Topeka ? Wilson wins adoption amendment

State Rep. John Wilson, D-Lawrence, succeeded in restoring the adoption tax credit that was removed in 2012 as part of Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax plan.

Wilson won passage of the measure, adding it as an amendment to Senate Bill 265, which dealt with Homestead tax issues. The bill goes back to the Senate for consideration.

“Many of us have friends that are struggling with fertility issues and are exploring adoption as a possibility for creating the family for which they long,” Wilson said. “This tax credit helps make an incredibly expensive process slightly more affordable for families.”

In 2011, there were 996 claims for the tax credit at a cost of $1.6 million.

Senator wrong on graduation rates

A state senator is trying to move more taxpayer money, in the form of grants to low-income students, to private, independent colleges, claiming those schools do a better job of graduating students in four years.

But state Sen. Tom Arpke, R-Salina, is looking at rates that aren’t comparable.

On several occasions, Arpke has said that the independent colleges in Kansas have a 71 percent four-year graduation rate, while Kansas University has a four-year graduation rate of 32.2 percent.

But that 71 percent who graduated in four years at private colleges is of the total number of students who graduated.

While the 32.2 percent of four-year graduates for KU is of the total enrolled class.

If figured of those who entered college, the four-year graduation rate at independent colleges in Kansas is 31.4 percent, which is slightly less than KU’s figure.

When told of the difference in the way the two rates are calculated, Arpke refused to acknowledge there was a difference, saying that he was working off reports given to him.

Former lieutenant governors criticize Brownback

Two former lieutenant governors, Republican Gary Sherrer and Democrat John Moore, issued a joint statement that says Gov. Sam Brownback’s plan to improve the economy “has failed.”

The two said Brownback’s tax cuts have failed to create jobs and robbed billions of dollars in revenue for education and highways. Both Sherrer and Moore also served as secretaries of commerce.

“We urge Governor Brownback and the Legislature to move away from an experimental and extreme tax policy. They must return to the proven economic growth principles of a balanced tax policy, a strong educational system that qualifies individuals for good jobs and a strong infrastructure,” Sherrer and Moore said.

Sherrer served with Gov. Bill Graves and Moore served with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Brownback claims his tax policies have helped the economy.

Quote of the week:

“I’m not here to lobby, to put pressure or anything. I’m just here to visit the Capitol today,” Kansas Republican Party Chairman Kelly Arnold told the Wichita Eagle after he had been in and out of the Senate chamber during Wednesday’s session when the Senate was considering a bill sought by the Republican Party to prevent voters from switching parties after the filing deadline for candidates.

What’s next:

9 a.m. Tuesday- Friday — School finance discussion by House Appropriations Committee, room 112-North.

10:30 a.m. Tuesday — budget reports on public schools and higher education before Senate Ways and Means Committee, room 548-South.

1 p.m. Wednesday — Hearing on bill to repeal renewable energy standards before Senate Utilities Committee, room 548-South.