Tagged: Gov. Brownback

Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a bill into law that allows drug testing for people receiving some types of state assistance or unemployment payments.

Brownback called drug use a “scourge” in Kansas.

People receiving certain assistance payments could be tested if there’s suspicion they’re using drugs. If they test positive, they would have to complete drug treatment and job training.

In a recent article in Governing Magazine, two tax analysts were asked which state had passed the worst tax policy in the last year, and both said Kansas.

One of the analysts was from the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and the other was from the right-leaning Tax Foundation.

Gov. Sam Brownback and others in his administration are challenging a recent national report that ranked Kansas low for public health preparedness.

The critical report was issued by the non-profit Trust for America's Health. In it, Kansas and Montana tied for last place in rankings of public health preparedness. That means the state isn't as prepared as others to respond to public health threats, such as infectious diseases, food-borne illnesses, bio-terrorism, even extreme weather events.

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback wants to merge the state's Juvenile Justice Authority with the Department of Corrections. The governor says he’ll propose an executive reorganization order in the coming legislative session to merge the two agencies.

Brownback says a Legislative Post Audit report this summer showed that the social services approach of previous administration failed to provide safety and security. He says the merger will improve safety, and that programs proven to get youth back on the right path will continue.

Governor Brownback has some perspective on the issue of the Fiscal Cliff, having served in both the U.S. House and Senate.

He says going over the cliff could have a significant impact on Kansas. One example would be cuts to defense spending, which could affect military facilities in the state. But right now, he’s optimistic.

"The idea that we'd actually go over the fiscal cliff does not seem to me like one that's likely to happen," says Brownback.

He also says what lawmakers may do is delay at least some of the tax increases and spending cuts.