Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Vance Ginn, Kansas Policy Institute

In a historic move toward greater accountability and transparency, the Kansas Legislature has taken the reins of the budget process by establishing the Special Committee on Legislative Budget.

This change means lawmakers will no longer rely solely on the governor’s top-down budget proposal, which traditionally limited legislative review time and often led to rushed last-minute adjustments.

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

In a recent series of articles, we explored Jesus as prophet, priest, and king, and how He was the long-awaited Messiah. Last week we used history, religious facts, and scriptures concerning Israel to lay a foundation, explaining how its people became the vehicle God used for sending His Son. Their unity of worship, plus isolation from outside influence, protected them from losing their distinctiveness. Even after conquest, dispersion - even destruction of Jerusalem and the temple - the people of Israel held to their prophets' promises that a liberator, a Messiah, would come.

GUEST COLUMN, Angela Ailloni Ginkgo Bioworks

The United States has long been the global leader in biotechnology, thanks largely to an innovation ecosystem that rewards risk, and smart policies that drive innovation and support federal investments into basic science.

As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, the United States has fallen behind when it comes to biomanufacturing. Our nation's supply chains have become fragile and overstretched, with much manufacturing happening outside our borders. This has played a role in domestic shortages of essential medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients over the past five years.

GUEST COLUMN, Andi McClintic, Center for Rural Affairs

As November begins, so does the busiest shopping season of the year. We’re familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but let’s not overlook Small Business Saturday—a day dedicated to supporting the businesses that keep our communities vibrant and unique. On this day, shop small and make an impact close to home by supporting the shops, services, and makers in our own backyards.