KS - December 30 2024

1. Kansas Eliminates State Grocery Sales Tax in 2025
2. Housing Costs Vex Kansas Leaders in Both Parties, Solutions Limited
3. Non-Compete Rules Worsen Western Kansas Doctor Shortage
4. Study: Bison Restore Prairie Plant Diversity
5. Wichita Plans 80-Mile Bikeway Expansion
Sports

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1. Kansas Eliminates State Grocery Sales Tax in 2025

On Jan. 1, 2025, Kansans will no longer pay state sales tax on groceries. They will still pay city- and county-imposed taxes, but the current state tax of 2% will be reduced to zero.  A 2022 law set out a three-year plan to reduce the state’s sales tax on groceries, which was at 6.5% in 2022. In 2023, it was reduced to 4%, and in 2024 to 2%. When the bill was introduced, Kansas had one of the highest food sales taxes, second to Mississippi with 7%.  City and county grocery taxes will still be added. They range from 0%, in 11 counties, to a high of 2.25% in Sherman County.

Article Source: KS Reflector

2. Housing Costs Vex Kansas Leaders in Both Parties, Solutions Limited

If you’re lucky enough to own property, you’ve likely seen your real estate values zoom skyward in recent years. Those valuations can mean higher property taxes, and they price would-be homebuyers out of the market. Politicians on both sides of the aisle have been hearing from their constituents. “Housing affordability, is a top issue,” Woodard said. “I know it’s a top priority for us in the Democratic caucus. I know that Speaker (Dan) Hawkins has talked a lot about property tax relief. I think we’ll be able to meet somewhere in the middle.” Unfortunately, there’s not a single lever that folks at the Statehouse can pull to reduce property taxes. Municipalities and counties levy most such taxes to support public services. Renters face problems, too.

Article Source: KS Reflector

3. Non-Compete Rules Worsen Western Kansas Doctor Shortage

Last month, 12 News heard from community members in and around Hays, concerned with the recent departures of providers at HaysMed. One topic this has also spotlighted is restrictive covenants or non-competes that limit where and for how long someone can’t work. Two doctors said they are working to find an amicable resolution with HaysMed after filing federal lawsuits against HaysMed to prevent enforcement of their restrictive covenants. They are Dr. Jerod Grove, who left in November and Dr. Robert Rodriguez, who is set to leave in February. Covenants are typical across many industries as part of employment contracts, including healthcare. HaysMed has used them since the early 1990s.

Article Source: KWCH

4. Study: Bison Restore Prairie Plant Diversity

Reintroducing bison to tallgrass prairies can double biodiversity of native plants and increase drought resistance, a Kansas State University study found. The study collected 29 years of data from the Flint Hills. Native species biodiversity increased between 0.58 and 1.06 species per year, depending on the area with the introduction of bison. Researchers found that introducing cattle increases biodiversity by half, as compared to bison

Article Source: KS Reflector

5. Wichita Plans 80-Mile Bikeway Expansion

More than 80 miles of bikeways could be added to streets and shared-use paths in Wichita over the next 10 years, according to a draft of the city’s bike plan. Many of the paths will connect to existing bike lanes in the city. The bike paths may mean fewer car lanes on major roadways, most commonly known as a “road diet.” The draft plan also calls for connecting to bike networks outside the city, including Andover and Derby.

Article Source: Wichita Eagle

Sports

Sports Editor: Leigh Loving

Wednesday, December 25:

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Kansas City Chiefs 29

Pittsburgh Steelers 10

Kansas City secured AFC No. 1 seed, giving the Chiefs a first round bye and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The Chiefs will play the Denver Broncos on Sunday, January 5^th at 3:25pm.

Thursday, December 26:

Rate Bowl: Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs. Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State Wildcats 44

Rutgers Scarlet Knights 41

Sunday, December 29: 

Friends Falcons @ Wichita State Shockers

Wichita State Shockers 87

Friends Falcons 72

KU ranked #7 in AP men's college basketball poll

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Sources

1. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/26/state-sales-tax-on-groceries-drops-to-zero-jan-1/

2. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/30/rep-brandon-woodard-will-lead-a-lean-kansas-democratic-caucus-heres-what-he-wants-to-do/

3. www.kwch.com/2024/12/30/factfinder-rural-kansas-doctors-challenge-non-competes-amid-provider-shortages-patient-care-concerns/

4. https://kansasreflector.com/2024/12/27/reintroducing-bison-to-kansas-tallgrass-prairies-promotes-biodiversity-and-resilience-study-finds/

5. https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/article296636609.html