The Topeka Capital-Journal Sunday, July 15, 2018 C13
2018 PRIMARY VOTERS GUIDE D E M O C R AT
KANSAS HOUSE — 47TH DISTRICT: GEORGE HANNA Why are you running for the Kansas House? I have long been disgusted by the degradation of our political process. It would be naive to not recognize that money and politics have always gone hand in hand, however the Citizens United decision has only served to reinforce the notion that it acceptable to “Buy” a politician. As far as I am concerned the principle of a free (fairly balanced) election is just as vital to our democracy as free speech or press. Without reversing the Citizens United decision we as a country will not have a true representation of the people, nor will we be able to elect those that can. What do you think about Kansas lowering (2012) and raising (2017) the state income taxes while hiking the sales tax rate (2015)? There is a clear distinction between moral ethics and business ethics. Relying on the morality of those with the resources to ensure there is equal opportunity for those less fortunate is reckless. I feel that it is the responsibility of our government to protect every citizen through equitable legislation. That being said, I would like to see an increased number of tax brackets and a reduction or elimination of sales tax on food and utilities. Taxes should be primarily focused on “disposable income” goods. Regressive taxation only serves to disproportionately hurt those least able to pay. Do you believe the $525 million, five-year school finance plan adopted by the 2018 Legislature complies with the Kansas Constitution? No, The 2018 plan falls short in the “Equitable” requirement. We as a state continue to fall short in Pre-K funding and those with disability. The
expansion of State funding obligations while refusing to expand the funding itself if irresponsible. Kansas must fund schools at a level that not only is adequate and equitable, but also at a level where school district can budget accordingly, recruit highly qualified teachers and fulfill the current contracts in line with inflation. Is it necessary for legislators and Kansas voters to amend the state constitution to limit power of the judicial branch to dictate levels of state aid to public school districts? Absolutely NOT! While I will disagree with various legislation, I will always respect the judicial oversight. In order to prevent an abuse of power and/or an eventual dictatorship we must have all three branches of Government. This is amplified in today’s political culture as it is already to easy to purchase legislation. As an example. without past judicial decisions we would not have free press. Why should, or why shouldn’t, the state government in Kansas expand eligibility for Medicaid? If expanded, do you support work or training requirements for “able-bodied” recipients? Kansas should no only expand medicaid, but should work to Universal Healthcare with appropriate oversight. Today, because of the refusal to expand Medicaid Kansas looses an estimated 1.8 million dollars per day, while rural health centers and assisted living centers are closing. The closings are largely due to the difficulty in eligibility and the smaller facilities inability to “float” the expenses. Additionally, those larger medical facilities that continue to operate are doing so with a tax exemption and/ or other subsidies, while executive salaries are
grossly out of line. To pay seven figure salaries from a self sustaining company is entirely different that one doing on the backs of tax payers and the needy. I do support a return to work or training incentive or plan. I would not go so far as to make it a requirement. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being diverted from the state’s highway program to support the government’s base budget. How is this appropriate or not? I am strongly opposed to diverting funds from one budget to another. Kansas must be able to make both short and long term plans that will be fulfilled. This is crucial to not only Kansas workers for these programs, but also future development and attraction of industry to Kansas. Without stable schools and infrastructure Kansas can't count on reduction of taxes alone to bring in new business. In what ways should Kansas firearm laws be modified to address violent crime? I support “Red Flag” laws as well as removing guns from publicly funded schools. I do support a responsibly regulated 2nd amendment. How would you reform state law regarding availability of abortion services? I would not. I support a women’s right to choose. I would further support access to women’s healthcare and family planning. Is it necessary for Kansas to follow other states with term limits for House and Senate members? If so, what do you propose? If not, why not? Yes, I would support term limits. A limit of 4
GEORGE HANNA
Town of residence: Tecumseh Party affiliation: Democrat Age: 48 Job: Artist Prior elected offices: None
terms each would allow for a turnover of representation while allowing for a livelihood on politics if allowed by the Kansas voters. How would you improve public reporting by the governor on results from the large state tax breaks awarded companies that move a business to Kansas or promise to remain and increase jobs? Why is the Governor reporting in the first place, unless it is self serving. That role should be done by the State Treasurer after a stable metric has been established to determine the results. To continue to “develop” a new plane of measuring the benefits or decline to the state to manipulate the perception to the public is deceptive.
