Guest Editorial by Robert Miller — As a lifelong Republican I believe in fiscally prudent and conservative philosophies, including living within my means, saving for emergencies, investing wisely, and working hard to support my family. That’s why I’ve been so dismayed by Gov. Sam Brownback’s reckless economic “experiment.”

Robert Miller

· Increased Taxes: Brownback’s tax plan gave out huge tax breaks to wealthy special interests, while raising taxes on middle and lower income families. Local property taxes have gone up $300 million and sales taxes have increased $777 million. During my 26 years in the Legislature I heard hundreds of objections about property taxes and sales tax, and worked hard to enact changes to fix those problems.  I don’t recall ever hearing a complaint about the Kansas Income Tax.

· Deficit Spending: Over the next five years, Kansas will collect $3.7 billion less because of the Brownback tax bills. It is estimated that total deficit spending will reach more than $1 billion in five years. At the hundreds of public meetings I held around Sumner County, people often said we should be running state government more like a business.  Kansas is now being run like a business that is failing.

· Reduced Credit Rating: As a result of the reckless Brownback deficit tax and spending policies, Two independent credit agencies have downgraded the state credit rating a total of three times in the last year.

· Stunted Job Growth: Brownback’s own Council of Economic Advisors recently said Kansas is last among its neighbors in almost all economic indicators – including job creation, business creation, and personal income.

Sam Brownback’s policies have put Kansas on the brink of falling off a fiscal cliff. I’ll be voting for Paul Davis on Tuesday, November 4 because he shares my priorities in terms of responsibly managing our state budget, keeping taxes down for Kansas families, and creating jobs in our state.

Robert Miller is a former legislator of the former 80th District of Sumner County. He has served as Kansas Speaker of the House.

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