The share of state revenue from federal sources varies widely among states. (more…)
Author: Bob Weeks
Kansas Tax Revenue, August 2023
For August 2023, Kansas tax revenue was 1.9 percent lower than August 2022, and 3.7 percent less than estimated. (more…)
Should Wichitans care when ballpark development starts?
This article discusses the financial implications of the delayed development around Riverfront Stadium in Wichita. Costing $85 million, Riverfront Stadium is among the priciest Minor League ballparks, funded by $42.14 million in sales tax and revenue bonds from a 2018 state program for tourist attractions. The initial development phase was set to conclude by July 2024, but construction has been postponed to late summer or early fall of the following year. Delays could mean the city using taxpayer money intended for other purposes to repay the state. Vice Mayor Mike Hoheisel expressed concerns about diverting funds from parks, streets, and public safety. The city’s financial strategy involves STAR bonds, which, when successful, allow cities to finance new attractions without upfront taxpayer costs. However, if these projects don’t self-finance, cities must find alternative funding sources. The article emphasizes the importance of timely development to ensure financial stability and avoid burdening taxpayers.
The Wichita Eagle. “Should Wichitans care when ballpark development starts? If you pay taxes, then yes.” September 03, 2023.
https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article278616494.htmlSummary generated by ChatGPT
The Articulate Ignorance of Vivek Ramaswamy
In David French’s op-ed titled “The Articulate Ignorance of Vivek Ramaswamy,” published on August 31, 2023, the author delves into the crisis of civic ignorance exacerbated by poor political leadership. French argues that civic ignorance is not a new phenomenon in America; however, it has reached a critical point due to the rise of leaders who not only perpetuate misinformation but also refuse to be held accountable for their actions. He cites historical data to show that Americans have long been uninformed about their own government and history, a situation that has worsened over the years.
French uses the example of Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate, to illustrate how articulate yet fundamentally flawed leadership can mislead the public. Ramaswamy is described as a charismatic speaker who often makes statements that are either blatantly false or unworkable. Despite this, he has found success in the political arena, reflecting a broader issue where the public, already disconnected from political reality due to ignorance, is further misled by leaders who exploit this ignorance for their own gain.
The author emphasizes that the problem is not just with individual leaders like Ramaswamy or Donald Trump but with a political culture that has abandoned the pursuit of truth. This creates a dangerous cycle where an uninformed public is unable to hold their leaders accountable, leading to a degradation of democratic values. French warns that the combination of civic ignorance, corrupt leadership, and partisan animosity is a ticking time bomb that threatens not just American democracy but the stability of the world.
French concludes by stating that a democracy can only function effectively when it has an informed public and an honest political class. The absence of both puts the democratic experiment at risk, making the nation susceptible to conspiracy theories and divisive politics. The op-ed serves as a cautionary tale, urging both the public and the political class to recommit to the principles of truth and accountability.
French, David. “The Articulate Ignorance of Vivek Ramaswamy.” The New York Times, 31 Aug. 2023.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/31/opinion/ramaswamy-political-ignorance.htmlSummary generated by ChatGPT
Trump’s Fate Belongs in the Hands of 12 Ordinary Citizens
This article, penned by Jesse Wegman on August 27, 2023, for The New York Times, delves into the significance of the jury system in the American democratic process, drawing parallels between the classic film “12 Angry Men” and the recent legal challenges faced by former President Donald Trump. The film, which revolves around the deliberations of a jury in a murder case, underscores the vital role that juries play in upholding the principles of democracy. The article emphasizes the impartiality of the jury system, where ordinary citizens are summoned to determine the guilt or innocence of an individual, irrespective of their personal biases.
Wegman reflects on the recent events where Donald Trump was charged in Fulton County, Georgia, for his alleged involvement in racketeering related to overturning the state’s 2020 presidential vote. While impeachment efforts against Trump were thwarted by partisan politics in the Senate, and the 14th Amendment’s disqualification clause, which could potentially bar Trump from holding public office, remains a contentious issue, the author posits that a criminal jury might be the most democratic solution to ascertain Trump’s accountability for the events of January 6.
The article underscores the sanctity of the jury system, where jurors, despite their familiarity with high-profile defendants like Trump, are bound by the law and procedural rules to ensure a fair trial. Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar is quoted emphasizing the importance of juries as a means of political participation and self-governance. The Founding Fathers of America, recognizing the significance of juries, enshrined the right to a jury trial in the Constitution.
In conclusion, while juries are not infallible, they offer a more objective avenue for justice than partisan politics. Entrusting the fate of individuals, even someone as polarizing as Trump, to a jury embodies the essence of a society governed by the rule of law, where facts and legal principles take precedence over biases.
Wegman, Jesse. “Trump’s Fate Belongs in the Hands of 12 Ordinary Citizens.” The New York Times, 27 Aug. 2023.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/opinion/trump-prosecution-jury-courts.htmlSummary provided by ChatGPT
Wichita Employment Situation, July 2023
For the Wichita metropolitan area in July 2023, major employment indicators declined slightly from the prior month. (more…)
Kansas Employment Situation, July 2023
In Kansas for July 2023, the labor force fell, the number of jobs grew, and the unemployment rate fell, all by small amounts when compared to the previous month. Over the year, Kansas is slightly below the middle of the states in job growth. (more…)
Kansas Tax Revenue, July 2023
For July 2023, Kansas tax revenue was 16.2 percent higher than July 2022, and 2.1 percent more than estimated. (more…)
Wichita Employment Situation, June 2023
For the Wichita metropolitan area in June 2023, major employment indicators were steady or declined slightly from the prior month. (more…)
