As the legislative session enters the home stretch I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my observations on an interesting presupposition that stands behind much of the decision making that occurs in Topeka. Simply put there is a strong tendency to think that what is that what is good for government will ultimately be good for individuals, families and businesses. This frame of mind has implications across a large range of issues. There seems to be an assumption that almost no activity of the private sector could not be improved upon by the intervention of government. Perhaps this explains in part why between December 2001 and December 2004 Kansas added 9,400 public sector jobs while losing 14,700 private sector jobs. Indeed, Kansas has the 6th highest number of government employees per 100 residents of any state in the country.

Thinking about this situation I was reminded of a quote from the great English statesman Edmund Burke who wrote, “It is better to cherish virtue and humanity by leaving much to free will, even with some loss to the object, then to attempt to make men mere machines and instruments of a political benevolence.” The point here is an important one and bears repeated consideration. While it is certainly true that government has an important role to play in certain defined areas we must be cautious about the expansion of government outside its proper sphere.

One can always make the case for greater government involvement in some particular project. But the long term effect of repeatedly saying yes to bigger government is the situation where we have found ourselves currently. From 1972 to 2002, State General Fund (SGF) spending increased 1119 percent, while average Kansas wages only increased 348 percent. In 1972 SGF was $366 million; in 2002 it was $4.5 billion. I have no doubt that all of this growth in the size of government took place with the best of intentions. But at some point good intentions must give way to careful analysis of where this path of ever larger government has taken us.

Before I close I did want to mention that one clear example of government overreaching has been rectified. Last years change in collection of used vehicle sales tax was corrected by Senate Bill 23, which became effective March 3. If you purchased a used vehicle from an individual between July 1, 2004 and March 2, 2005 and overpaid sales tax on that vehicle you may be eligible for a refund. Interested parties may receive specific information on the refund process at http://www.ksrevenue.org/faqs-VehSalesRefund.htm or by calling (785) 368-8222.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please feel free to contact me at any time.

Lance Kinzer
State Representative
District 14