming up, let me know.  This email goes to nearly 3000 homes in Shawnee, Osage, Jefferson, Wabaunsee, Pottawatomie, and Douglas counties. I'd love to help you get the word out!  Just remember to send your activities ahead of time.      May 19-21: If you have a need for speed, don't miss the NHRA Heartland Nationals at Heartland Park. Awesome fun! www.heartlandpark.com  Saturday, May 20: Clean-up project at Topeka Cemetery, 10th and California. Help prepare Topeka's historic cemetery for Memorial Day. Bring mowers, rakes, weed eaters, buckets, nylon brushes and sponges. Work from 9 am to noon with a light lunch to follow. Saturday, May 27: Memorial Day Weekend community breakfast at Clinton Presbyterian Church from 7-10 am. Pancakes, biscuits & gravy, sausage and more! Free will donation. Tuesday, May 30: Lecompton Democrats host Sen. Marci Francisco at 6 pm at the Kanwaka Township Hall, 776 Hwy 40.  Tuesday, May 30: Topeka Golden Giants season opener at Lake Shawnee. Go to www.topekagoldengiantsbaseball.com for schedule. Wednesday, May 31: Loaves and fishes Community Dinner at Berryton United Methodist Church. Chicken casserole, mashed potatoes, vegetable and dessert for a freewill offering. Saturday, June 3: Cookout and concert by The Wrights at Clinton Presbyterian Church.  Cookout at 5:30 and concert at 7:00 pm. Bring side dish or dessert and lawn chairs. Church providing hot dogs and brats. June 2-4: Perry United Methodist Church garage sale at the Perry UMC activity building. Fri & Sat 7 am to 3 pm; Sun after early service. Breakfast available Fri and Sat. June 3-4: Germanfest at Sacred Heart Church at 312 NE Freeman in Topeka. Food, beer, carnival games, bingo and more! Wednesday, June 7: Community dinner at Tecumseh United Methodist Church from 5 to 6:30 pm. Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert and drink for free will donation. Thursday, June 8: Jefferson Co Democrats meet at 7 pm at the Oskaloosa Public Library. Saturday, June 10: Free movie night at Highland Heights Christian Church, 2930 SE Tecumseh Rd. Showing "Home Run". Doors open 5:30; show 6 pm. June 2,3,4,9,10,11: Day Out with Thomas the Train at the Midland Railway, 1515 High St, Baldwin City. Call 785-594-6982 or at www.midlandrailway.org.  Monday, June 12: Perry Senior Citizens lunch at noon at the Perry Community Building. Bring dish to share, table service and $1. Saturday, August 5: National Night Out Against Crime. 60 neighborhoods are registered already. For information, contact Judy Wilson at jwilson@safestreets.org.  Saturday, August 12: Getting Up from the Fall 5k Run/Walk at 9 am at the Carbondale Ball Diamonds. Proceeds to benefit Nancy Fike, who is battling Stage 4 Leimyosarcoma of the liver. For information, go to www.gettingupfromthefall.com or contact Emily Roberts at eroberts24@yahoo.com.   ONGOING EVENTS: NEW: Farmer's Market every Tuesday through September at the Auburn Presbyterian Church parking lot from noon to 5:30 pm. Carbondale Farmers' Market at the city park every Wednesday from May 24 through September from 4-6:30 pm Swap meet at Premier Farm & Home last Saturday of the month from March to October from 7 am to noon. 900 SW University Blvd (across from Forbes Field). No fee to set up.  No goats.  Kansas Prairie Pickers meet to jam the fourth Sunday of each month from 1 to 5 pmat the Auburn Community Center. Free music. No jam in December.  CARE meets monthly on the second Thursday at the KNEA building, second floor, at 2 pm. For retired teachers or Kansans interested in advocating for education. For info: Larry Brayton at larrydene@cox.net.  Enjoy BUNCO at the Carbondale Community Building once a month on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.  Call 785-836-7478 for details about dates, prizes, treats, etc.  The Berryton Pickers are at Berryton Baptist Church the first Saturday of the month from 7 to 9 pm.  Bring snacks and have some fun! Country and ballroom dancing at Croco Hall on Thursday nights from 6 to 9 pm.  For information call Edwina Hamersky at 379-9538.  First Saturday of the month community breakfast buffet at Shawnee Heights United Methodist Church.  7:30 to 10 am.  Free will offering.