By: STEVEN HOWE
State Representative, District 71
As the House continues its work after last week's "Turnover" deadline, I cast several high-profile votes to protect the free market and the pockets of Kansas taxpayers. While some bills are framed as "economic development," the reality is often a shift toward state-managed economies that favor the well-connected.
HB 2434: A Budget of Misplaced Priorities
I voted No on the state budget for fiscal years 2026–2028. While this bill adds significant new spending, it fails in two critical areas:
· Ignoring Special Education (SPED): The budget continues to underfund our statutory obligations to SPED. We cannot justify a record-breaking budget that leaves our school districts and most vulnerable students behind.
· Expanding State Bureaucracy into Private Malls: Hidden within the budget language is a major policy shift: It authorizes the Kansas Development Finance Authority (KDFA) to issue bonds for private development projects, including "dilapidated malls." Historically, the KDFA has primarily focused on state projects (office buildings), public infrastructure (water/wastewater), and specific statutory programs like higher education facilities. Using this authority for private retail ventures is a dangerous expansion of state power.
SB 197: Doubling Down on STAR Bonds
I voted No on the extension of the STAR Bond program. My "No" vote is supported by objective data from the Kansas Legislative Post Audit, which found that only a minority of STAR Bond districts actually met the state’s own tourism benchmarks. A 2021 audit found that for 81% of these projects, the development simply "shifted" existing economic activity from one part of Kansas to another rather than bringing in new out-of-state revenue.
Explanation of Vote submitted to the House Journal:
“I vote NO on SB 197. Economic development deals often exist not to create jobs, but to convince voters that politicians are responsible for them. By using tools like STAR Bonds, the government picks winners and losers, distorts the free market, and unnecessarily expands its own reach. These deals prioritize political optics over sound economics. I support limited government and a true free-market economy; therefore, I trust the market—not politicians—to drive sustainable growth.”
HB 2745: "Relief" Without Real Teeth
I voted against this property tax "lid" because it is a hollow promise to working families.
· The Issue: It creates a 3% cap for counties but provides zero state-level incentives to help them achieve it.
· The Stand: Without real state support, this bill is a "one-size-fits-all" mandate that doesn't provide the structural relief or transparency that Kansas homeowners actually need to make ends meet.
The Goal: A Level Playing Field
My ultimate goal on taxes is to eliminate special interest tax credits and exemptions so we can lower rates for everyone. Whether it is using the KDFA to fund private malls in the budget bill or expanding STAR Bonds, the current system rewards those who can afford a lobbyist. I believe tax relief should be a right for every Kansan, not a reward for the well-connected. If we clean up the code and stop these carve-outs, we can provide true, broad-based relief for every kitchen table in our district.
Final Action Notes
While I voted against HB 2434 and HB 2745, both bills passed the House and have advanced to the Senate for further consideration. Regarding SB 197, since it was amended by the House, it will now return to the Senate. The Senate will then decide whether to concur (agree) with our amendments or non-concur and request a conference committee to negotiate the final language.
Your Input Matters
Thank you to the many constituents who have reached out to share their thoughts on these crucial issues. Hearing from you helps me as I work to represent over 23,000 people from the 71st District in your Kansas House of Representatives. Whether it is keeping our tax code fair or ensuring our state budget reflects our shared priorities, your feedback is invaluable.