Originally posted by SteveDaPirate
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Unemployment is down 7%, slightly less than some neighboring states and half the rate in California, but the economies of all those states are varied. To make this point an issue we need to correlate it with his policies.
On Medicare, Kansas is one of 27 states that have refused Federal subsidies for the same reason Virginia has. The subsidies are set at a minimum 90% through 2020, and could be lowered before then. In any case, there is real doubt the Federal gov't could fund even 50% after 2020. The upshot for Kansas would be either to raise taxes and cut the budget, which is now devoted mostly to education. That would dump a large cost on the state because those Federal funds come tied to a provision that would require that anyone at 128% of the poverty level be eligible for state Medicare coverage. Currently the cut-off level is much lower, well below the poverty level for a single working person.
Boeing's departure had nothing to do with Brownback policies. The company cited reduced defense spending as the reason. Several hundred suppliers in the state will continue to supply parts for Boeing. The total number of jobs lost will be around 1,200. The company had not asked for tax incentives to remain in the state. But it's happening on Brownback's watch, so its understandable that people will hold him responsible.
I really didn't intend to get into the specifics of each GOP governor's records. I was speaking generically and using their tenures to illustrate that conservative leadership does not mean a return to horse and buggy days, rather a less progressive and invasive approach to government power.
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