RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator
We’ll be coming back for a veto session at the end of the month, but for now Week 13 means we have concluded all regular business of the 2024 Legislature and formally adjourned.
The big news, unquestionably, is that the House and Senate finally agreed on a comprehensive tax cut package that should be able to survive a gubernatorial veto, though hopefully that doesn’t happen. That is because the vote in the House was unanimous (119-0) and in the Senate 24-9, with four likely “yays” among those not present. If enacted, HB 2036 will reduce to two the personal income brackets (5.15 percent and 5.55 percent); do away entirely with the tax on Social Security; increase the property tax threshold; raise the standard deductions; and zero out the state sales tax on food effective July 1. It was properly heralded by our Senate President as providing relief to everyone, including a “sigh” to those of us who have been battling the issue for most of the past three years.
It also leaves one less challenge during our “omnibus” when we have to reconcile the failed school funding measure, SB 387, which went down 12-26 after major pushback from the education community. Since it would be a little unwieldy to try to digest everything approved during our final week of substantive action, I’m going to instead share some fascinating statistics I’ve recently come across.
The first is that Kansas has the highest rural commercial building property taxes in the nation, an astonishing $47,467 that is more than double the 50-state average of $19,941 and an alarming nine times the lowest state of Delaware ($5,642). Something for all of us lawmakers to think about, perhaps?
The second is that we may feel the pinch more than others from the Baltimore bridge collapse because it is the largest entry point in the U.S. for major agriculture equipment.
And the third is that the total acreage of watered grass for lawns, parks, and golf courses is more than three times the amount used to irrigate corn. Surprising?
I was very moved this week when on Monday the full Senate observed a moment of silence in tribute to my 105-and-a-half year-old father, who had gone to join my mother the day before Easter in far-off Kalkaska, Mich. As elected representatives, we always try to relate to what our constituents go through, but losing a loved one without being able to say a “last good-bye” is not something I ever really wanted to include in that. For those who have, please accept my genuine firsthand condolences — and thanks to all who have been so kind, caring, and supportive toward me. The fact that I had my Dad for so many years and that my service as a Senator was such a source of pride for him has without a doubt made me a better person and better “voice” for you.
I will continue to carry that forward as a testament to his legacy that every day influences the decisions I make on your behalf. God Bless parents everywhere for what they do to make good patriotic citizens out of all of us.
