By MARK R. JOSLYN Professor of Political Science University of Kansas

The presidential primaries are unfolding quietly.&nbsp; Having&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2024-election/results/president/" target="_blank">clinched</a>&nbsp;their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.&nbsp; &nbsp;

From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners.&nbsp; Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.&nbsp;

This&nbsp;after&nbsp;she had quit the race.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.

Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent.&nbsp; And in the Florida and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

In four of the five most populous&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;counties, Haley’s percentages increased.&nbsp; She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.

Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters.&nbsp; As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats casted uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes.&nbsp; And in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent.&nbsp; The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County, and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;

More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/wisconsin-uninstructed-vote-shows-democratic-frustration-with-joe-biden/ar-BB1l1P41" target="_blank">uninstructed</a>”, twice the goal of the grassroots group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/wisconsin-uninstructed-vote-shows-democratic-frustration-with-joe-biden/ar-BB1l1P41" target="_blank">Listen to Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza.&nbsp; Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.&nbsp;

Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/11/04/new-republican-party-working-class-coalition-00122822" target="_blank">working-class whites</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/stories/analysis/will-blacks-vote-republican-a-political-science-perspective" target="_blank">Blacks</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/09/biden-approval-drops-democrat-popularity-rises-latino-voters" target="_blank">Latinos</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines.&nbsp; In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.&nbsp;

However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means.&nbsp;

If protests occur&nbsp; during the summer – possibility at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democratic-tensions-over-israel-threaten-to-boil-over-at-chicago-convention/ar-BB1ld4K9" target="_blank">party conventions</a>, it could spell real trouble.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1695215697316.png" alt="Dr. Mark Joslyn" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Mark Joslyn</figcaption>
 </figure>By MARK R. JOSLYN Professor of Political Science University of KansasThe presidential primaries are unfolding quietly.&nbsp; Having&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/2024-election/results/president/" target="_blank">clinched</a>&nbsp;their party nominations early, Biden and Trump have shifted focus toward the general election.&nbsp; &nbsp;Yet all is not well.&nbsp;From the start, a stubborn and sizeable percentage of Democrat and Republican primary voters have refused to endorse the front runners.&nbsp; Instead, they have voted for the alternatives.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The significance of these votes becomes clear in battleground states where lingering inter-party divisions could determine the general election outcome.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the two crucial swing states of Georgia and Wisconsin, nearly 15 percent of Republican primary voters supported Nikki Haley.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This&nbsp;after&nbsp;she had quit the race.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Prior to that, Haley won 43 percent in New Hampshire, 27 percent in Michigan, and defeated Trump in Vermont.Haley’s success was credited to open primaries where Independents and Democrats can participate.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;However, in Arizona’s closed primary Haley still captured nearly 18 percent.&nbsp; And in the Florida and&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;closed primaries, she locked up 14 and 16 percent, respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In four of the five most populous&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;counties, Haley’s percentages increased.&nbsp; She won 22 percent in Johnson, 18 percent in Sedgwick, 22 percent in Shawnee, and 26 percent in Douglas.Adding in “none of the names shown” category, the statewide anti-Trump&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;vote reached 21 percent or just over 20,000 GOP voters.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, a parallel trend is taking place among Democrats.&nbsp; &nbsp;Biden’s decision to skip New Hampshire and award South Carolina the first primary spot disappointed many Granite State voters.&nbsp; As a result, Dean Phillips secured nearly 20 percent of the vote.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;A few weeks later, over 100,000 Michigan Democrats casted uncommitted ballots protesting Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;In North Carolina the “no preference” option garnered nearly 90,000 votes.&nbsp; And in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;the “none of the names shown” option came in second place at 10 percent.&nbsp; The tally included almost 15 percent in solidly blue Douglas County, and 8 percent in Johnson and Sedgwick counties.&nbsp; &nbsp;More recently, in pivotal swing state Wisconsin, 48,000 Democrats voted “<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/wisconsin-uninstructed-vote-shows-democratic-frustration-with-joe-biden/ar-BB1l1P41" target="_blank">uninstructed</a>”, twice the goal of the grassroots group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/wisconsin-uninstructed-vote-shows-democratic-frustration-with-joe-biden/ar-BB1l1P41" target="_blank">Listen to Wisconsin</a>&nbsp;that demanded policy changes over the war in Gaza.&nbsp; Another 17,000 voted for Phillips, who ended his campaign weeks before.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Clearly, thousands of Democrats and Republicans are using presidential primaries to express their dissatisfaction.&nbsp;Yet neither nominee appears eager to reach out to the disaffected.&nbsp; &nbsp;Trump remains steadfast in his unapologetic style that does not sit well with moderate Republicans but resonates with some Democrat leaning groups including&nbsp;<a href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/11/04/new-republican-party-working-class-coalition-00122822" target="_blank">working-class whites</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/stories/analysis/will-blacks-vote-republican-a-political-science-perspective" target="_blank">Blacks</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/09/biden-approval-drops-democrat-popularity-rises-latino-voters" target="_blank">Latinos</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;The Biden campaign seems focused on capturing the Haley block, investing in ads that showcase Trump’s offensive comments directed at Haley.&nbsp; &nbsp;The reality is few disaffected primary voters will cross party lines.&nbsp; In matters of ideology and policy they are still closer to their party nominee than the opposition.&nbsp;However, it’s possible they stay home on election day or continue to protest by other means.&nbsp;If protests occur&nbsp; during the summer – possibility at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democratic-tensions-over-israel-threaten-to-boil-over-at-chicago-convention/ar-BB1ld4K9" target="_blank">party conventions</a>, it could spell real trouble.&nbsp;&nbsp;So as the primaries near their conclusion, let’s see whether Biden and Trump take the necessary steps to unify their parties.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.&nbsp;Copyright © 2024 Kansas Farm Bureau, All rights reserved.

Insight Kansas — Protest votes signal troubles for Biden and Trump

By STACIE SCHMIDT Executive Director, Grow Ellsworth County

In response to a<a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3391197506017-7-kansas-towns-people-are-fleeing-as-soon-as-possible?_f=app_share&amp;s=a4&amp;share_destination_id=MjU0OTI0MTE3LTE3MTIyNjIwNzIzMTU%3D&amp;pd=0HFdPJY8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;send_time=1712262072&amp;actBtn=floatShareButton&amp;trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A1%2C%22cv%22%3A%2224.12.2%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D"> recent article published on NewsBreak.com</a> titled "7 Kansas Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible," <a href="https://www.growellsworthcounty.com/">Grow Ellsworth County</a> is taking a stand against false and damaging reporting that misrepresents our community and its economic vitality.

The article, authored by journalist Dorothy Canelas, a journalist from Dallas, Texas whose profile reads, “Dorothy is dedicated to providing accurate and timely information to keep the community informed,” falsely claims that Ellsworth is experiencing an economic downturn due to the closure of the correctional facility. 

This assertion is not only inaccurate but also undermines the efforts and successes of our community, including a recent annual meeting celebrating the many successes of Ellsworth County, and a milestone achievement of financing $1.3 million in gap funding for start-up businesses and expansions in the last 3 years.

Contrary to the article's claims, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility remains operational, housing 749 residents and employing 296 people. Far from experiencing a downturn, Ellsworth County is thriving, with ongoing discussions about the need for additional housing to accommodate our growing population.

The article failed to adhere to fundamental journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency. Neither our office nor the Ellsworth Correctional Facility's Public Information Officers were contacted for verification, demonstrating a blatant disregard for ethical reporting practices.

The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics outlines the importance of seeking truth, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent. Journalist Dorothy Canelas's reporting falls short of these ethical standards, particularly in the minimization of harm to our community, as Grow Ellsworth County’s efforts to market the community as a community of the future and a community of choice has been a part of its integral initiatives.

As a leading local news app with a purported 45+ million of monthly active users, NewsBreak has a responsibility to provide accurate and trustworthy information to its audience. 

We call upon NewsBreak and Dorothy Canelas to retract the false article and issue a public apology for the harm caused to Ellsworth and its residents.

“Ellsworth Correctional Facility works very hard to promote our fine facility, our excellent staff, and our amazing community. The inaccuracy within this article is damaging to all. We can be contacted at any time to discuss facts for future articles at 785-472-6209, or Carolyn.graves@ks.gov,” said Public Information Officer for Ellsworth Correctional Facility, Carolyn Graves.&nbsp;

Ellsworth County remains committed to fostering an environment of growth, opportunity, and prosperity for all its residents. 

We will continue to celebrate our successes and confront misinformation that seeks to undermine our progress.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications.

The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STACIE SCHMIDT Executive Director, Grow Ellsworth CountyIn response to a<a href="https://www.newsbreak.com/news/3391197506017-7-kansas-towns-people-are-fleeing-as-soon-as-possible?_f=app_share&amp;s=a4&amp;share_destination_id=MjU0OTI0MTE3LTE3MTIyNjIwNzIzMTU%3D&amp;pd=0HFdPJY8&amp;hl=en_US&amp;send_time=1712262072&amp;actBtn=floatShareButton&amp;trans_data=%7B%22platform%22%3A1%2C%22cv%22%3A%2224.12.2%22%2C%22languages%22%3A%22en%22%7D"> recent article published on NewsBreak.com</a> titled "7 Kansas Towns People Are Fleeing As Soon As Possible," <a href="https://www.growellsworthcounty.com/">Grow Ellsworth County</a> is taking a stand against false and damaging reporting that misrepresents our community and its economic vitality.The article, authored by journalist Dorothy Canelas, a journalist from Dallas, Texas whose profile reads, “Dorothy is dedicated to providing accurate and timely information to keep the community informed,” falsely claims that Ellsworth is experiencing an economic downturn due to the closure of the correctional facility. This assertion is not only inaccurate but also undermines the efforts and successes of our community, including a recent annual meeting celebrating the many successes of Ellsworth County, and a milestone achievement of financing $1.3 million in gap funding for start-up businesses and expansions in the last 3 years.Contrary to the article's claims, the Ellsworth Correctional Facility remains operational, housing 749 residents and employing 296 people. Far from experiencing a downturn, Ellsworth County is thriving, with ongoing discussions about the need for additional housing to accommodate our growing population.The article failed to adhere to fundamental journalistic principles of accuracy, fairness, and transparency. Neither our office nor the Ellsworth Correctional Facility's Public Information Officers were contacted for verification, demonstrating a blatant disregard for ethical reporting practices.The Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics outlines the importance of seeking truth, minimizing harm, acting independently, and being accountable and transparent. Journalist Dorothy Canelas's reporting falls short of these ethical standards, particularly in the minimization of harm to our community, as Grow Ellsworth County’s efforts to market the community as a community of the future and a community of choice has been a part of its integral initiatives.As a leading local news app with a purported 45+ million of monthly active users, NewsBreak has a responsibility to provide accurate and trustworthy information to its audience. We call upon NewsBreak and Dorothy Canelas to retract the false article and issue a public apology for the harm caused to Ellsworth and its residents.“Ellsworth Correctional Facility works very hard to promote our fine facility, our excellent staff, and our amazing community. The inaccuracy within this article is damaging to all. We can be contacted at any time to discuss facts for future articles at 785-472-6209, or Carolyn.graves@ks.gov,” said Public Information Officer for Ellsworth Correctional Facility, Carolyn Graves.&nbsp;Ellsworth County remains committed to fostering an environment of growth, opportunity, and prosperity for all its residents. We will continue to celebrate our successes and confront misinformation that seeks to undermine our progress.The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

