ICYMI: Americans for Prosperity – Kansas Testifies on Key Policy Issues
Topeka, KS – This week, Americans for Prosperity – Kansas (AFP-KS) testified before state lawmakers on key policy issues, advocating for pro-growth policies and pushing back against ineffective legislation. AFP-KS State Director Elizabeth Patton testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in opposition to Senate Bill 197, while AFP-KS Deputy State Director Tanner Tempel testified before the House Commerce Committee in support of House Bill 2291.
Opposing Senate Bill 197:
SB 197 aims to extend the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds Financing Act to July 1, 2030. AFP-KS opposed this bill, highlighting SB 197’s failure to deliver positive economic growth and lack of transparency. Various attempts have been made to reform the bill, but the STAR Bonds Program continues to burden taxpayers, hinder business, and generate weak tourism outcomes.
“The state has forgone a little over $80 million in sales tax revenue for STAR bonds. Additionally, we have found that the opening of the Nebraska Furniture Mart in Village West STAR Bond, when that happened, over a third of the existing furniture stores within a 150-mile radius closed, and we believe that while it is nice to have a pretty, new building, we need to make sure that we are not in fact putting our existing businesses in a situation where we’re picking winners and losers, and instead of the behest of government, we are putting them out of business for something that is perhaps not actually driving tourism to the area,” said Elizabeth Patton during her testimony.
Watch the full testimony HERE.
Supporting House Bill 2291:
House Bill 2291 aims to establish the Regulatory Relief Division within the Office of the Attorney General and create a regulatory sandbox program to waive or suspend rules and regulations for businesses exploring new innovation. AFP-KS supports the bill’s efforts to limit excessive government overreach, and foster economic growth.
“This bill is a growing compromise that allows innovation but maintains consumer health and safety. Businesses can test products, services, business models, and delivery without immediately concurring all of the normal regulatory consequences of engaging the activity. This bill is a good start, but we also see the opportunity for changes to further enhance effectiveness of the regulatory sandbox,” said Tanner Tempel during his testimony.
Watch the full testimony HERE.
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