REPUBLICAN
KANSAS HOUSE — 47TH DISTRICT: RON ELLIS Why are you running for the Kansas House? I have lived and worked in Jefferson County for over forty years. I know the people I represent. I am involved in the county through membership in a variety of organizations and boards. I taught history and government in Oskaloosa Public Schools for 37 years. I own three farms in Jefferson County and raise cattle. I understand the issues that are important to the people of District 47 because these are the same issues I face every day. I have completed my first two-year term in the House where I served on the Agriculture, State and Federal, and Health Committees. I have made a number of connections and alliances with other representatives and leadership in order to get the business of Kansas accomplished without wasting taxpayer time and money. What do you think about Kansas lowering (2012) and raising (2017) the state income taxes while hiking the sales tax rate (2015)? The 2012 tax cut was too much, and when it was discovered that the plan was not working, there was no remedy to correct either by decreasing spending significantly or reevaluating the levels of the tax cuts. The 2017 tax increase was too much and significantly higher than what was needed to fund the state’s needs. I believe a lower tax increase would have been kinder to the tax paying citizens in Kansas and would have met the needs of the state. Do you believe the $525 million, five-year school finance plan adopted by the 2018 Legislature complies with the Kansas Constitution? The Kansas Constitution uses the word “suitability.” The Supreme Court believes they have the power to determine “suitability” and thus legislate the amount of money that is provided to schools. The legislature is charged with determining how monies are allocated and spent in the state. I believe the $525 million five-year plan will give schools a better forecast
of the monies they will have available year to year and complies with the Constitution. Is it necessary for legislators and Kansas voters to amend the state constitution to limit power of the judicial branch to dictate levels of state aid to public school districts? It may be necessary as courts should not dictate any funding levels. If it takes a change in the state constitution to remedy the current situation, I would strongly consider it. Why should, or why shouldn’t, the state government in Kansas expand eligibility for Medicaid? If expanded, do you support work or training requirements for “able-bodied” recipients? The Kansas Health Institute reports that approximately 90% of Kansans are covered by private insurance coverage and by public coverage including Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and other public programs. Of the remaining 300,000 Kansans without coverage, over 50,000 are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled and an additional 151,000 qualify for financial assistance to buy coverage on the health care exchange. The remaining 100,000 Kansas are those people who do not have access to public coverage and who do not qualify for financial assistance. I believe the Insurance Commissioner, the Kansas Hospital Association, the Kansas Medical Society, and other key stakeholders could come together and develop a uniquely Kansas solution for Kansans without coverage and could do so in a more economically prudent manner than expanding Medicaid. I support work and training requirements for all able-bodied Medicaid recipients as these skills will provide a long-term solution for the Kansan to have a better life and not be dependent upon a government program for healthcare. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being diverted from the state’s highway program to
support the government’s base budget. How is this appropriate or not? I do not believe this type of shifting of funds is appropriate and should only occur in the case of a dire state financial emergency. Such shifts should be completely transparent to all Kansans with a timely plan for repayment. In what ways should Kansas firearm laws be modified to address violent crime? We must do more to ensure people with certain mental illnesses do not have access to firearms. When people use social media to threaten violence we must have mechanisms to review social media site content and investigate or address potential threats before they are acted upon. How would you reform state law regarding availability of abortion services? I am pro-life. Under the law, there are facilities in the state that provide abortion services and these facilities should be inspected for adherence to the same type of standards as ambulatory surgery centers. Women seeking services in these facilities should be assured that they will be safe, their healthcare needs will be addressed, and that they can rapidly be accepted in a hospital should an emergency arise. Is it necessary for Kansas to follow other states with term limits for House and Senate members? Is so, what do you propose? If not, why not? I believe in term limits. There is a steep learning curve when elected to represent the state. Understanding the structure, processes, and inner-workings of the state takes a great deal of time. Relationships are also key to accomplishing the work of the legislature which also take time to develop and hone. I believe reasonable terms limits for the Senate to be four terms with limits of five to six terms for the House.