OPINION: Grow Ellsworth County responds to false and damaging article

By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight Kansas

The debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;

Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;

As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;

This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;

While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;

All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;

For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;

While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;

It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;

As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1678375940173.jpeg" alt="Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)" />
 <figcaption>Brianne Heidbreder (Courtesy photo)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BRIANNE HEIDBREDER Insight KansasThe debate over implementing a flat income tax in Kansas appears to have reached its conclusion, at least in this legislative session. Earlier this year, Kansas Republicans proposed a single income tax rate of 5.25% for all Kansans earning more than $6,160 as an individual or $12,300 as a couple.&nbsp;Republicans argued that a simple tax code with a single tax rate applied uniformly to all income levels could reduce the complexity and administrative burdens of our current system. Governor Kelly and Kansas Democrats countered that the cuts associated with a flat tax would be financially irresponsible and inherently regressive, disproportionately burdening low-income earners compared to high-income earners&nbsp;As expected, Governor Kelly immediately vetoed the flat tax plan. Having failed to override Kelly’s veto, Republicans recently announced their support for a dual rate plan. This plan would exempt up to $7,000 in income from taxation. The state would then tax annual income up to $30,000 at a rate of 5.2% and annual income over $30,000 at a rate of 5.65%.&nbsp;This new proposal is a departure from the current income tax policy, which taxes 3.10% on the first $15,000 of taxable income, 5.25% on the next $15,000, and 5.70% on all income above $30,000.&nbsp;While Kelly has indicated her preference to provide tax relief while keep the current three-tier rate system, the introduction of the dual-rate plan proposal represents a new phase in tax discussions, where both sides have indicated that they want tax relief for Kansans.&nbsp;All this discussion may lead Kansans to ask how their tax burden compares to residents of other states. Like many states, Kansas has a graduated or progressive income tax rate system. A graduated tax rate simply means that high income earners pay a higher tax rate than lower income works. Most of Kansas’ neighboring states also have a graduated systems with more than two tiers.&nbsp;For example, Nebraska has four tiers in their state income tax program, with rates that range from 2.46% for Nebraska’s lowest earners to 6.64% for those making more than $35,730 annually. Similarly, Missouri and Oklahoma also have multi-tier graduated systems with rates ranging from 2% to 4.95% and 0% to 4.75%, respectively.&nbsp;On the other hand, Colorado has a flat income tax rate of 4.55% for all taxable income, regardless of filing status or income level.&nbsp;While the Kansas income tax plan is in line with neighboring states, Republicans are hoping their new plan will draw in additional legislative supporters, giving them the veto-proof majority needed to pass the plan with or without Kelly’s support.&nbsp;It is important to remember that although no one particularly likes paying income taxes, they play a crucial role in funding essential government services, including support for public schools.&nbsp;As Kansas continues to debate over its state income tax system, the path forward remains uncertain in the current political environment. Ultimately, the outcome of these discussions will shape the fiscal health of the state for years to come.&nbsp;Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.&nbsp;

INSIGHT KANSAS: Kansas grapples with income tax dilemma 

By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm Bureau

A gust of wind sent a blizzard of white flakes past the picture window last weekend. The wall of white wasn’t snow, rather the fluttering petals from the blooming Callery pear tree in the front yard. Also known as a Bradford pear, it’s about as welcome today as a spring snowstorm.

The flowers are beautiful and Callery trees provide good shade in the summer, and it grows relatively quickly, which are all reasons it was planted in yards, parks and along roads throughout the eastern United States. Its blossoms can also emit a foul odor, and its fruit can stain whatever it happens to fall on, but neither is the reason why the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has taken the first step preventing the sale of the tree beginning in 2027. The hope is to eventually eliminate the tree from the state’s landscape.

At least its urban landscape. It turns out the qualities that made the Callery pear a good landscape tree also make it tough to keep it confined to where it’s planted. The white flowers it puts off in spring are a beacon to see just how far it’s spread. You can spot them easily along fence rows as you drive down the highway. They’ve become an invasive species that outcompete native species, especially in grasslands.

I’ve already spotted a couple of other plumes of white smoke on the horizon, and I know there will be many more on the calmer days ahead as ranchers burn their pastures ahead of grazing season. These fires speed the breakdown of dead plant material releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Removing this blanket of vegetation also helps warm the soil, promoting new growth. And, perhaps most importantly, the periodic burning of grasslands controls the encroachment of invasive species like Callery pears or eastern red cedars.

Prairies have evolved to need fire, and without it the landscape would quickly be transformed into a scrub forest of low-value shrubs and trees. Initially sparked by lightning strikes, mankind soon discovered the value of fire. Native Americans were the first to use prescribed burns to attract bison.

Prescribed burns, like the ones ranchers use every spring, are an example of using a tool provided by Mother Nature to preserve a vital ecosystem quickly and efficiently. Burning also helps create more high-quality growth that allows grazing cattle to add weight faster, making it an environmentally friendly practice that also boosts the bottom line.

Black patches will soon dot the prairies, followed by a carpet of green grass reaching out through the ash and soot. There will be fewer Callery pears and other invasive species because of purposely set fires. Smoke billowing on the horizon is yet another sign of spring in Kansas. We can look forward to increasing warmth, new growth and, hopefully, ridding ourselves of the things that just don’t belong.

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/6/1687183475033.png" alt="Greg Doering" />
 <figcaption>Greg Doering</figcaption>
 </figure>By GREG DOERING Kansas Farm BureauA gust of wind sent a blizzard of white flakes past the picture window last weekend. The wall of white wasn’t snow, rather the fluttering petals from the blooming Callery pear tree in the front yard. Also known as a Bradford pear, it’s about as welcome today as a spring snowstorm.The flowers are beautiful and Callery trees provide good shade in the summer, and it grows relatively quickly, which are all reasons it was planted in yards, parks and along roads throughout the eastern United States. Its blossoms can also emit a foul odor, and its fruit can stain whatever it happens to fall on, but neither is the reason why the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has taken the first step preventing the sale of the tree beginning in 2027. The hope is to eventually eliminate the tree from the state’s landscape.At least its urban landscape. It turns out the qualities that made the Callery pear a good landscape tree also make it tough to keep it confined to where it’s planted. The white flowers it puts off in spring are a beacon to see just how far it’s spread. You can spot them easily along fence rows as you drive down the highway. They’ve become an invasive species that outcompete native species, especially in grasslands.I’ve already spotted a couple of other plumes of white smoke on the horizon, and I know there will be many more on the calmer days ahead as ranchers burn their pastures ahead of grazing season. These fires speed the breakdown of dead plant material releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Removing this blanket of vegetation also helps warm the soil, promoting new growth. And, perhaps most importantly, the periodic burning of grasslands controls the encroachment of invasive species like Callery pears or eastern red cedars.Prairies have evolved to need fire, and without it the landscape would quickly be transformed into a scrub forest of low-value shrubs and trees. Initially sparked by lightning strikes, mankind soon discovered the value of fire. Native Americans were the first to use prescribed burns to attract bison.Prescribed burns, like the ones ranchers use every spring, are an example of using a tool provided by Mother Nature to preserve a vital ecosystem quickly and efficiently. Burning also helps create more high-quality growth that allows grazing cattle to add weight faster, making it an environmentally friendly practice that also boosts the bottom line.Black patches will soon dot the prairies, followed by a carpet of green grass reaching out through the ash and soot. There will be fewer Callery pears and other invasive species because of purposely set fires. Smoke billowing on the horizon is yet another sign of spring in Kansas. We can look forward to increasing warmth, new growth and, hopefully, ridding ourselves of the things that just don’t belong."Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education and service.

Insight Kansas: Smoke in the Spring

By MICHAEL A. SMITH Professor of Political Science Emporia State University

Americans are losing faith in college education.&nbsp; A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/508352/americans-confidence-higher-education-down-sharply.aspx" target="_blank">recent Gallup poll</a>&nbsp;found that only 36% of respondents have “quite a lot” or “a great deal” of faith in higher ed.&nbsp; Multi-billionaire Peter Thiel is offering 20 students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.today.com/money/entrepreneur-whos-paying-kids-not-go-college-6c9677995" target="_blank">$100,000 grants each</a>&nbsp;if they agree&nbsp;not&nbsp;to go to college, working on scientific and technological innovations instead.

