Rep. Kinzer urges caution in use of federal stimulus money
In response to passage of “The Federal American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” Rep. Kinzer has taken the lead in advocating caution regarding the acceptance and use of federal stimulus dollars. Rep. Kinzer, working with other legislators, helped draft HB 2361 which would require state agencies to evaluate federal mandates associated with stimulus money, present a plan detailing how monies received under the federal act would be expended and explain how the state agency will address the absence of such funding after it ends. Under HB 2361 the Governor would be precluded from applying for stimulus package funds absent approval by legislative leadership via the state finance counsel. Individuals employed by a state agency in connection with or as a result of funding received under the stimulus bill would be temporary employees whose term of employment could not extend beyond the expenditure of the stimulus monies. To see the full text of HB 2361 go here: http://www.kslegislature.org/bills/2010/2361.pdf.
Commenting on HB 2361 Rep. Kinzer stated, “While many look to the stimulus bill as a solution to our state budget shortfall the reality is that acceptance of federal dollars brings with is serious long term consequences that must not be ignored. Using stimulus money to increase the size of government without a firm plan regarding what happens when those stimulus dollars go away would be irresponsible. HB 2361 does not preclude acceptance of stimulus money; but it would force us to exercise prudence both in deciding which funds to accept and in determining how such monies should be spent. As we consider the use of federal stimulus dollars it is important to remember that years of overspending created our present crisis. Attempting to solve our current problems with yet more spending without addressing the root problem is not good public policy.”
