Monday, May 17, 2010

Analysis: Gov. key figure in Kan. tax increase - Boston.com

Analysis: Gov. key figure in Kan. tax increase - Boston.com

Analysis: Gov. key figure in Kan. tax increase

By John Hanna
AP Political Writer / May 17, 2010
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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.
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The Democratic governor pushed the Republican-controlled Legislature to raise taxes to avoid cuts in aid to public schools and other government programs. Consumers will pay a penny more for each dollar they spend at a store, hotel or restaurant.
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

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