There is a sharp partisan divide. Republicans are particularly skeptical, denouncing universities for their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) courses and programs.&nbsp; For example, the entire office of DEI at the University of Florida was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/04/1235725631/university-florida-cuts-dei-office#:~:text=Joe%20Burbank%2FAP-,The%20University%20of%20Florida%20is%20eliminating%20its%20chief%20diversity%20officer,by%20Republican%20Gov.%20Ron%20DeSantis." target="_blank">recently closed</a>&nbsp;in order to comply with new state policies.&nbsp; Similar policies are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2024/03/12/kansas-lawmakers-target-university-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/72865216007/" target="_blank">under consideration in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and numerous other “red” states.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Democrats are not outraged by DEI. Instead, they see college as a&nbsp;barrier&nbsp;to inclusion.&nbsp; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-shapiro-leads-the-nation-on-eliminating-college-degree-requirements-expanding-job-opportunities/#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20move%20as,majority%20of%20state%20government%20jobs." target="_blank">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;removing the college degree requirement for the vast majority of state jobs.&nbsp; New York City Mayor Eric Adams&nbsp;<a href="https://ny1.com/nyc/queens/education/2024/02/13/cuny-professor-layoffs-in-middle-of-academic-year-amid-budget-cuts#:~:text=Mayor%20Eric%20Adams'%20budget%20cuts,go%2C%20and%20some%20classes%20cancelled." target="_blank">slashed $23 million&nbsp;</a>from the City University of New York system, causing many faculty to be laid off and programs cut.&nbsp; Right here in Kansas, a Board of Regents appointed by Governor Laura Kelly authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aaup.org/report/academic-freedom-and-tenure-emporia-state-university-kansas" target="_blank">similar cuts at Emporia State University</a>, forcing layoffs of tenured faculty and multiple program suspensions, with the cuts mostly falling on the former College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.&nbsp; The University and KBOR did not follow established procedures for program suspensions and faculty dismissals, and they now face multiple lawsuits.

There is still one place where one does&nbsp;not&nbsp;find a strong case against college education:&nbsp; the data.&nbsp; Evidence for the benefits of college remains overwhelming.&nbsp; The average “college bonus” to one’s income today is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/employment-earnings/#:~:text=College%2Deducated%20workers%20enjoy%20a,is%20a%20high%20school%20diploma.&amp;text=The%20earnings%20gap%20between%20college,less%20education%20continues%20to%20widen." target="_blank">2 million, 800 thousand dollars</a>&nbsp;over a lifetime. Compare this with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collegedata.com/resources/pay-your-way/whats-the-price-tag-for-a-college-education#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20College%20Board,%2420%2C310%20at%20public%20colleges*" target="_blank">average net (post-financial aid) total price&nbsp;</a>for four years at a public university ($81,240) or a private one ($136,160), and the bargain becomes clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The case for college goes far beyond dollars and cents.&nbsp; College graduates are healthier and happier. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w12352/w12352.pdf" target="_blank">report published by the National Bureau of Economic Research</a>&nbsp;shows that more education correlates with better health outcomes on a host of physical and mental health indicators.&nbsp; Those with more years of education are less likely to have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.&nbsp; They are also less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.&nbsp; This is not just because of the higher incomes.&nbsp;

More education means one is less likely to compromise one’s health with habits like smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets.&nbsp; It is the&nbsp;education,&nbsp;not just the money, that leads to improved outcomes.&nbsp; Each additional year of education accrues more health benefits, and there is no ceiling.&nbsp; This should shed healthy doubt on the current attempt to make college faster and cheaper–doing so limits college’s biggest benefits.

The college experience itself is another such benefit:&nbsp; the chance to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mpsanet.org/fighting-to-preserve-the-college-experience/" target="_blank">spend four years exploring</a>, with new experiences, skills, and friendships developed before entering the workforce.&nbsp; Such opportunities should not be privileges for the wealthy and upper middle class.&nbsp; They are for everybody.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1700168795368.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> By MICHAEL A. SMITH Professor of Political Science Emporia State UniversityAmericans are losing faith in college education.&nbsp; A&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/508352/americans-confidence-higher-education-down-sharply.aspx" target="_blank">recent Gallup poll</a>&nbsp;found that only 36% of respondents have “quite a lot” or “a great deal” of faith in higher ed.&nbsp; Multi-billionaire Peter Thiel is offering 20 students&nbsp;<a href="https://www.today.com/money/entrepreneur-whos-paying-kids-not-go-college-6c9677995" target="_blank">$100,000 grants each</a>&nbsp;if they agree&nbsp;not&nbsp;to go to college, working on scientific and technological innovations instead.There is a sharp partisan divide. Republicans are particularly skeptical, denouncing universities for their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) courses and programs.&nbsp; For example, the entire office of DEI at the University of Florida was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.npr.org/2024/03/04/1235725631/university-florida-cuts-dei-office#:~:text=Joe%20Burbank%2FAP-,The%20University%20of%20Florida%20is%20eliminating%20its%20chief%20diversity%20officer,by%20Republican%20Gov.%20Ron%20DeSantis." target="_blank">recently closed</a>&nbsp;in order to comply with new state policies.&nbsp; Similar policies are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cjonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2024/03/12/kansas-lawmakers-target-university-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/72865216007/" target="_blank">under consideration in Kansas</a>&nbsp;and numerous other “red” states.&nbsp;&nbsp;Democrats are not outraged by DEI. Instead, they see college as a&nbsp;barrier&nbsp;to inclusion.&nbsp; Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro&nbsp;<a href="https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/governor-shapiro-leads-the-nation-on-eliminating-college-degree-requirements-expanding-job-opportunities/#:~:text=In%20his%20first%20move%20as,majority%20of%20state%20government%20jobs." target="_blank">signed an executive order</a>&nbsp;removing the college degree requirement for the vast majority of state jobs.&nbsp; New York City Mayor Eric Adams&nbsp;<a href="https://ny1.com/nyc/queens/education/2024/02/13/cuny-professor-layoffs-in-middle-of-academic-year-amid-budget-cuts#:~:text=Mayor%20Eric%20Adams'%20budget%20cuts,go%2C%20and%20some%20classes%20cancelled." target="_blank">slashed $23 million&nbsp;</a>from the City University of New York system, causing many faculty to be laid off and programs cut.&nbsp; Right here in Kansas, a Board of Regents appointed by Governor Laura Kelly authorized&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aaup.org/report/academic-freedom-and-tenure-emporia-state-university-kansas" target="_blank">similar cuts at Emporia State University</a>, forcing layoffs of tenured faculty and multiple program suspensions, with the cuts mostly falling on the former College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.&nbsp; The University and KBOR did not follow established procedures for program suspensions and faculty dismissals, and they now face multiple lawsuits.There is still one place where one does&nbsp;not&nbsp;find a strong case against college education:&nbsp; the data.&nbsp; Evidence for the benefits of college remains overwhelming.&nbsp; The average “college bonus” to one’s income today is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aplu.org/our-work/4-policy-and-advocacy/publicuvalues/employment-earnings/#:~:text=College%2Deducated%20workers%20enjoy%20a,is%20a%20high%20school%20diploma.&amp;text=The%20earnings%20gap%20between%20college,less%20education%20continues%20to%20widen." target="_blank">2 million, 800 thousand dollars</a>&nbsp;over a lifetime. Compare this with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.collegedata.com/resources/pay-your-way/whats-the-price-tag-for-a-college-education#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20College%20Board,%2420%2C310%20at%20public%20colleges*" target="_blank">average net (post-financial aid) total price&nbsp;</a>for four years at a public university ($81,240) or a private one ($136,160), and the bargain becomes clear.&nbsp;&nbsp;The case for college goes far beyond dollars and cents.&nbsp; College graduates are healthier and happier. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w12352/w12352.pdf" target="_blank">report published by the National Bureau of Economic Research</a>&nbsp;shows that more education correlates with better health outcomes on a host of physical and mental health indicators.&nbsp; Those with more years of education are less likely to have heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.&nbsp; They are also less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.&nbsp; This is not just because of the higher incomes.&nbsp; More education means one is less likely to compromise one’s health with habits like smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor diets.&nbsp; It is the&nbsp;education,&nbsp;not just the money, that leads to improved outcomes.&nbsp; Each additional year of education accrues more health benefits, and there is no ceiling.&nbsp; This should shed healthy doubt on the current attempt to make college faster and cheaper–doing so limits college’s biggest benefits.The college experience itself is another such benefit:&nbsp; the chance to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mpsanet.org/fighting-to-preserve-the-college-experience/" target="_blank">spend four years exploring</a>, with new experiences, skills, and friendships developed before entering the workforce.&nbsp; Such opportunities should not be privileges for the wealthy and upper middle class.&nbsp; They are for everybody.&nbsp;

Insight Kansas: The Case for College

By STEVEN HOWE Kansas State Rep. (R-71)

Did you know that seven states in the U.S. do not have a state income tax? &nbsp;In Kansas we have a graduated income tax system with a top marginal rate of 5.70%. Neighboring states have top marginal rates much lower than Kansas including Missouri at 4.80%, Oklahoma at 4.75%, and Colorado is even lower at 4.40%. &nbsp;To be regionally competitive, it is imperative that we reevaluate tax policies that may hinder investment in Kansas.

That is why I was glad this legislative session to join the majority of lawmakers in supporting tax relief for all Kansans through the passage of HB 2284. &nbsp;Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed this measure, and the votes to secure the override came up three votes short last week in the Kansas House. &nbsp;Proponents of the veto, including the Governor, claim the bill is “reckless,” “does next to nothing for the middle class,” claims it would “overwhelmingly benefit the super-wealthy,” and the Governor proclaimed, “I’m not going to put our public schools, roads, and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top.” &nbsp;

Unlike the days under former Governor Brownback, we now have a Budget Stabilization Fund (also known as the “Rainy Day” fund) with a balance of $1.6 billion dollars. &nbsp;We also have another surplus of $2.4 billion dollars in the State Treasury – that’s $4 billion dollars folks! &nbsp;Furthermore, HB 2284 considers the most conservative modeling to forecast future declines in revenue to measure long-term budget stability. &nbsp;HB 2284 passed these stress tests. &nbsp;

While each of us is entitled to our own opinions, we are not entitled to our own facts. I want to share with my constituents what HB 2284 would have accomplished. &nbsp;In short, this tax relief bill is comprehensive and would not only make changes to the state income tax, but also to sales tax and property tax – the three-legged stool of Kansas’ tax structure.

First, the state income tax. &nbsp;As mentioned earlier, Kansas has a graduated income tax system with three tax brackets. &nbsp;If your household income is $5,000 or more (up to $30,000), your tax rate is 3.10%. &nbsp;If your household income is $30,000 or more (up to$60,000), your tax rate is 5.25%. &nbsp;If your household income is $60,000 or more, your tax rate is 5.70%. &nbsp;HB 2284 would have created a single income tax rate at 5.25%. &nbsp;It is true that those making over $60,000 in household income will see an income tax reduction with the simplified single rate. But more importantly, it’s also true that ALL Kansas income tax filers will see a reduction in their income tax.

