6/14/04-A bill that would have used bonds, federal funds and sales tax revenue to protect projects promised under the state’s transportation program has died.
SB515 remained in the House Transportation Committee when the session ended. It previously passed the Senate.
The bill would have permitted the state to issue up to $150 million in bonds, then set aside $395 million in sales tax revenue over three years.
The goal was to shore up the state’s 10-year comprehensive transportation program, enacted in 1999. The plan was based on the assumption the state would receive $300 million in additional federal funds over six years.
It depended on keeping Kansas’ sales tax at 5.3 percent, rather than letting it dip to 5 percent in July 2006 as lawmakers had promised when they raised it in 2001 to help balance the budget.

3/30/04-The Senate approved a bill March 26 to use bonds, federal funds and sales tax revenue to protect projects promised under the state’s transportation program. It now heads to the House for consideration.
SB515 would permit the state to issue up to $150 million in bonds, then set aside $395 million in sales tax revenue over three years.
The goal is to shore up the state’s 10-year comprehensive transportation program, enacted in 1999. The plan assumes the state will receive $300 million in additional federal funds over six years.
The bill depends on keeping Kansas’ sales tax at 5.3 percent, rather than letting it dip to 5 percent in July 2006 as lawmakers had promised when they raised it in 2001 to help balance the budget.
For bill status, call (785) 296-2149. In Kansas, call 1-800-432-3924.