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The recent discussions about the proposed Kansas Nebraska Heritage Area Partnership (KNHAP) sparked input from individuals, organizations, and politicians who weigh in showing support or opposition to the proposal. Supporters of the KNHAP note the potential for increased tourism and revenue to rural areas, while opposition see a lack of transparency and threats to property, with some even proposing the KNHAP is linked to the Biden Administration’s 30x30 plan to address climate change. With all of these stories circulating, I could not help but weigh in by talking to two prominent leaders on this topic: Kim Wilson, Executive Director of the KNHAP, and Norman Kincaide, organizer for the Western Regional Property Rights Coalition. Here, I provide a brief synopsis of those interviews and provide further questions to think beyond the narrative at hand and examine underlying issues.
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The infamous Sheriff Jones of “Bleeding Kansas” fame was appointed Douglas County sheriff in September of 1855, swearing to uphold the laws of the territory.
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This week concluded the general session of the Kansas Legislature. I will return to Topeka with the budget committee on April 27 to review the budget in light of the revenue estimates which are completed late in April. The full legislature will reconvene on May 3 for the veto session.
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In 1877 J. H. Beadle published Western Wilds and The Men Who Redeem Them, a compilation of his travels in “the far west.”
Read moreThere are two sides to most stories and the 300 or so Central Kansas residents who attended a meeting Sunday afternoon at Vesper heard only one side of an issue that threatens to create a rift between property owners and promoters of Kansas tourism. Some background:
Read moreState legislatures across the country are criminalizing democracy with bills ostensibly designed to suppress voter turnout. Most voters will not read these bills, and many would not fully grasp the details of their provisions if they did. What they will grasp is that helping someone to vote can be a FELONY punishable by fine and/or imprisonment. Practically speaking the penalties of fine and imprisonment will rarely apply; the FELONY threat alone will suffice to discourage voter turnout.
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The end of March gives us a chance to evaluate the first three quarters of Kansas’ fiscal year. With all that has happened in the last year, we have not been very certain of how tax revenues would fare for the state.
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