● The point of taxation is raised to $6,150 for single filers and $12,300 for married couples filing jointly.

For example, under the current rate, if you make $5,000 – you’ll pay 3.10% in income tax. However, under HB 2284, you would pay zero income tax.

● Standard deductions would remain the same at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for joint filers — PLUS a cost-of-living adjustment to automatically adjust for inflation.

● Personal exemptions would increase to $2,300 (up $50/person) -- PLUS a cost-of-living adjustment to automatically adjust for inflation.

Let’s review how the combined effect would benefit Kansas joint filers under HB 2284: Add the standard deduction ($8,000) Plus, the personal exemption ($4,600) Plus, an additional $12,300 (point of taxation)

This equals a total of $24,900 which is tax free -- ZERO income tax under HB 2284. That’s a benefit to every single Kansan, especially those on the lower income scale.

What about the disproportional benefit to the rich that you may have read about on social media or from other media sources? &nbsp;Did you know that in Kansas, 20.6% of tax filers making $100,000 or more currently account for paying 74% of all income tax? &nbsp;Under HB 2284, this group would continue to pay the largest piece of the income tax pie – over 70%. The “rich” or “super wealthy” do not receive a greater proportion of income tax reductions compared to low-income earners. &nbsp;However, those on the lowest end of the tax bracket will have no tax liability (if earning less than $24,900).

HB 2284 would have also finally erased an injustice to those who receive Social Security income. &nbsp;It would have fully repealed the state income tax on Social Security! &nbsp;That’s right – your Social Security would no longer be taxed in Kansas. &nbsp;Additionally, HB 2284 would have fast-tracked the state income tax on food to 0% on April 1, 2024, instead of waiting for it to occur on January 1, 2025. Lastly, the bill would have increased the amount of residential property exempt from the statewide uniform 20 mill levy from $40,000 to $100,000 of appraised value.

According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, if HB 2284 was enacted, over 400,000 Kansans would no longer have an income tax liability – currently it is just over 30,000 Kansans without an income tax liability. &nbsp;It is unfortunate that the opponents of this bill use election year rhetoric to scare you into believing the worst in things. It’s not a perfect bill, but it did enjoy the support of over 84% of Kansas lawmakers. &nbsp;It’s unfortunate that 16% of lawmakers and the single-stroke of the Governor’s veto pen stood in the way of getting Kansans much needed tax relief.

Today, the Legislature will begin day #48 out of our allotted 90-day session. &nbsp;All hope is not lost. It is back to the drawing board. &nbsp;I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide much-needed tax relief for all Kansans.

If you need to contact me this session, the best way is to contact me by email at <a href="mailto:Steven.Howe@house.ks.gov">Steven.Howe@house.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling my Capitol office at: 785 296-7642.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1709073668247.jpeg" alt="State Representative Steven Howe (R-71)" />
 <figcaption>State Representative Steven Howe (R-71)</figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVEN HOWE Kansas State Rep. (R-71)Did you know that seven states in the U.S. do not have a state income tax? &nbsp;In Kansas we have a graduated income tax system with a top marginal rate of 5.70%. Neighboring states have top marginal rates much lower than Kansas including Missouri at 4.80%, Oklahoma at 4.75%, and Colorado is even lower at 4.40%. &nbsp;To be regionally competitive, it is imperative that we reevaluate tax policies that may hinder investment in Kansas.That is why I was glad this legislative session to join the majority of lawmakers in supporting tax relief for all Kansans through the passage of HB 2284. &nbsp;Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed this measure, and the votes to secure the override came up three votes short last week in the Kansas House. &nbsp;Proponents of the veto, including the Governor, claim the bill is “reckless,” “does next to nothing for the middle class,” claims it would “overwhelmingly benefit the super-wealthy,” and the Governor proclaimed, “I’m not going to put our public schools, roads, and stable economy at risk just to give a break to those at the very top.” &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Unlike the days under former Governor Brownback, we now have a Budget Stabilization Fund (also known as the “Rainy Day” fund) with a balance of $1.6 billion dollars. &nbsp;We also have another surplus of $2.4 billion dollars in the State Treasury – that’s $4 billion dollars folks! &nbsp;Furthermore, HB 2284 considers the most conservative modeling to forecast future declines in revenue to measure long-term budget stability. &nbsp;HB 2284 passed these stress tests. &nbsp;While each of us is entitled to our own opinions, we are not entitled to our own facts. I want to share with my constituents what HB 2284 would have accomplished. &nbsp;In short, this tax relief bill is comprehensive and would not only make changes to the state income tax, but also to sales tax and property tax – the three-legged stool of Kansas’ tax structure.First, the state income tax. &nbsp;As mentioned earlier, Kansas has a graduated income tax system with three tax brackets. &nbsp;If your household income is $5,000 or more (up to $30,000), your tax rate is 3.10%. &nbsp;If your household income is $30,000 or more (up to$60,000), your tax rate is 5.25%. &nbsp;If your household income is $60,000 or more, your tax rate is 5.70%. &nbsp;HB 2284 would have created a single income tax rate at 5.25%. &nbsp;It is true that those making over $60,000 in household income will see an income tax reduction with the simplified single rate. But more importantly, it’s also true that ALL Kansas income tax filers will see a reduction in their income tax.Here’s how…● The point of taxation is raised to $6,150 for single filers and $12,300 for married couples filing jointly.For example, under the current rate, if you make $5,000 – you’ll pay 3.10% in income tax. However, under HB 2284, you would pay zero income tax.● Standard deductions would remain the same at $3,500 for single filers and $8,000 for joint filers — PLUS a cost-of-living adjustment to automatically adjust for inflation.● Personal exemptions would increase to $2,300 (up $50/person) -- PLUS a cost-of-living adjustment to automatically adjust for inflation.Let’s review how the combined effect would benefit Kansas joint filers under HB 2284: Add the standard deduction ($8,000) Plus, the personal exemption ($4,600) Plus, an additional $12,300 (point of taxation)This equals a total of $24,900 which is tax free -- ZERO income tax under HB 2284. That’s a benefit to every single Kansan, especially those on the lower income scale.What about the disproportional benefit to the rich that you may have read about on social media or from other media sources? &nbsp;Did you know that in Kansas, 20.6% of tax filers making $100,000 or more currently account for paying 74% of all income tax? &nbsp;Under HB 2284, this group would continue to pay the largest piece of the income tax pie – over 70%. The “rich” or “super wealthy” do not receive a greater proportion of income tax reductions compared to low-income earners. &nbsp;However, those on the lowest end of the tax bracket will have no tax liability (if earning less than $24,900).HB 2284 would have also finally erased an injustice to those who receive Social Security income. &nbsp;It would have fully repealed the state income tax on Social Security! &nbsp;That’s right – your Social Security would no longer be taxed in Kansas. &nbsp;Additionally, HB 2284 would have fast-tracked the state income tax on food to 0% on April 1, 2024, instead of waiting for it to occur on January 1, 2025. Lastly, the bill would have increased the amount of residential property exempt from the statewide uniform 20 mill levy from $40,000 to $100,000 of appraised value.According to the Kansas Department of Revenue, if HB 2284 was enacted, over 400,000 Kansans would no longer have an income tax liability – currently it is just over 30,000 Kansans without an income tax liability. &nbsp;It is unfortunate that the opponents of this bill use election year rhetoric to scare you into believing the worst in things. It’s not a perfect bill, but it did enjoy the support of over 84% of Kansas lawmakers. &nbsp;It’s unfortunate that 16% of lawmakers and the single-stroke of the Governor’s veto pen stood in the way of getting Kansans much needed tax relief.Today, the Legislature will begin day #48 out of our allotted 90-day session. &nbsp;All hope is not lost. It is back to the drawing board. &nbsp;I will continue to work with my colleagues to provide much-needed tax relief for all Kansans.If you need to contact me this session, the best way is to contact me by email at <a href="mailto:Steven.Howe@house.ks.gov">Steven.Howe@house.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or by calling my Capitol office at: 785 296-7642.

Rep. Steven Howe offers remarks on income tax legislation

By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Professor of Political Science Friends University

What does the law actually say when it comes to a young person’s right to privately decide what gender they identify with, and to their parents’ right to engage in or even direct the decisions they make? As usual, the law is a lot more ambiguous and contentious than many might wish.

Recently Dion Lefler--arguably the best-known journalist in Wichita, Kansas’s largest city-- picked a fight with Kansas’s Attorney General Kris Kobach--arguably the best-known politician in the whole state--over essentially this issue, and Kobach picked back. Let’s focus on the heart of their argument, and see what we can clarify.

Last December Kobach sent a letter to six Kansas school districts regarding policies which allegedly require teachers of students who identify as trans or non-binary to avoid revealing information about the students’ self-identification to their parents unless the students give consent. In his letter, Kobach cited multiple Supreme Court cases defending “parents' right to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children,” and implied that he would treat these policies as a violation of those constitutional rights.

With the news of this letter became public, Lefler called Kobach a “bully,” and said that seeking to intimidate school districts into abandoning these policies was “endanger[ing] transgender kids without legal grounds.” His claim about the absence of any specific legal ground is correct: while a bill was proposed in the Kansas legislature last year that would have extended parental rights in this exact context, it died in committee, and so these policies do not violate any current state law.

But Kobach responded that his job was to “protect the constitutional rights of Kansans in court, regardless of whether the Kansas Legislature has passed any statute on the subject,” and this is also correct: Kansas officials swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution as well as our state one, after all. So the real question is: what is the merit to Kobach’s conviction that the U.S. Constitution, as presumably reflected in the multiple Supreme Court cases which he cites, is on his side?

It is true that federal cases stretching back a century establish that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions about the education of their children. However, none of them are directly applicable to the present debate over names, pronouns, and privacy. Moreover, other cases insist that parents have to demonstrate a harm which “strike[s] at the heart of parental decision-making” before public schools, which are required by federal law to consider the needs of all students equally, can be forced to change policies which had been legally decided upon.

In his response to Lefler, Kobach did mention one Kansas case that was directly on point—a 2022 federal district court decision which forbade Geary County’s USD 475 from enforcing a policy to not share private information regarding a student’s gender identification because it violated how the student’s teacher understood her religious faith. Why didn’t he mention that case in his original letter? Likely because he knows there are other federal district court decisions (like Massachusetts’s Foote v. Town of Ludlow) which have taken up nearly identical cases and found for the school district instead. In the end, the Supreme Court will have to decide.

