Tom Phillips, a Kansas House of Representative member representing the 67th district, appeared on today’s episode of In Focus to preview some of what he will be working on in the upcoming legislative session in the areas of healthcare, higher education and “dark store theory.”
Healthcare
According to Phillips, recent legislative sessions have seen efforts to expand Medicaid take place only to stumble as the lawmaking process played out.
Despite these setbacks, Phillips says he hopes Medicaid expansion will eventually take place and that he will continue to vote in favor of it as long as it comes in the form of a quality bill.
According to Phillips, there has been chatter that members of the Kansas legislature have been working with Governor Laura Kelly’s office to figure out how to make Medicaid expansion work.
He says any expansion bills brought forward will ultimately need the approval of Governor Kelly.
Higher Education
Phillips says he will be working with the Manhattan Area Technical College so that they will potentially be able to gain more revenue.
He also says that even though the tax credit would be a financial loss for the state, it is a worthwhile cause due to the benefits technical colleges provide.
“Dark store theory”
“Dark store theory” is a property-appraisal strategy used by big-box stores which states that their buildings should be appraised as if they are vacant as opposed to taking into account aspects such as business operations and revenue, ultimately lowering how much these retail stores pay in property taxes.
Phillips says if the state allows this to become a valid way of appraising properties, local tax payers will be negatively effected.
He also says he will move forward in opposition to “dark store theory” despite sizable opponents.
The Kansas House of Representatives and Senate will reconvene on January 13th.
For more information about Kansas bills and legislatures, visit kslegislature.org.
To listen to the full interview with Phillips, click here or visit the On-Demand section of the KMAN website.
