By:  George Pearson
February 4, 2012
Word Count:  250

A letter claiming that the Kansas Policy Institute is about “making the rich richer” could not have been further from the truth (“Others’ money,” Feb. 1 Letters to the Editor).

Government often presents taxpayers with either/or ultimatums: Either pay higher taxes or surrender an important service. The essence of our work at KPI is to help citizens understand that it’s not an either/or situation. We can have lower taxes and good services – and that’s the only way Kansans can have job growth and economic prosperity.

KPI is opposed to all forms of corporate welfare. We’re on record in Topeka opposing the portion of Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax plan that would increase the tax liability on those earning less than $25,000. We opposed the statewide sales-tax increase because it’s regressive and it cost jobs.

We’re also working hard to close student achievement gaps with low-income kids and students of color. Tax-credit scholarships for low-income families, scholarship programs for special-needs students and public charter schools have proved to close achievement gaps in other states. Why not Kansas?

KPI is about putting taxpayer interests ahead of government interests and giving everyone the freedom to pursue the American dream.

View the full article in the Wichita Eagle by clicking here.