In short, what is being fought about is unsettled law. I think there’s a good chance the Supreme Court will end up agreeing with Kobach’s particular application of these constitutional precedents—but for now, his letter reflects cultural assumptions rather than controlling principles. Round one, therefore, goes to Lefler.

Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita, KS

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="Russell Arben Fox Image Courtesy Friends University" />
 <figcaption>Russell Arben Fox Image Courtesy Friends University</figcaption>
 </figure>By RUSSELL ARBEN FOX Professor of Political Science Friends UniversityWhat does the law actually say when it comes to a young person’s right to privately decide what gender they identify with, and to their parents’ right to engage in or even direct the decisions they make? As usual, the law is a lot more ambiguous and contentious than many might wish.Recently Dion Lefler--arguably the best-known journalist in Wichita, Kansas’s largest city-- picked a fight with Kansas’s Attorney General Kris Kobach--arguably the best-known politician in the whole state--over essentially this issue, and Kobach picked back. Let’s focus on the heart of their argument, and see what we can clarify.Last December Kobach sent a letter to six Kansas school districts regarding policies which allegedly require teachers of students who identify as trans or non-binary to avoid revealing information about the students’ self-identification to their parents unless the students give consent. In his letter, Kobach cited multiple Supreme Court cases defending “parents' right to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children,” and implied that he would treat these policies as a violation of those constitutional rights.With the news of this letter became public, Lefler called Kobach a “bully,” and said that seeking to intimidate school districts into abandoning these policies was “endanger[ing] transgender kids without legal grounds.” His claim about the absence of any specific legal ground is correct: while a bill was proposed in the Kansas legislature last year that would have extended parental rights in this exact context, it died in committee, and so these policies do not violate any current state law.But Kobach responded that his job was to “protect the constitutional rights of Kansans in court, regardless of whether the Kansas Legislature has passed any statute on the subject,” and this is also correct: Kansas officials swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution as well as our state one, after all. So the real question is: what is the merit to Kobach’s conviction that the U.S. Constitution, as presumably reflected in the multiple Supreme Court cases which he cites, is on his side?It is true that federal cases stretching back a century establish that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions about the education of their children. However, none of them are directly applicable to the present debate over names, pronouns, and privacy. Moreover, other cases insist that parents have to demonstrate a harm which “strike[s] at the heart of parental decision-making” before public schools, which are required by federal law to consider the needs of all students equally, can be forced to change policies which had been legally decided upon.In his response to Lefler, Kobach did mention one Kansas case that was directly on point—a 2022 federal district court decision which forbade Geary County’s USD 475 from enforcing a policy to not share private information regarding a student’s gender identification because it violated how the student’s teacher understood her religious faith. Why didn’t he mention that case in his original letter? Likely because he knows there are other federal district court decisions (like Massachusetts’s Foote v. Town of Ludlow) which have taken up nearly identical cases and found for the school district instead. In the end, the Supreme Court will have to decide.In short, what is being fought about is unsettled law. I think there’s a good chance the Supreme Court will end up agreeing with Kobach’s particular application of these constitutional precedents—but for now, his letter reflects cultural assumptions rather than controlling principles. Round one, therefore, goes to Lefler.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita, KSThe views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

What the Constitution Says, and What it Doesn’t (Yet)

The Salina Post newsroom enjoys traveling in Kansas and abroad, and we want to share those experiences with our readers! Each time Nate King, the Salina Post news director, and Olivia Bergmeier, the Salina Post news reporter, venture beyond Salina, a new post in "The Beyond Salina Series" will appear fresh on your newsfeed.

By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina Post

There's one city that takes Valentine's Day to the next level — Loveland, Colo.

Each year, I enjoy taking a trip out to Loveland during February to see the town bathed in pink and red hues for the holiday, complete with the Sweetheart Festival the weekend before.

Loveland is a community close to the prominent natural feature Devil's Backbone and north of Denver, Colo. According to the <a href="https://loveland.org/explore-loveland/loveland/facts-history/history-of-loveland/">Loveland Chamber of Commerce</a>, city founders named the town after William A. H. Loveland, who helped establish the rail lines from Denver to nearby Fort Collins.

During my visit from Friday, Feb. 9, to Monday, Feb. 12, I attended multiple Sweetheart Festival events and visited the downtown local vendors who set up shop for the day.

The sights, sounds, and shops of the entire town light up with love-themed everything, with romantic photo opportunities spread throughout Lincoln Avenue and ice sculptures by local artists.

Event staff set up ice blocks the night before, ready for local artists to carve away while attendees watched the blocks transform into reliefs of playing cards, scenery and people.

The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/soulshinebotanica/">Soul Shine Botanica and Gifts</a>, an apothecary, tea and gift shop, was one shop we visited while walking to the <a href="https://www.thelovelandmuseum.org/beet/">Beet Education Center at the Loveland Museum</a>&nbsp;for more event activities.

As we walked into Soul Shine, various teas lined an antique shelf, with unique tea-related wares alongside tumbled stones and crystals.

One of my favorite items was a ball tea strainer that sported a sizeable raw amethyst crystal on the end of its chain to hold the filter at the right level in my tea mug.

My favorite establishment was a small coffee shop named Dark Heart Coffee, which uses single-origin coffee in each drink and often rotates flavorful lattes to match each season.

Single-origin coffee is roasted coffee from a single, known geographic region. The coffee often presents unique characteristics compared to blended coffees with multiple origins.

The Maple Bourbon Latte, slightly sweetened for my severe sweet tooth, became the drink of choice at the small cafe, which used bourbon extract and maple syrup for a deliciously unique latte.

After acquiring coffee for the morning, my partner and I ventured downtown for the festival, where we roamed through each local vendor and participated in the community mural that remains as permanent public art in Loveland.

The festival began this tradition two years ago, and my partner and I participated this year. Each attendee can take a square of the overall mural and personalize it within a few parameters.

Staff will draw out the shape beforehand on each square and write a correlating letter to tell participants which table to visit with the matching color theme.&nbsp;

Mine was pretty simple, but I enjoyed watching families wipe paint onto their young children's hands and feet to memorialize their visit to the festival.

The<a href="https://www.themishawaka.com/"> Mishawaka Amphitheater</a> in Poudre Canyon offered a unique dinner service alongside the Sweetheart Festival. The restaurant rests on the Cache la Poudre River, with a balcony dining area that hovers above the water.

Due to the weather, staff offered bubble tents with heaters for patrons to enjoy the sights surrounding Mishawaka while staying warm. The Valentine's Day dinner service for the evening provided a bottle of local wine, two entree choices and a choice for an appetizer and dessert.

The appetizer options included a veggie tray, a few small bites, and some artichoke dip, which my partner and I chose. The dip featured corn chips and various vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, and celery sticks.

For my entree, I enjoyed a penne pasta dish with spicy veggie meatballs and a side Caesar salad, and my partner had the garlic and herb butter sirloin steak with steamed broccoli and scalloped potatoes.

The New York-style cheesecake rounded out our meal, and by the time we left, I was tipsy on the local wine, and my partner was stuffed from the delicious food.

Once we finished our meal at Mishawaka, we drove back into Loveland, about a 30-minute trip, to watch some live music and a fire show downtown by local metal artisans.

The ice sculptors finished their work while we visited Mishawaka. By the time we revisited downtown, colorful lighting illuminated the intricate work of the artists, with wide-ranging themes for each.

There was also a tall block of ice for visitors to write messages on, and I found a fellow Kansan who let everyone know where they felt at home.

The live show featured a local cover band who performed famous classic rock hits like "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses.

Overall, the Sweetheart Festival did not disappoint, nor did the entire town of Loveland. With expansive views of the mountains to the west and many hiking trails merely 30 minutes away, the travel destination has become a favorite of mine.

