Kansas Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers stopped by KMAN this morning to discuss various items proposed in Gov. Laura Kelly’s State of the State address and 2020 budget proposal.
Medicaid Expansion
During her State of the State address last week, Kelly optimistically talked about the potential for passing a bill during the 2020 legislative session that would expand Medicaid.
Rogers shares this sentiment, saying he is optimistic about the Senate passing an expansion bill that has already been passed by the House of Representatives.
However, he says there are still some in the legislature who are opposed to the bill.
If passed, the bill would expand Medicaid to individuals who earn up to 138 percent of the poverty line.
Costs to users would be $25 per month in premiums or about $100 per month in premiums for families of four.
Rogers says rural hospitals would also be among the entities that would benefit.
According to Rogers, local hospitals would also be part of the funding mechanism for expanded Medicaid.
KDOT Fund Transfer
As part of the 2020 budget proposal, the Kansas governor’s office is hoping to transfer more money from the state general fund to the Department of Transportation.
Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers breaks down just how much money they are wanting to move.
He says this will help keep contractors in state and provide more money for roads.
Rogers is also hopeful that transferring funds to KDOT would help fund projects that have been delayed.
Food Sales Tax Rebate
Although Kansas currently has one of the highest food sales taxes, that could soon change.
Kansas Lieutenant Governor Lynn Rogers says a tax counsel has suggested implementing a food sales tax rebate.
He says the rebate would benefit thousands of Kansas residents, but larger steps towards fixing the food sales tax rate will eventually need to be made.
If approved, the rebate would have income limits of $30,000 for individuals and $40,000 for those who file jointly.
