By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Saturday’s final Eggs and Issues breakfast with area legislators was the first time in three years the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce was actually able to host the third meeting.

“The past two years the Legislature was still in session at this time,” explained Tammy Wellbrock, chamber executive director.

Still, 40th District Sen. Ralph Ostmeyer, R-Grinnell, was unable to attend. He was traveling to high school graduation ceremonies in Grinnell and Hoxie for two of his grandsons.

The audience was happy to hear a session wrap-up from 111th District Rep. Sue Boldra, R-Hays, and 110th District Rep. Travis Couture-Lovelady, R-Palco.

Despite last Thursday’s downgrade of the state’s bond rating by Moody’s Investment Service, which said the move was triggered by Wednesday’s announcement the state collected $93 million less than expected in April, Couture-Lovelady isn’t overly concerned.

“Overall, (the budget) is generally as expected, even better than projected,” Couture-Loveday said. “It’s easy to make this political.”

Both legislators contend what Kansas is experiencing is the “effect of tax increases implemented by the Obama administration resulting in lower income tax payments.”

“People moved their money around,” Boldra said. “A change in capital gains tax rates at the federal level reduced income tax revenue in states across the country.”

“When Gov. Brownback took office, there was $876.05 left in the state’s checkbook,” Boldra pointed out.

“As of Friday, according to state treasurer Ron Estes, we have nearly $400 million in the checkbook,” said Travis Couture-Lovelady. “The sky is not falling.”