Posted inState Government

Where Missouri Republican candidates for governor stand on personal property taxes

Missouri Republicans running to win the governor’s race are trying to harness frustration over 2023’s property tax assessment fiasco with varying promises of cuts.  State Sen. Bill Eigel, a member of the far-right Freedom Caucus, has made eliminating personal property taxes on things like cars, farm and business equipment a top priority as a lawmaker […]

Posted inElections

Steve Huebert, Jesse McCurry, Darren Pugh running in Wichita Kansas House Republican primary for District 90

Incumbent state Rep. Carl Maughan suspended his reelection campaign after a DUI arrest. That drew three challengers — Steve Huebert, Jesse McCurry and Darren Pugh — into the Republican primary for District 90. The winner of the primary takes on Tracy Edingfield in the general election this November.  The primary election is Aug. 6. You […]

Posted inKansas

Chase Blasi takes on J.C. Moore in Kansas Senate Republican primary for District 26

Incumbent Sen. Chase Blasi, a Wichita Republican, is trying to defend his Statehouse seat from J.C. Moore, who has served in the Legislature before.  Moore sells himself as more of a moderate Republican while Blasi leans more conservative in a key Republican primary race. The winner of the primary takes on Raymond Shore Jr. in the […]

Posted inKansas State Government, Uncategorized

Kansas lawmakers and Kelly couldn’t agree on tax cuts — so governor calls for another try

Takeaways: Kansas lawmakers failed to pass tax cuts that the governor would sign before adjourning  for the year, setting up a heated tax fight during an election year.  The Legislature adjourned early Wednesday morning, but Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has the power to bring lawmakers back for a special session. She promised to do it, […]

Posted inKansas State Government

Will Gov. Laura Kelly sign or veto tax cuts? Here’s what else passed

Takeaways:  Kansas lawmakers approved new tax cuts, bans on gender-affirming cares and some new crimes this year.  The Republican-controlled Legislature can expect Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to veto some of the most controversial bills, setting up override votes.  Legislators finished the regular session and will take a few weeks off before returning for veto session.  […]

Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government

Nearly 90% of Sedgwick County homes rose in value this year. Here’s how to appeal your property valuation.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect the fact that sales prices of nearby homes are available on the county appraiser’s website. An overheated housing market across the nation is reflected in Sedgwick County’s housing valuations this year.  In 2022, 88% of residential homes in Sedgwick County increased in value — about 158,467 of […]

Gift this article