Opinion

GUEST COLUMN, Vance Ginn, Kansas Policy Institute

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts have long been used as a development tool by local governments, including in Kansas, where the Legislature first authorized their use in 1976. TIFs allow cities to designate areas for development, freezing property tax levels in those districts and using the increased tax revenue generated by new development to fund the project. In theory, TIFs are designed to encourage growth in otherwise stagnant areas. While this concept sounds beneficial, a recent audit in Kansas reveals the substantial flaws and opportunity costs of these subsidies.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, Reita Isaacs, Liberal

A few months ago, I left town quite unexpectedly before a planned procedure, adding even more time away from home for recovery and physical therapy. During this time, I hate to admit, I never gave much thought to anyone or anything else, but now I will be home permanently in a few more days. Much news to catch up on. I can’t wait.

GUEST COLUMN, Andrei Iancu and David Kappos, Council for Innovation Promotion

Congress is considering a bill that could exacerbate government waste and give American companies' most valuable trade secrets to China.

That's obviously not lawmakers' goal. But it's likely to happen -- if the Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act, introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Mike Braun (R-IN), becomes law.

MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron

Through trials and blessings, ups and downs, gains and losses, God’s presence sustains. During the last few weeks, my wife has shared with you the impact of two losses during a time when honestly, I found it difficult to write. We want to express thanks to everyone who's reached out to our family during these days. We've felt your support, and we've been strengthened by it. A month ago this week, one of our grandsons died, and since then, I've sought God's perspective on tragedy and loss.