By Jonathan Shorman
jonathan.shorman@cjonline.com
Kansas' bond debt has jumped nearly $4 billion over the past 20 years -- more than tripling the level seen in the late 90s.
At a time when the state struggles to keep its budget balanced, the increasing amount of debt often escapes notice, especially now as Democrats and Republicans fight over legislative seats ahead of the November election.
The bond debt has increased under both Republican and Democratic governors, and now stands at more than $5 billion, but is not solely dependent on executive decisions. In fiscal year 1997, the debt was $1.1 billion. By fiscal year 2017, it had ballooned to $5 billion, according to a chart produced by legislative researchers.
The chart shows that from fiscal year 1997 to 2017, the total amount of bond debt increased by 336.4 percent, or $3.8 billion.
The national debt often plays into political debates, but state-level debt doesn’t draw the same level of attention. Kansas is required to have a balanced budget every year, but that doesn’t stop the debt from building...
Read more at:
http://cjonline.com/news/2016-10-19/kansas-has-racked-billions-debt-over-past-20-years-more-tripling-late-90s-level