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026120326.jpeg" alt="A large ice sculpture greets attendees of the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo., on Saturday, Feb. 10. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>A large ice sculpture greets attendees of the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo., on Saturday, Feb. 10. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The Salina Post newsroom enjoys traveling in Kansas and abroad, and we want to share those experiences with our readers! Each time Nate King, the Salina Post news director, and Olivia Bergmeier, the Salina Post news reporter, venture beyond Salina, a new post in "The Beyond Salina Series" will appear fresh on your newsfeed.By OLIVIA BERGMEIER Salina PostThere's one city that takes Valentine's Day to the next level — Loveland, Colo.Each year, I enjoy taking a trip out to Loveland during February to see the town bathed in pink and red hues for the holiday, complete with the Sweetheart Festival the weekend before.<div><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d67660.24375918365!2d-105.13888937416687!3d40.407406344950424!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x87694fa609de9417%3A0x55bf9b6c43f23c8d!2sLoveland%2C%20CO!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1708026262833!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe></div>Loveland is a community close to the prominent natural feature Devil's Backbone and north of Denver, Colo. According to the <a href="https://loveland.org/explore-loveland/loveland/facts-history/history-of-loveland/">Loveland Chamber of Commerce</a>, city founders named the town after William A. H. Loveland, who helped establish the rail lines from Denver to nearby Fort Collins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026336387.jpeg" alt="Stilt walkers perform and provide a photo opportunity for attendees on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Stilt walkers perform and provide a photo opportunity for attendees on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>During my visit from Friday, Feb. 9, to Monday, Feb. 12, I attended multiple Sweetheart Festival events and visited the downtown local vendors who set up shop for the day.The sights, sounds, and shops of the entire town light up with love-themed everything, with romantic photo opportunities spread throughout Lincoln Avenue and ice sculptures by local artists.Event staff set up ice blocks the night before, ready for local artists to carve away while attendees watched the blocks transform into reliefs of playing cards, scenery and people.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026413521.jpeg" alt="Various ice sculptures lit by colorful spotlights adorn Lincoln Avenue during the Sweetheart Festival on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Various ice sculptures lit by colorful spotlights adorn Lincoln Avenue during the Sweetheart Festival on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/soulshinebotanica/">Soul Shine Botanica and Gifts</a>, an apothecary, tea and gift shop, was one shop we visited while walking to the <a href="https://www.thelovelandmuseum.org/beet/">Beet Education Center at the Loveland Museum</a>&nbsp;for more event activities.As we walked into Soul Shine, various teas lined an antique shelf, with unique tea-related wares alongside tumbled stones and crystals.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708027190203.jpeg" alt="Artisan teas and tea accessories line an antique shelf in Soul Shine Botanica and Gifts in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Artisan teas and tea accessories line an antique shelf in Soul Shine Botanica and Gifts in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>One of my favorite items was a ball tea strainer that sported a sizeable raw amethyst crystal on the end of its chain to hold the filter at the right level in my tea mug.My favorite establishment was a small coffee shop named Dark Heart Coffee, which uses single-origin coffee in each drink and often rotates flavorful lattes to match each season.Single-origin coffee is roasted coffee from a single, known geographic region. The coffee often presents unique characteristics compared to blended coffees with multiple origins.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708027074448.jpeg" alt="Dark Heart Coffee beans for sale at Dark Heart Coffee in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>Dark Heart Coffee beans for sale at Dark Heart Coffee in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The Maple Bourbon Latte, slightly sweetened for my severe sweet tooth, became the drink of choice at the small cafe, which used bourbon extract and maple syrup for a deliciously unique latte.After acquiring coffee for the morning, my partner and I ventured downtown for the festival, where we roamed through each local vendor and participated in the community mural that remains as permanent public art in Loveland.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026758037.jpeg" alt="My contribution to the community mural for the 2024 Sweetheart Festival on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>My contribution to the community mural for the 2024 Sweetheart Festival on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The festival began this tradition two years ago, and my partner and I participated this year. Each attendee can take a square of the overall mural and personalize it within a few parameters.Staff will draw out the shape beforehand on each square and write a correlating letter to tell participants which table to visit with the matching color theme.&nbsp;Mine was pretty simple, but I enjoyed watching families wipe paint onto their young children's hands and feet to memorialize their visit to the festival.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026825002.jpeg" alt="The Mishawaka Amphitheater in Poudre Canyon in mountainous Colorado. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Mishawaka Amphitheater in Poudre Canyon in mountainous Colorado. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The<a href="https://www.themishawaka.com/"> Mishawaka Amphitheater</a> in Poudre Canyon offered a unique dinner service alongside the Sweetheart Festival. The restaurant rests on the Cache la Poudre River, with a balcony dining area that hovers above the water.Due to the weather, staff offered bubble tents with heaters for patrons to enjoy the sights surrounding Mishawaka while staying warm. The Valentine's Day dinner service for the evening provided a bottle of local wine, two entree choices and a choice for an appetizer and dessert.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708027322667.jpeg" alt="The view from the Mishawaka Amphitheater balcony that overlooks the Cache de Poudre River. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier " />
 <figcaption>The view from the Mishawaka Amphitheater balcony that overlooks the Cache de Poudre River. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier </figcaption>
 </figure>The appetizer options included a veggie tray, a few small bites, and some artichoke dip, which my partner and I chose. The dip featured corn chips and various vegetables, including carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, and celery sticks.For my entree, I enjoyed a penne pasta dish with spicy veggie meatballs and a side Caesar salad, and my partner had the garlic and herb butter sirloin steak with steamed broccoli and scalloped potatoes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026887208.jpeg" alt="The meal at Mishawaka Amphitheater in Poudre Canyon, Colorado, on Saturday, Feb. 10. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The meal at Mishawaka Amphitheater in Poudre Canyon, Colorado, on Saturday, Feb. 10. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The New York-style cheesecake rounded out our meal, and by the time we left, I was tipsy on the local wine, and my partner was stuffed from the delicious food.Once we finished our meal at Mishawaka, we drove back into Loveland, about a 30-minute trip, to watch some live music and a fire show downtown by local metal artisans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708026968100.jpeg" alt="The Final Eyes band performs on the community stage on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>The Final Eyes band performs on the community stage on Saturday, Feb. 10, in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The ice sculptors finished their work while we visited Mishawaka. By the time we revisited downtown, colorful lighting illuminated the intricate work of the artists, with wide-ranging themes for each.There was also a tall block of ice for visitors to write messages on, and I found a fellow Kansan who let everyone know where they felt at home.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708027450380.jpeg" alt=""KANSAS" inscribed onto a wall of ice on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier" />
 <figcaption>"KANSAS" inscribed onto a wall of ice on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Sweetheart Festival in Loveland, Colo. Photo by Olivia Bergmeier</figcaption>
 </figure>The live show featured a local cover band who performed famous classic rock hits like "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses.Overall, the Sweetheart Festival did not disappoint, nor did the entire town of Loveland. With expansive views of the mountains to the west and many hiking trails merely 30 minutes away, the travel destination has become a favorite of mine.The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications.

The Beyond Salina Series — Loveland, Colorado Sweetheart Festival

By DAVID NORLIN LETTER TO THE EDITOR Resident of Salina

Steven Howe, Salina’s Republican 71st&nbsp;District&nbsp;representative, standing apart from other Republican statehouse reps,&nbsp;deserves&nbsp;our thanks.&nbsp; &nbsp;Why?&nbsp;&nbsp;He told the truth—that Trump lied and&nbsp;continues to lie, with one goal:&nbsp;&nbsp;to&nbsp;seize power&nbsp;unlawfully, at any cost, for his sole benefit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Howe asks, “Will Republicans. . .&nbsp;&nbsp;give in to a cult of personality, group-think,&nbsp;and&nbsp;mob mentality [undermining] the rule of law?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Precisely the right question, and at the&nbsp;right time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While claiming independence of thought, he usually and immediately&nbsp;votes with Republican lock-step group-think mentality.&nbsp;&nbsp;Within&nbsp;scant days of publishing his letter,&nbsp;he voted for the grossly unfair ‘Flat tax’ proposal that leadership rammed&nbsp;through first thing&nbsp;this session.&nbsp;&nbsp;A flat&nbsp;tax that will flatten us.&nbsp;&nbsp;And fatten the&nbsp;rich.

If you try to live on $6,000/year, imagine being required to&nbsp;pay 5.25% back to the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;While you&nbsp;scrap for every last penny,&nbsp;the wealthiest 20% would rake in 70% of that tax&nbsp;cut.&nbsp;&nbsp;They’d get 2 of every 3 dollars cut&nbsp;from Kansas’ budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;Result: <a href="https://itep.org/state-rundown-1-18-state-tax-priorities-taking-shape-in-2024/">in 5&nbsp;years,&nbsp;Kansas would sink to more than half a BILLION in debt.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Sound familiar?&nbsp; &nbsp;Says Republican leadership:&nbsp;&nbsp;“We can&nbsp;afford it.”&nbsp;

<a href="https://itep.org/state-rundown-1-18-state-tax-priorities-taking-shape-in-2024/" target="_blank"></a>“Good Kansan” Charles Koch could rake in roughly $875,000 per year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Koch’s windfall would be worth over 12&nbsp;years’ of&nbsp;tax cuts for median-income ($70,000) households.&nbsp;

Is that money better spent on helping our communities&nbsp;thrive, or lining the pockets of billionaires?

Not only does Howe regularly cave to the Republican&nbsp;group-think mob mentality harming Kansans’ welfare, as a leader&nbsp;himself, in his first year as&nbsp;Chair of the Higher Education Budget Committee, he used his new power to demand&nbsp;that&nbsp;universities give a full accounting of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion&nbsp;expenses. The threat was more than&nbsp;implicit.

Now Howe magnifies this gun to the head of Kansas higher ed&nbsp;in his new bill,&nbsp;House&nbsp;Bill 2460.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would “prohibit&nbsp;public&nbsp;colleges and universities from including DEI as a provision for&nbsp;admission, financial aid or employment decisions.”&nbsp;&nbsp;It levies a&nbsp;$100,000 administrative penalty&nbsp;if any job-seeker feels he/she was wronged by that requirement.

<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/31/bill-restricting-dei-returns-to-kansas-legislature-amid-debate-over-ideology-pronouns/?emci=6838e9fc-a7c0-ee11-b660-002248223197&amp;emdi=3252e1bd-e8c0-ee11-b660-002248223197&amp;ceid=123513">&nbsp;It would bar any “pledge or statement regarding diversity,&nbsp;equity, inclusion, patriotism or related topics.”</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As someone whose&nbsp;loyalty oath to the USA was&nbsp;required for a federal scholarship, I’m dumbfounded.&nbsp;&nbsp;What, for heavens sake, is wrong with&nbsp;asking&nbsp;employment candidates to commit to being in favor of diversity, equity, and&nbsp;inclusion, thus making an effort to right&nbsp;what’s wrong in this country?

On its face, this is an attempt to silence fairness and&nbsp;equity in the state and country, against allowing open minds to&nbsp;investigate how&nbsp;we all participate in a system that is often non-diverse and inequitable, thus&nbsp;placing ourselves in a self-made&nbsp;prison of prejudice.&nbsp;

To Rep. Howe's credit, he is a&nbsp;respectful and willing listener.&nbsp;&nbsp;But&nbsp;true independence must go beyond&nbsp;merely urging his party away from a&nbsp;catastrophic dictator.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ opening session salvo was to say&nbsp;he won’t allow a vote on Medicaid expansion.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I know my&nbsp;votes,” said Hawkins. “I know the votes in the House, and I&nbsp;can tell you there is (sic) not enough votes to pass.”

