Category: News
Performance-based budgeting law is effectively ignored by state agencies
A report on performance-based budgeting in Kansas reminds readers of a famous quote about government spending: “A billion here, a…
Audit: Economic development ‘incentives’ don’t cover costs to taxpayers
A recent audit of economic development “incentive” programs by the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit found that — while…
Lansing parent wins school curriculum challenge
Kirsten Workman, the Lansing mom who withdrew her 12th-grade daughter from an English Composition class over content she found objectionable…
Study: large school funding increase but lower achievement, teacher pay
A report on education spending and student achievement covering the last three decades in Kansas shows that many students have…
Interstate compact could bring out-of-state teachers to fill Kansas vacancies, state board hesitates
An interstate compact that would recognize teacher licenses from other states and alleviate the classroom instructor shortage is stalled in…
Kansas Supreme Court: KORA requires production of electronic records
A recent Kansas Supreme Court decision has put public records custodians on notice — under the Kansas Open Records Act…
Blue Valley dodges questions about taxes ahead of bond issue
School districts routinely ask voters to approve hundreds of millions in new bond issue debt with the promise that it…
‘Responsible Kansas Budget’ would introduce accountability, save taxpayers billions
As the 2023 legislative session gets underway, Sentinel’s parent company Kansas Policy Institute is asking state lawmakers to avoid further…
Property tax relief this year for low-income seniors, disabled vets
Action taken last year by the Legislature and governor will result in several types of property tax relief, including a…
GOP legislators offer Kansans “A Better Way” in 2023
As the Kansas Legislature reconvenes, Republican leaders unveil their 2023 agenda, offering “A Better Way: Our Commitment to Kansas” The…
New state Treasurer taking hard look at ESG, who manages state pension funds
Newly sworn-in Kansas State Treasurer Steven C. Johnson is taking a hard look at whether ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)…
JOCO Commission Chair’s YouTube excuse for limiting public comment seems bogus
The Sentinel has challenged Johnson County Board of Commissioners Chair Mike Kelly’s excuse for restricting public comments and meeting access…
JOCO Commission Chair Mike Kelly acts to restrict public access to meetings
Incoming Chairman of the Johnson County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) Mike Kelly has announced changes to public access and comment…
Kansas School Board Resource Center to help districts close achievement gaps
In an effort to help school board members effectively address the state’s student achievement crisis, the Kansas Policy Institute, the…
Ohio adopts universal occupational license acceptance, Kansas agencies resist
Ohio’s Governor Mike DeWine recently signed into law a Universal Occupational License Recognition allowing licensed professionals such as real estate…
OP councilman says apartment complex approval violates ordinance
The recent approval in the Overland Park City Council of a 413-unit apartment complex is another example of undue influence…
Fordham study finds positive impacts of Ohio’s EdChoice program
A new study from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute should allay concerns that school choice programs won’t benefit marginalized students. …
Wichita private school, one of 8 finalists for Yass Prize, awarded $500,000
A private school in Wichita, Kansas, which primarily serves African American students, was recently awarded $500,000 as one of the…
Kansas loses population while neighboring states gain
Kansas is one of 18 states to see a decline in population between July 2021 and July 2022, according to…
Rose Hill patrons question curriculum, content in BCC dual credit courses
Taxpayers in the Rose Hill USD 394 school district voiced concerns at a recent school board meeting about curriculum content…
Board of Tax Appeals hands Truth in Taxation victory to KJI, Baldwin City taxpayers
In a victory for the Kansas Justice Institute and Baldwin City taxpayers, the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals on Thursday,…
Jobless Kansas families can receive $73,000 annualized in taxpayer subsidies
“Sorry, we’re short-staffed” How many of us have heard that in the last two years when we’ve gone out to…
Moran’s office won’t explain his vote allowing debate on $1.7 trillion omnibus bill
The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday to advance the massive $1.66 trillion omnibus spending bill to a floor debate, clearing the…
AFPF-Kansas files open records complaint against Commerce Department
More than a year ago, Americans For Prosperity Foundation-Kansas (AFPF-Kansas) filed a series of Open Records Act requests with the…