Analysis: Gov. key figure in Kan. tax increase
TOPEKA, Kan.—Gov. Mark Parkinson deserves the biggest share of the credit -- or the blame -- when Kansas increases its sales tax in July to shore up its next budget.
Parkinson built his credibility as a budget-cutter before legislators opened their annual session, allowing him to argue the state had done enough trimming. Then, he did an excellent job of framing the debate.
He had allies, of course. Democratic and moderate Republican legislators forged alliances in both chambers, outmaneuvering conservative GOP leaders in the House. Educators and social service advocates kept up the pressure on legislators.
But Parkinson was the key player from the Legislature's opening on Jan. 11 through its last day exactly four months later. The $13.7 billion budget for the
SC GOP gov hopefuls back school choice, mergers
Should we ask if Supreme Court nominee is gay?
An uplifting chorus
SC GOP gov hopefuls back school choice, mergers
The four Republican candidates running to replace South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford are promoting tax changes, school choice, teacher bonuses and district consolidation as ways to improve public education in the state.
Should we ask if Supreme Court nominee is gay?
She plays softball. Huge hint, right? She's 50, single and has a short haircut. Yup, definitely a lesbian.
An uplifting chorus
Choir practice starts early at the Boston Renaissance Charter School — at 7:25 a.m., to be precise, when a group of bleary-eyed students begin taking the no-nonsense direction of Evelyn Lee-Jones.