One assumes this includes Steven Howe.&nbsp; &nbsp;If so, Steven, how?&nbsp;&nbsp;Please listen to diverse and inclusive voices&nbsp;for Christian&nbsp;Charity and a sensible budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1582312931775.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID NORLIN LETTER TO THE EDITOR Resident of SalinaSteven Howe, Salina’s Republican 71st&nbsp;District&nbsp;representative, standing apart from other Republican statehouse reps,&nbsp;deserves&nbsp;our thanks.&nbsp; &nbsp;Why?&nbsp;&nbsp;He told the truth—that Trump lied and&nbsp;continues to lie, with one goal:&nbsp;&nbsp;to&nbsp;seize power&nbsp;unlawfully, at any cost, for his sole benefit.&nbsp;&nbsp;Howe asks, “Will Republicans. . .&nbsp;&nbsp;give in to a cult of personality, group-think,&nbsp;and&nbsp;mob mentality [undermining] the rule of law?”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Precisely the right question, and at the&nbsp;right time.&nbsp;&nbsp;And yet.&nbsp;While claiming independence of thought, he usually and immediately&nbsp;votes with Republican lock-step group-think mentality.&nbsp;&nbsp;Within&nbsp;scant days of publishing his letter,&nbsp;he voted for the grossly unfair ‘Flat tax’ proposal that leadership rammed&nbsp;through first thing&nbsp;this session.&nbsp;&nbsp;A flat&nbsp;tax that will flatten us.&nbsp;&nbsp;And fatten the&nbsp;rich.If you try to live on $6,000/year, imagine being required to&nbsp;pay 5.25% back to the state.&nbsp;&nbsp;While you&nbsp;scrap for every last penny,&nbsp;the wealthiest 20% would rake in 70% of that tax&nbsp;cut.&nbsp;&nbsp;They’d get 2 of every 3 dollars cut&nbsp;from Kansas’ budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;Result: <a href="https://itep.org/state-rundown-1-18-state-tax-priorities-taking-shape-in-2024/">in 5&nbsp;years,&nbsp;Kansas would sink to more than half a BILLION in debt.</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Sound familiar?&nbsp; &nbsp;Says Republican leadership:&nbsp;&nbsp;“We can&nbsp;afford it.”&nbsp;<a href="https://itep.org/state-rundown-1-18-state-tax-priorities-taking-shape-in-2024/" target="_blank"></a>“Good Kansan” Charles Koch could rake in roughly $875,000 per year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Koch’s windfall would be worth over 12&nbsp;years’ of&nbsp;tax cuts for median-income ($70,000) households.&nbsp;Is that money better spent on helping our communities&nbsp;thrive, or lining the pockets of billionaires?Not only does Howe regularly cave to the Republican&nbsp;group-think mob mentality harming Kansans’ welfare, as a leader&nbsp;himself, in his first year as&nbsp;Chair of the Higher Education Budget Committee, he used his new power to demand&nbsp;that&nbsp;universities give a full accounting of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion&nbsp;expenses. The threat was more than&nbsp;implicit.Now Howe magnifies this gun to the head of Kansas higher ed&nbsp;in his new bill,&nbsp;House&nbsp;Bill 2460.&nbsp;&nbsp;The bill would “prohibit&nbsp;public&nbsp;colleges and universities from including DEI as a provision for&nbsp;admission, financial aid or employment decisions.”&nbsp;&nbsp;It levies a&nbsp;$100,000 administrative penalty&nbsp;if any job-seeker feels he/she was wronged by that requirement.<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/31/bill-restricting-dei-returns-to-kansas-legislature-amid-debate-over-ideology-pronouns/?emci=6838e9fc-a7c0-ee11-b660-002248223197&amp;emdi=3252e1bd-e8c0-ee11-b660-002248223197&amp;ceid=123513">&nbsp;It would bar any “pledge or statement regarding diversity,&nbsp;equity, inclusion, patriotism or related topics.”</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As someone whose&nbsp;loyalty oath to the USA was&nbsp;required for a federal scholarship, I’m dumbfounded.&nbsp;&nbsp;What, for heavens sake, is wrong with&nbsp;asking&nbsp;employment candidates to commit to being in favor of diversity, equity, and&nbsp;inclusion, thus making an effort to right&nbsp;what’s wrong in this country?On its face, this is an attempt to silence fairness and&nbsp;equity in the state and country, against allowing open minds to&nbsp;investigate how&nbsp;we all participate in a system that is often non-diverse and inequitable, thus&nbsp;placing ourselves in a self-made&nbsp;prison of prejudice.&nbsp;To Rep. Howe's credit, he is a&nbsp;respectful and willing listener.&nbsp;&nbsp;But&nbsp;true independence must go beyond&nbsp;merely urging his party away from a&nbsp;catastrophic dictator.House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ opening session salvo was to say&nbsp;he won’t allow a vote on Medicaid expansion.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I know my&nbsp;votes,” said Hawkins. “I know the votes in the House, and I&nbsp;can tell you there is (sic) not enough votes to pass.”One assumes this includes Steven Howe.&nbsp; &nbsp;If so, Steven, how?&nbsp;&nbsp;Please listen to diverse and inclusive voices&nbsp;for Christian&nbsp;Charity and a sensible budget.&nbsp; &nbsp;The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Communications. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.

Letter to the Editor: Escaping cult culture 

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Department Chair of Political Science Wichita State University

Kansas has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country, and last week the state house began debate on a bill that, if passed, would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to further enshrine gun rights in the state constitution.

The proposed amendment would change the language of Section 4 of the Kansas Bill of Rights to include possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components as constitutionally protected rights. It would also add:

The right to keep and bear arms is a natural and fundamental right. This shall not be infringed. Any restriction of such right shall be subject to the strict scrutiny standard.

In 1905, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in Salina v. Blaksley that the current language in Section 4 does not protect an individual right to bear arms. In more recent cases, the Court has also rejected arguments that use Section 4 to challenge state and local statutes regulating firearms.

Should the state constitution be amended, it would only allow the state legislature to regulate firearms if it furthered a “compelling governmental interest” and was narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.

Not to mention, federal regulations would still supersede state law — a relationship currently being reinforced as Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act makes its way through the federal court system.

Importantly, this proposed amendment contradicts Kansans’ public opinion on gun regulation.

A vast majority of Kansans support restrictions beyond the state’s current regulations.

In fall 2022, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University asked Kansans about ten gun regulation policies in their annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey.

More than 70% of those surveyed favored six of the ten policies: requiring universal background checks; requiring a person to be 21 or older; mandatory three-day waiting period; preventing sales to people who have been reported as dangerous by mental health providers; preventing sales to people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanors; and allowing family members to ask the court to temporarily remove guns from people at risk of harming themselves or others.

64% of those surveyed favored authorizing law enforcement officers to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose an immediate threat of harm to self or others.

And more than 50% of those surveyed favored: banning assault-style weapons; banning high-capacity ammunition clips; and having teachers with appropriate training carry guns at school.

Perhaps surprising to some, a majority of the state’s gun owners also favored nine of these ten policies. Banning assault style weapons was the only exception; supported by 45% of gun owners, opposed by 38%, and neither favored nor opposed by 17%. Note: nearly half (49%) of Kansans surveyed had a firearm in their home.

As is often the case, proposed gun laws contradict public opinion on the issue, and Kansas is no exception.

Political science research can help us understand why the state legislature has introduced an amendment that would make it harder to enact extremely popular gun regulations into law.

For nearly two decades, research has shown that energy has ebbed and flowed among pro-regulation groups while pro-gun groups have been able to sustain political activism.

However, new research found that gun policy has become a durable issue of public concern due to the increased mobilization among pro-regulation citizens in recent years; marking a fundamental shift in public engagement on the gun issue.

The disconnect between public opinion and legislative action in Kansas underscores the complex relationship between policy decisions and popular sentiment, especially in a changing political environment.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University

"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education, and service.&nbsp;

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Department Chair of Political Science Wichita State University Kansas has some of the most permissive gun laws in the country, and last week the state house began debate on a bill that, if passed, would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to further enshrine gun rights in the state constitution.The proposed amendment would change the language of Section 4 of the Kansas Bill of Rights to include possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components as constitutionally protected rights. It would also add:The right to keep and bear arms is a natural and fundamental right. This shall not be infringed. Any restriction of such right shall be subject to the strict scrutiny standard.In 1905, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in Salina v. Blaksley that the current language in Section 4 does not protect an individual right to bear arms. In more recent cases, the Court has also rejected arguments that use Section 4 to challenge state and local statutes regulating firearms.Should the state constitution be amended, it would only allow the state legislature to regulate firearms if it furthered a “compelling governmental interest” and was narrowly tailored to achieve that interest.Not to mention, federal regulations would still supersede state law — a relationship currently being reinforced as Missouri’s Second Amendment Preservation Act makes its way through the federal court system.Importantly, this proposed amendment contradicts Kansans’ public opinion on gun regulation.A vast majority of Kansans support restrictions beyond the state’s current regulations.In fall 2022, the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University asked Kansans about ten gun regulation policies in their annual Kansas Speaks public opinion survey.More than 70% of those surveyed favored six of the ten policies: requiring universal background checks; requiring a person to be 21 or older; mandatory three-day waiting period; preventing sales to people who have been reported as dangerous by mental health providers; preventing sales to people who have been convicted of violent misdemeanors; and allowing family members to ask the court to temporarily remove guns from people at risk of harming themselves or others.64% of those surveyed favored authorizing law enforcement officers to temporarily remove guns from individuals who pose an immediate threat of harm to self or others.And more than 50% of those surveyed favored: banning assault-style weapons; banning high-capacity ammunition clips; and having teachers with appropriate training carry guns at school.Perhaps surprising to some, a majority of the state’s gun owners also favored nine of these ten policies. Banning assault style weapons was the only exception; supported by 45% of gun owners, opposed by 38%, and neither favored nor opposed by 17%. Note: nearly half (49%) of Kansans surveyed had a firearm in their home.As is often the case, proposed gun laws contradict public opinion on the issue, and Kansas is no exception.Political science research can help us understand why the state legislature has introduced an amendment that would make it harder to enact extremely popular gun regulations into law.For nearly two decades, research has shown that energy has ebbed and flowed among pro-regulation groups while pro-gun groups have been able to sustain political activism.However, new research found that gun policy has become a durable issue of public concern due to the increased mobilization among pro-regulation citizens in recent years; marking a fundamental shift in public engagement on the gun issue.The disconnect between public opinion and legislative action in Kansas underscores the complex relationship between policy decisions and popular sentiment, especially in a changing political environment.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University"Insight" is a weekly column published by Kansas Farm Bureau, the state's largest farm organization whose mission is to strengthen agriculture and the lives of Kansans through advocacy, education, and service.&nbsp;

Insight: Divide between lawmakers and citizens on Kansas gun policy

By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/15/a-kansas-legislator-stands-against-trump-and-jan-6-violence-will-his-fellow-republicans-listen/">Kansas Reflector</a>

It shouldn’t take courage to do what Rep.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_howe_steven_1/">Steven Howe</a>, R-Salina, did earlier this month.

