2012 Survey — Scott Schwab for State Representative

E-Mail Address

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Address 2

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State

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Tax Cuts

As a member of the House Tax Committee, we are confronted with dozens of ideas to reduce or raise taxes on a daily basis, and bombarded with thousands of numbers showing the impact of those proposed changes. This committee has been – and will continue to be – the home of a lot of controversy, but also of huge opportunities to give Kansans the tools that help them live a better life. The following are just a few of the issues I expect to see this session: Tax exemptions, while making a lot of news, equal a very small percentage of the Kansas budget. The two largest exemptions are sales tax on services and religious organizations. Would you support:

Backfilling Revenue

When cutting taxes, some say we have to raise the revenue elsewhere or cut spending. I don't believe revenue is that static, but if you do, which would you support?

Applying a sales tax on professional services (lawyers, CPAs, engineers, etc.).

Applying a sales tax on religious and non-profit organizations.

None of the above

Spending Cuts

If you chose to reduce or eliminate taxes, in which areas would you suggest spending cuts?

K-12 Education

Higher Education (state universities & community colleges)

Corrections (prisons, highway patrol, etc.)

Early Childhood (Pre-K, Infant/Toddler Services, etc.)

Transportation (road construction, expansion, updates)

Social Services

None of the above

Spending Increases

Would you support spending increases in any of the following areas?

K-12 Education

Higher Education

Corrections

Early Childhood

Transportation

Social Services

None of the above

Health Care

Federal health reform is not yet fully implemented and Kansas is among the states filing suit to prevent its enforcement. I supported the Brownback Administration’s return of an early planning grant to begin work on the state’s responsibilities under the bill and continue to have concerns with efforts to begin implementation. Do you support any of the following?

Businesses should receive a tax credit for insurance they pay for employees.

Kansans should be required to purchase health insurance.

Insurance companies should be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Citizens should be allowed to stay on their parents' insurance until age 26.

None of the above

Liquor Store Franchising

Current law prohibits liquor store owners from owning more than one store. Would you support allowing these business-owners to franchise or own more than one store?

Redistricting

Reapportionment is the process of moving boundaries of Congressional seats to reflect population shifts. In a similar way, redistricting relates to the distribution of state Senate and House seats throughout Kansas. Olathe and Overland Park are expected to gain at least three House seats and one Senate seat. As residents, your input is critical to how these maps are drawn. Do you have thoughts, concerns or ideas about how these districts should be constructed?

Reapportionment

As a member of the Special Committee on Redistricting, I have spent much of 2011 traveling throughout Kansas to understand the desires of Kansans far and wide when it comes to their representation in Topeka and Washington, DC. The goal of the committee is to make the Congressional and state legislative districts as equal in numbers as possible, therefore following the “one-voice, one-vote” guideline. Reports from the 2010 census show our 3rd Congressional District has 54,000 too many residents to maintain equal representation with the rest of the state. The largest and most rural district, the “Big First” – which includes 66 counties in western Kansas – needs to gain 57,000 residents to reach the optimum ratio. Would you support the following options?

Move Wyandotte County from the 3rd Congressional District (Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami & part of Douglas County) to the 1st District.

Currently, Lawrence is split between the 2nd & 3rd Congressional Districts via Iowa Street. Move Lawrence completely into the 2nd Congressional District.

None of the above

Alcohol Sales

Currently, Kansans must visit a liquor store to purchase liquor, wine and full-strength beer. Do you support the sale of these items in grocery and convenience stores?

K-12 Local Spending

The state’s school finance formula was written in 1992 and has been amended to account for the changing needs of Kansas children. Many believe even with the changes, it is far out of date and needs rewritten. One proposal would allow local school districts to raise property taxes or implement a sales tax to support schools. Would you support this?

Yes: Property tax increase

No: Property tax increase

Yes: Implement local sales tax

No: Implement local sales tax

Need more information

Local Funds Equalization

If a portion of these locally-raised property and/or sales tax funds are sent to the State to equalize spending across Kansas, would you still support such a tax?

K-12 Per Pupil Spending

How much do you think the State of Kansas should spend to educate each student?

Please select
$4,000-7,000
$7,000-10,000
$10,000-13,000
$13,000+
Need more information

Ethics & Elections

As the Chairman of the House Elections Committee, I am passionate about fair elections and ensuring a transparent and reliable process for all Kansas voters. A number of issues come before my committee each year. Please select the statements with which you agree:

The state should require the election of judges. Currently, the election of judges is a county-by-county decision.

Kansas should consolidate spring and fall elections, requiring all local, state, and federal elections be held in the fall of even-numbered years.

Political organizations should be required to report their donors and how much they gave.

Proof of citizenship and residency in that district should be required to file for any office.

Priority #2

Priority #3

Priority #1

During the 90-day legislative session in Kansas, we discuss hundreds of issues in committees and in the House and Senate chambers. This time is precious because it is short and I want to ensure my priorities for how I spend that time reflect those of my district. The following issues are my top three priorities:

Comments

Are there questions I neglected to ask? Let me know here! Also, please share any ideas about how I can improve my service as your State Representative. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to represent you in Topeka.