TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity is working to educate Kansans on the effects of tobacco tax increases on Kansas businesses by creating a new Web site, StopTheWarOnSmokers.Com.

Gov. Mark Parkinson last month proposed a cigarette tax increase of 55 cents per pack, raising the rate from its current 79 cents per pack to $1.34 per pack.

“History has shown us that raising the cigarette tax has not increased the revenues coming into the state over the long run,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “There may be an initial boost, but with nearby states like Missouri only adding a 17-cent tax per pack, more Kansas smokers are likely to cross the state line to purchase cigarettes.

TOPEKA – The free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity-Kansas has released to legislators and to the media a model state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

“Kansas legislators are working to close a budget gap of $400 million for the next fiscal year,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The latest AFP Commonsense Budget Proposal will provide a roadmap for legislators seeking to make Kansas government more efficient – and less costly – without turning to Kansas taxpayers.”

TOPEKA – The free-market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity-Kansas today announced a new way to communicate with its members on tax policy proposals through the Kansas Tax Alert program.
Through the site, Kansas residents will be able to sign up to be notified when a bill is introduced that will result in a tax increase.

AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag said the Kansas Tax Alert program is designed to give Kansans the tools they need to follow what happens under the dome in Topeka.

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity released the following statement in response to Gov. Mark Parkinson’s 2010 State of the State Address:

“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity applauds the announced proposal to establish a BRAC-style independent commission that would recommend state agencies and programs for consolidation, overhaul or elimination.

AFP released the following statement in response to the proposal offered by Kansas Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt and State Representative Lee Tafanelli: