Surprise power grab

[deminks]

http://www.leaderandtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17252:surprise-power-grab&catid=29 pinion&Itemid=58

A new Kansas law requires county treasurers to turn over the 20 mills property tax revenue they collect for local schools to the Kansas treasurer for distribution.

Many legislators weren’t aware of the provision, buried in a bill dealing with mineral severance taxes and oil and gas depletion funds, until after it passed. Yet it represents a power grab by the State that should be of concern to their constituents.

Now for the first time, Clay County Treasurer Christine Swaim will send at least $1.3 million in property tax revenue to the state instead of directly to USD-379. The district also receives general state aid in addition to the property tax revenue.

Republican leaders, who hustled the provision through a conference committee without general debate, said the change is necessary to establish an “audit trail” they say is required by the recent Supreme Court order on school finance, an excuse attorney John Robb, who represents school districts in the state, termed “ridiculous.”

(snip)

Even though it won’t be easy for the legislature to raid those property tax funds to bail out their own budget mess, it will certainly be easier for them to attach strings to — or delay — the return of the money without interference from the courts.

(end snip)

Jesus Mary and Joseph.

Coming to a state near you, no doubt, to cover their massive a**es* for the tax cuts they have implemented.

[safeinOhio]

1. Trying to do the same

here in Ohio.