Briefing Book 2024 – Page 5

State Energy Plans and Funding in Kansas and Surrounding States

State Energy Plans According to the U.S. Department of Energy, an energy plan is a long-term roadmap to focus and guide efforts and actions toward a defined vision. Energy plans catalog existing energy consumption, sources, and users; define goals and develop strategies and actions to meet those goals; and identify the needed resources to ensureContinue reading “State Energy Plans and Funding in Kansas and Surrounding States”

State Regulations of Homeowners Associations’ Abilities to Restrict Solar Panels

Twenty-nine states have adopted law that restricts the ability of a homeowners association (HOA) to restrict or prohibit the installation of devices onto an HOA member’s home that capture and transform sunlight into electricity. Such devices are commonly referred to as solar panels, solar energy systems, solar collectors, and other similar terms, though the exactContinue reading “State Regulations of Homeowners Associations’ Abilities to Restrict Solar Panels”

Introduction to the State Budget Process

This report provides background information on the state budget process. In Kansas, the fiscal year (FY) begins on July 1 of each year. The State of Kansas uses an executive budget in that the budgetary recommendations of the Governor are embodied in appropriation bills, which are introduced, considered, and amended by the Legislature. Interim MostContinue reading “Introduction to the State Budget Process”

Judicial Branch and Board of Indigents’ Defense Services Budget Increases

The Kansas Constitution vests the judicial power of the state in one court of justice, which is divided into the Supreme Court, district courts, and other courts as provided by law. The Kansas Supreme Court has general administrative authority over all the courts in the state. The Judicial Branch’s budget includes funding for the KansasContinue reading “Judicial Branch and Board of Indigents’ Defense Services Budget Increases”

KPERS — Cost of Living Adjustments

How KPERS Benefits Work The 1962 Retirement Act (KSA 74-4901 et seq.) created the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) to provide state employees with retirement, death, and disability benefits. Depending on the time an employee entered service, they are eligible for either KPERS 1, 2, or 3. KPERS 1 and 2 provide a fixed,Continue reading “KPERS — Cost of Living Adjustments”

Working After Retirement—The Rules of Engagement

Recent Trends in Retirement The U.S. Census Bureau has released its 2021 Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP), which collected data on labor force status for respondents in 2020. The data indicated the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts included significant disruption of labor markets but only a modest impact on people’s retirement timing. The Census BureauContinue reading “Working After Retirement—The Rules of Engagement”

Features of State Individual Income Taxes

Of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, 42 apply a broad-based individual income tax. However, the various features of the individual income taxes vary by state. A brief summary of the tax rates, number of brackets, expanse of brackets, and minimum income exempted from taxation follows. Tax Rates The rates at which incomeContinue reading “Features of State Individual Income Taxes”