Howe wrote a column about former President Donald Trump, the Jan. 6 insurrection and election denialism. He asked his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">in plain language</a>, to take a different path while they still have time. With a full primary schedule ahead of us — and the Kansas presidential primary&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/presidential-preference-primary.html">set for March 19</a>&nbsp;— the party could choose to look forward rather than backward, focus on attracting new voters rather than exacting revenge, and work together with Democrats for the good of our country.

Sure, I can hear you all out there saying,&nbsp;fat chance of that ever happening.

Yet Howe speaks with remarkable sincerity. As long as the GOP includes folks like him, we can’t abandon hope.

“For our republic to survive, it needs the peaceful transfer of power,” Howe told me during this week’s Kansas Reflector podcast. “And that is a bedrock foundational issue that has allowed us to survive as a democratic republic. And I feel like that is not something you toy with.”

Opinion writers and political pundits have spilled a lot of ink in recent years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/reactions-menendez-trump-indictments-offer-partisan-case-study-rcna119689">about party asymmetry</a>. In other words, Democrats and Republicans don’t always behave in the same way. Democrats encompass a wide variety of warring factions, while Republicans look for order imposed from above. This can be overstated, but you certainly don’t have to look far before finding Democrats&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/david-axelrod-obama-biden-2024-00135194">bad-mouthing</a>&nbsp;President Joe Biden or his reelection campaign.

Finding Republicans willing to speak out against Trump — a twice-impeached former president who lost reelection and was subsequently indicted on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/trump-charges-jan-6-classified-documents/">91 felony counts</a>&nbsp;— takes more effort.

Yes, Howe is conservative. Yes, his political beliefs and ideology likely differ from mine. He also respects reality.

“After I wrote this, I received a message from a neighbor, or someone in the neighborhood, and someone that I’ve known for a while,” Howe said. “And they said they still believe the election was stolen, three years since Jan. 6 has happened. And I don’t know if I can change the minds of fellow Republicans that still believe that, because people will believe what they want to believe. And I’m only one person, and that I’m trying to shine the light on some things here for our fellow Republicans to consider.”

He added: “I think Republicans need to know that there is a Republican at the state level that isn’t going to support the former president.”

The most recent polling data&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/iowa/">aggregated by FiveThirtyEight.com</a>&nbsp;suggests that even in Iowa, only a smidge more than 50% of Republicans would support the former president in the caucus. But as happened in 2016, an array of other candidates split the opposition vote.

As we’ve seen repeatedly in Kansas, reliable Republican voters seldom feel comfortable straying from their party when the general election comes around. That means that the choice of voters in primaries and caucuses — even if they represent a fraction of a fraction — carry outsized weight. Kansas political operatives have used this fact over the years to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2012/08/the-great-kansas-republican-purge-of-2012.html">purge the Kansas Legislature</a>&nbsp;of moderate voices.

All this empowers an ideologue like Trump.

And it leaves normal people&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/19/kansans-have-picked-a-less-awful-license-plate-just-like-politics-we-deserved-better-choices/">out in the cold</a>, unrepresented by their party.

“I’ve received quite a few encouraging notes from constituents, people that I’ve never heard from before, or maybe I’ve never met in person, but have sent me notes by email, some phone calls,” Howe said. “And people were encouraged by me coming forward and in writing the piece. And I think there’s more Republicans still out there that perhaps don’t want to speak publicly. They don’t want to get the backlash or the retribution that the former president has talked about if he’s reelected.”

The representative craves, as do I, a return to a different kind of political discourse. As Kansas Reflector’s opinion editor, I would love to write more often about truly progressive topics. Throughout the past three years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/22/as-bomb-cyclone-sends-kansas-into-deep-freeze-lets-answer-some-reader-questions/">I have instead</a>&nbsp;written repeatedly about basic facts. Science is real. Vaccines work. Widespread election fraud doesn’t happen.

Both Republicans and Democrats used to agree, if nothing else,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/our-shared-reality-is-fraying-103065">on a shared basis</a>&nbsp;of real-world experience.

“To continue as a civil society, we need to allow each other space to be heard, and to listen,” Howe said. “And just because someone disagrees with your opinion, on a policy matter, or something like that, doesn’t mean they’re a bad person. And so I think a lot of times these days, people take things so personally, or they make it personal, when it doesn’t have to be. And I think that’s the way we move forward is being civil, allowing for discourse, especially discourse from the other side. And we can find common ground.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705337212570.jpeg" alt="Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, wrote an op-ed about former president Donald Trump, the Jan. 6 insurrection and election denialism. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Steven Howe, R-Salina, wrote an op-ed about former president Donald Trump, the Jan. 6 insurrection and election denialism. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CLAY WIRESTONE <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2024/01/15/a-kansas-legislator-stands-against-trump-and-jan-6-violence-will-his-fellow-republicans-listen/">Kansas Reflector</a>It shouldn’t take courage to do what Rep.&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/members/rep_howe_steven_1/">Steven Howe</a>, R-Salina, did earlier this month.But it did.Howe wrote a column about former President Donald Trump, the Jan. 6 insurrection and election denialism. He asked his fellow Republicans,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">in plain language</a>, to take a different path while they still have time. With a full primary schedule ahead of us — and the Kansas presidential primary&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://sos.ks.gov/elections/presidential-preference-primary.html">set for March 19</a>&nbsp;— the party could choose to look forward rather than backward, focus on attracting new voters rather than exacting revenge, and work together with Democrats for the good of our country.Sure, I can hear you all out there saying,&nbsp;fat chance of that ever happening.Yet Howe speaks with remarkable sincerity. As long as the GOP includes folks like him, we can’t abandon hope.“For our republic to survive, it needs the peaceful transfer of power,” Howe told me during this week’s Kansas Reflector podcast. “And that is a bedrock foundational issue that has allowed us to survive as a democratic republic. And I feel like that is not something you toy with.”Opinion writers and political pundits have spilled a lot of ink in recent years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/reactions-menendez-trump-indictments-offer-partisan-case-study-rcna119689">about party asymmetry</a>. In other words, Democrats and Republicans don’t always behave in the same way. Democrats encompass a wide variety of warring factions, while Republicans look for order imposed from above. This can be overstated, but you certainly don’t have to look far before finding Democrats&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/david-axelrod-obama-biden-2024-00135194">bad-mouthing</a>&nbsp;President Joe Biden or his reelection campaign.Finding Republicans willing to speak out against Trump — a twice-impeached former president who lost reelection and was subsequently indicted on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/trump-charges-jan-6-classified-documents/">91 felony counts</a>&nbsp;— takes more effort.Yes, Howe is conservative. Yes, his political beliefs and ideology likely differ from mine. He also respects reality.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1705337084588.jpeg" alt="Thousands of President Donald Trump’s supporters storm the U.S. Capitol building following a “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. The protesters stormed the historic building, breaking windows and clashing with police. Trump supporters had gathered in the nation’s capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over Trump in the 2020 election. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)" />
 <figcaption>Thousands of President Donald Trump’s supporters storm the U.S. Capitol building following a “Stop the Steal” rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. The protesters stormed the historic building, breaking windows and clashing with police. Trump supporters had gathered in the nation’s capital to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over Trump in the 2020 election. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)</figcaption>
 </figure>“After I wrote this, I received a message from a neighbor, or someone in the neighborhood, and someone that I’ve known for a while,” Howe said. “And they said they still believe the election was stolen, three years since Jan. 6 has happened. And I don’t know if I can change the minds of fellow Republicans that still believe that, because people will believe what they want to believe. And I’m only one person, and that I’m trying to shine the light on some things here for our fellow Republicans to consider.”He added: “I think Republicans need to know that there is a Republican at the state level that isn’t going to support the former president.”The most recent polling data&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-primary-r/2024/iowa/">aggregated by FiveThirtyEight.com</a>&nbsp;suggests that even in Iowa, only a smidge more than 50% of Republicans would support the former president in the caucus. But as happened in 2016, an array of other candidates split the opposition vote.As we’ve seen repeatedly in Kansas, reliable Republican voters seldom feel comfortable straying from their party when the general election comes around. That means that the choice of voters in primaries and caucuses — even if they represent a fraction of a fraction — carry outsized weight. Kansas political operatives have used this fact over the years to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2012/08/the-great-kansas-republican-purge-of-2012.html">purge the Kansas Legislature</a>&nbsp;of moderate voices.All this empowers an ideologue like Trump.And it leaves normal people&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/19/kansans-have-picked-a-less-awful-license-plate-just-like-politics-we-deserved-better-choices/">out in the cold</a>, unrepresented by their party.“I’ve received quite a few encouraging notes from constituents, people that I’ve never heard from before, or maybe I’ve never met in person, but have sent me notes by email, some phone calls,” Howe said. “And people were encouraged by me coming forward and in writing the piece. And I think there’s more Republicans still out there that perhaps don’t want to speak publicly. They don’t want to get the backlash or the retribution that the former president has talked about if he’s reelected.”The representative craves, as do I, a return to a different kind of political discourse. As Kansas Reflector’s opinion editor, I would love to write more often about truly progressive topics. Throughout the past three years&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/2022/12/22/as-bomb-cyclone-sends-kansas-into-deep-freeze-lets-answer-some-reader-questions/">I have instead</a>&nbsp;written repeatedly about basic facts. Science is real. Vaccines work. Widespread election fraud doesn’t happen.Both Republicans and Democrats used to agree, if nothing else,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://theconversation.com/our-shared-reality-is-fraying-103065">on a shared basis</a>&nbsp;of real-world experience.Not so much today.“To continue as a civil society, we need to allow each other space to be heard, and to listen,” Howe said. “And just because someone disagrees with your opinion, on a policy matter, or something like that, doesn’t mean they’re a bad person. And so I think a lot of times these days, people take things so personally, or they make it personal, when it doesn’t have to be. And I think that’s the way we move forward is being civil, allowing for discourse, especially discourse from the other side. And we can find common ground.”I sure hope so. But we all have to make it through the next act of the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/01/14/donald-trump-says-its-worth-it-to-vote-in-iowa-caucus/72226921007/">Donald Trump show</a>&nbsp;first.Read Rep. Steven Howe’s full column&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://salinapost.com/posts/33c904d2-daa4-4be1-9579-7144c08488a5">in the Salina Post</a>.Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kansasreflector.com/submit-opinion/">here</a>.