Conservatives Make Big Changes to Kansas Government

Sometimes limiting government power, sometimes not so much

Topeka — The conservative takeover of state government has resulted in numerous bills aimed at insulating the Kansas Legislature from both judicial and public review and federal requirements, while attempting to give legislators more control over local governments and schools.

"After the most recent state election, there seems to be a heightened interest in limiting the authority of local governments," said Don Moler, executive director of the League of Kansas Municipalities. "Bills that would not have been heard previously are being heard and seriously considered."

Conservative Republicans are pushing for changing city election dates, prohibiting lobbying that uses taxpayer dollars and making tax changes that would cost local governmental entities plenty.