Owen Donohoe


News

Kansas gets funding for Medicaid IT upgrades >>

Kansas received a federal Early Innovator Grant, which provides funding for upgrades to KMED, the new Medicaid IT system designed to reduce waste and fraud in the system. Though some states may use similar grants to establish health insurance exchanges called for under the Obamacare program, I’m confident that acceptance of this grant does not require the establishment of exchanges, and can be used instead for Medicaid IT upgrades. Get the full story. >>

Kansas continues to lose private-sector jobs >>

 

“We the People” will hold a rally at the State Capitol on Wed., April 28 from 10am-2pm. Speakers at the event will urge Kansas to live within its means and adopt a final legislative budget that is responsible and adds no additional spending.

Learn more about this event here. >>

 
   

In September 2010, Kansas lost 7,600 private-sector jobs (mostly hospitality and service industries), while gaining 21,000 new government jobs (mostly teachers). This isn’t good news for our tax base. We must reduce taxes and red tape so that small businesses can create more jobs. Read on >>

Rep. Donohoe interviewed by local, national newspapers
Newspapers ranging from The New York Times to our local newspapers in the 39th District have interviewed Rep. Donohoe in the past month. Here’s a tidbit from the Bonner Springs Chieftain >>

Kansas business taxes put us at a real disadvantage >>

Kansas dropped to 35th place nationally in the category of tax burden on businesses. Our neighboring states all have a better business climate than Kansas. As I’ve said before, we must create a business-friendly climate in Kansas to attract and retain jobs. Read on >>

Right-to-work laws are threatened in Kansas >>

Kansas is one of 22 states with “right to work” status, which refers to the right of states to prohibit closed shops, a workplace that requires a worker to be a member of a labor union and to pay dues to that union. Read on >>

Where Kansas education is headed
Legislature hears report from state commission

Earlier this month, legislators heard a startling report from the Kansas Education Commission. It was startling not just because it painted a challenging picture for educators and taxpayers, but because it reflects what I have been warning for years: Transparency, accountability and achievement must be at the core of education reform in Kansas. Learn about the Commission’s plans and why more federal and state bureaucracy won’t help teachers and students achieve.>>

2010 Legislative Wrap-Up

The Kansas Legislature passed the largest tax increase in state history which takes effect in July 2010. I voted against the 1-cent sales tax increase (which represents a 19% increase in sales tax). Read the legislative wrap-up.


Rep. Donohoe was recently interviewed by Fox4News about the nearly $2 billion in unused funds in state coffers in Kansas. See the video and learn more. >>
‘Buried treasure’ of taxpayer money is uncovered
Taxpayers in Kansas should be aware of a recent investigation into state fund balances which led to the discovery of 1,658 funds with total unencumbered balances of nearly $2 billion. The investigation was conducted by the Flint Hills Center for Public Policy, and provides extensive documentation of the funds and agencies involved.

This may well have a big local impact, too. Nearly $1.1 billion of this money is in a Municipal Pooled Investment fund, which holds investment money for cities. This money could dramatically reduce the budget shortfalls of cities in Kansas (including Shawnee, Bonner Springs, Basehor and Leavenworth in the 39th District). Learn more and review the facts. >>

Rep. Donohoe named to 2009 Pro-Business Honor Roll
This Kansas Chamber of Commerce award recognizes legislators who consistently worked to strengthen our state’s economy by promoting sound business policy in their legislative work and in their home communities. According to the Chamber, these legislators “recognize the necessity of a strong business climate to help the state’s economy recover and flourish.” Learn more. >>

Kansas Energy Legislation Update
House Bill 2014 is important legislation for Kansas because it will ensure that all Kansas business and development projects will be permitted according to established rules in Kansas. Provisions of the bill will encourage all types of electric generation in Kansas – baseload and renewable energy.  
Read the full analysis of the Energy legislation >>

The Big Picture About Education Spending in the Kansas State Budget
The Kansas Legislature examines strategies to address the $1 billion+ state budget deficit in Fiscal Year 2010.  More >>

Representative Donohoe helps set policy on four committees
In the 2009 legislative session, Rep. Donohoe is a member of four Kansas House committees - Appropriations, General Budget, Aging and Economic Development/Tourism (Vice Chair).  More >>

Representative Owen Donohoe Signs Taxpayer Protection Pledge
Representative commits to oppose burdensome tax increases and challenges opponent to sign the pledge.  More >>

Rep. Donohoe Cites Missing Facts in Story; Clarifies Misunderstanding About Religious Liberties
Response to inaccuracies in local news story clarifies that there is no Constitutional separation of church and state.  More >>

Rep. Owen Donohoe Introduces Bill Of Rights
For Religious Liberty In Schools

Rep. Donohoe has introduced a bill of rights for students of public schools that outlines existing inalienable rights of religious expression.  More >>

Rep. Donohoe Introduces Gaming Revenue Reform Legislation
Rep. Donohoe suggests the state keep gaming revenue rather than outsourcing it.  More >>

Rep. Donohoe Declares Re-Election Bid
See why Rep. Donohoe is seeking to continue the successful work he's begun in the Kansas Legislature to benefit citizens of the 39th District.  More >>

Kansas Chamber Names Rep. Owen Donohoe a Pro-Jobs Legislator
Read the Chamber's comments about Rep. Donohoe's pro-business approach to public policy decisions as well as a behind-the-scenes leadership approach to improving the Kansas business climate. More >>

Rep. Donohoe named "Champion of the Taxpayer" in the Kansas Legislature
Learn more about Rep. Donohoe's support of tax relief measures for seniors, small businesses and low-income workers during the recent legislative session. More >>

2007 Legislative Highlights
See how Rep. Donohoe made progress for Kansans with tax relief, tougher crime penalties, education improvements, and assistance for those with special needs. More >>