Barnett says Kansas needs job growth
8:19 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2006
Topeka — This is part one in 49 News’ two-part series covering the candidates for the Gubernatorial election. Tune in tomorrow at 10:00 for our exclusive interview with Barnett’s opponent, Governor Kathleen Sebelius
Senator Jim Barnett calls himself a true product of Kansas. A fourth generation Kansan, Barnett grew up on his family's farm, and graduated from Emporia State University. He later went on to serve 8 years on the Emporia Board of Education, and says education would be his number one priority as Governor.
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Watch highlights from the 49 News exclusive interview with Republican Gubernatorial candidate Jim Barnett. Total time: 3min 58sec. Watch video..
Barnett was elected to the state senate in 2000. He says the school finance plan the legislature committed to this past legislative session will run the state into debt. But as governor, he says the only solution is to fund the plan as promised and make up the revenue on other areas, like growing the economy; an economy he says is in trouble.
But he has a few ideas about how to turn that around. He says the first step is helping Kansans keep more of the money they earn.
“Number one: I want to eliminate the estate tax. Number two: increase dependant exemptions for families: $500, so young families have more money in their pockets. Number three: we need to start phasing down income tax rates so all workers have money in their pockets every month” says Barnett.
The final part of his plan to improve the economy, he says, would require bringing new businesses and new jobs to Kansas.
“And last, a ten percent investment tax credit for any business large or small to drive businesses to come to Kansas and invest” Barnett adds.
Barnett has a strong stance on immigration. He is firmly against allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at Kansas Universities, even if they reside in the state. And he also wants to set strict rules to ensure no illegal immigrant obtains a Kansas driver's license. He says driver's licenses should be the proof of citizenship that voters should have to show at the polls.
“I think we need to protect the integrity of our voting system and have photo ID's to make sure true citizens are election the officials that make our laws” says Barnett.
Barnett just hopes voters will recognize the challenges Kansas is facing, and come November 7th he hopes they'll chose him as the right person for the job.
Our election coverage continues tomorrow night at 10, with Barnett’s opponent, Governor Sebelius.
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