Conservative 'experiment' is flopping in Kansas

When last we visited Brownbackistan, i.e., the state of Kansas, the Brownback revolution was in full swing. And not necessarily welcomed by all Kansans.  Well, let's sally back to the paradise of conservatism and see how its going.

Well, there's this:
Kansas:  giving with one hand, taking with the other?

"Kansas is now engaged in what Gov. Sam Brownback has called an “experiment” designed to lure employers to the state. The bait — tax cuts — is almost entirely financial. In fact, the governor has said he supports lower taxes precisely because his state lacks amenities such as beaches, oceans or mountains.

But while that experiment unfolds, Brownback’s Legislature has worked this year on restricting the state’s cultural environment. Limiting rights for some same-sex couples. Escalating standards for permissible corporal punishment. Restrictions on voting. Reduced funding for education."

And this:

"Some Kansans aren’t worried about the contrast. Secretary of State Kris Kobach, for example, has explicitly told people who don’t like the Kansas environment to move somewhere else.

That stance seems at odds with Brownback’s desire to get more people to move into his beachless state.

If Kansas is seeing fewer companies and jobs than predicted — which it is — it may be because tax cuts alone can’t keep overcome the state’s growing reputation as a cultural outlier."

So is really seeing fewer companies and jobs than predicted, as stated above?  I have to check on that, so I will.

Hmm, here's some stuff on Brownback.

Voters say Republican Governor Sam Brownback is ‘What’s the Matter with Kansas’

"Voters overwhelmingly disapprove of Brownback’s tax plan and his determination to starve the state of necessary funding for education. He is predictably unpopular with Democrats and Independents, but even with Republicans he has fallen out of favor."

(Nice!)

and also this:

Sanity in Kansas: Brownback in big trouble in the polls

"However, here’s one thing to watch in all of the polls: Is the Brownback-supported tax-change policy gaining steam — or losing favor — with Kansans?

In other words, are people seeing more jobs being created in Kansas, as the governor repeatedly promises? If so, his re-election chances grow.

But if that’s not happening throughout 2014 — and it didn’t happen much in 2013 — Davis will have a huge weapon in his arsenal to attack Brownback’s record in the fall elections.

Davis’s chances will be even better if he can make Kansans link the failure to get a lot more jobs and more tax revenues to the failure to provide high-quality services, such as good public education."

OK, so it says "more jobs" weren't created much in 2013.  I need numbers.

Brownback leads Kansas in sharp right turn (NY Times)

"The Kansas economy is growing, but like the nation’s, it remains sluggish. Elementary school students are testing well, yet the achievement level of black pupils is slipping. And while income taxes have been slashed, the poorest Kansans have seen their tax burdens increase with the elimination of tax credits. As a result, this year’s campaign for governor is shaping up to be more competitive than the one in 2010, when Mr. Brownback was swept into office with 63 percent of the vote."

"remains sluggish". Not quantitative, darn it.

But I did find some numbers.  Unfortunately not for the whole year, but still...

Research center: Kansas economy growing slower than national pace

"A Wichita State University research center says the Kansas economy is growing at a slower rate than the nation’s economy overall.

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research forecast in a report released Thursday that next year’s nonfarm employment growth will be 1.4 percent, a gain of 19,000 jobs.

It says the number of jobs in Kansas has grown 1 percent so far this year and has not kept up with the growth in the state’s labor force. The Kansas unemployment rate rose to 5.9 percent in August."

Not exactly stellar, is it?

The Brownback revolution rolls on.