Kansas lawmakers left Topeka Saturday morning after advancing a rash of bills but without acting on some major pieces of legislation. … Legislators failed to pass the K-12 budget, opting to save the bill for when they return for veto session. … Tax policymakers repackaged dozens of proposals into three bills: one just on the food sales tax (HB 2106), another with smaller or less controversial tax cuts (HB 2239) and a third with larger or more controversial positions (HB 2597). Only HB 2239, a compilation of 29 different bills, was taken up by both chambers. It passed with bipartisan support. It would cut taxes by an estimated $91 million in fiscal year 2023, $100 million in 2024 and $120 million in 2025. The new food sales tax plan is not as aggressive as Kelly and fellow Democrats have pushed for. They wanted to axe the state’s 6.5% sales tax on groceries to zero, starting July 1. The plan negotiated by Republicans would gradually cut the rate to zero over three years, with the first cut to 4% not coming until Jan. 1.
Source: Salina Journal

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Plans call for 29 buildings to go under the wrecking ball to clear the way for the project, aimed at eliminating a sharp curve atop the Polk-Quincy Viaduct on Interstate 70 in downtown Topeka. A chart and map sharing the details were provided to The Capital-Journal by the Kansas Department of Transportation, which remains in the process of acquiring those properties. “Due to ongoing negotiations, we cannot provide information about what was paid for the properties,” said Kelly Kultala, KDOT’s public affairs manager for northeast Kansas. KDOT plans “total acquisition” of 41 properties, it said.
Source: CJonline

Making downtown thrive is a high priority for Salina Downtown. Last week, the organization came one step closer to helping Santa Fe Avenue remain a thriving artery – they moved onto the downtown street. … Along with the city, Salina Downtown is helping to open up a performance stage at Santa Fe Avenue and Ash Street. This stage is expected to open May 6, with a Salina Arts and Humanities event. On May 7, Visit Salina will have the sculpture unwrap event, featuring 23 sculptures.
Source: Salina Journal

The University of Kansas men’s basketball team is moving onto the NCAA National Championship game. Here’s a look at some of the scenes from downtown Lawrence on Saturday as KU beat Villanova in the national semifinal game. Check back for more updates as tens of thousands of fans are expected in the downtown area following the KU game.
Source: LJWorld.com