RON ELLIS (incumbent)
Town of residence: Meriden Party affiliation: Republican Age: 65 Job: Self-employed as cattleman Prior elected offices: Kansas House
How would you improve public reporting by the governor on the results from large state tax breaks awarded companies that move a business to Kansas or promise to remain and increase jobs? I believe it is important for the state government to be as transparent as possible. Data should be provided county-by-county on those companies receiving tax breaks including the number of jobs the companies provide and where the citizens who hold those jobs reside. Downstream revenue from the companies should also be considered including the types of products purchased from other companies in order to operate the company receiving the tax break. The information should be provided in such a manner that the average Kansas citizen can clearly compute the “gain” Kansas receives from the tax break provided.
D E M O C R AT
KANSAS HOUSE — 53RD DISTRICT: JIM GARTNER Why are you running for the Kansas House? I am unopposed this election cycle but I want to continue representing the 53rd House District so I can and make a difference for my constituents. What do you think about Kansas lowering (2012) and raising (2017) the state income taxes while hiking the sales tax rate (2015)? I believe the Brownback tax experiment was a complete failure. I voted to end this experiment in 2017 knowing it would take some time to get our financial house back in order. I think we are seeing the outcome with State revenues coming in over estimates for this fiscal year. Do you believe the $525 million, five-year school finance plan adopted by the 2018 Legislature complies with the Kansas Constitution? I voted for the school finance plan this session even though I still think it does not meet the adequacy requirements. By the time these responses are published the Kansas Supreme Court will have made their decision, and in my opinion we will be addressing this again next legislative session. Is it necessary for legislators and Kansas voters to amend the state constitution to limit power of the judicial branch to dictate levels of state aid to public school districts? I do not believe it is necessary to amend the constitution to limit the powers of the judicial branch. This is why we have three branches of government and the checks and balances that make sure not one branch has more power than the other.
Why should, or why shouldn’t, the state government in Kansas expand eligibility for Medicaid? If expanded, do you support work or training requirements for “able-bodied” recipients? We should expand expand Medicaid in our state. I have voted for this every time it has come up in the House. This will enable some 140,000 fellow Kansans to have medical coverage that they cannot acquire. It will also help our strengthen our rural hospitals and communities. This is the right thing to do. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being diverted from the state’s highway program to support the government’s base budget. How is this appropriate or not? The diversion of state revenues from the highway program has jeopardized our standing as having some of the best highway system in the nation. It put a hold on our ten year transportation program and cost the state millions in revenues from the good construction jobs that would of been created. This failure was again created by the Brownback tax experiment, hopefully with continued strong revenue growth we can reverse this trend. In what ways should the Kansas firearm laws be modified to address violent crime? This last session the legislature did pass HB 2145 which will keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, which was a good first step. I believe we need to do more, such as allowing relatives of suicidal people or those who have threatened imminent violence to seek-ordered
removal of guns from the home. People who suffer from mental illness should not have access to guns. Encourage better training for physicians in how to recognize patients at risk for suicide. Last but not least I would ban assault weapons and large magazines, in my opinion these are weapons of war. How would you reform state law regarding availability of abortion services? As long as Roe v Wade is the law of the land I would not reform the availability of abortion services. Is it necessary for Kansas to follow other states with term limits for House and Senate members? If so, what do you propose? If not, why not? I do not believe it is necessary for the state to have term limits. I believe history has shown that if a State Senator or Representative is not representing their constituents they will be voted out of office. Yes we do have some legislators that have served a number of years but I believe their constituents approve of the job they are doing. I also believe that it is a whole different situation at the Federal level and would support term limits. How would you improve public reporting by the governor on the results from large state tax breaks awarded to companies that move a business to Kansas or promise to remain and increase jobs? We have a transparency problem when it comes to tax breaks and credits. This past
JIM GARTNER (incumbent)
Town of residence: Topeka Party affiliation: Democrat Age: 70 Job: Retired from telecommunications industry in 2001; AT&T lobbyist until 2014 Prior elected offices: Kansas House, 2016-18
session I introduced HB 2753 which would have reviewed and evaluated all tax credits and exemptions over the next four years. The House and Senate committees would have been responsible for the review and evaluation which could include recommended changes or the elimination of such tax break was not producing the desired outcome. This bill passed the House 122-0 but never made it through the Senate. I will be introducing similar legislation in the 2019 session.