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Top Of The Morning News: June 14, 2013

The Kansas City council looks at how to pay for the bus service.  Governor Sam Brownback stopped in Overland Park to sign a tax bill.  High beef prices in the super market are the result of a multi-year drought.

Council Committee Studies Bus Funding And Role Of ATA Board

Most of this week's ATA funding committee meeting was spent speculating on the size of the funding shortfall as a streetcar system and other expenses bite into transit tax revenues that may or may not increase. Several representatives of a citizens transit advocacy group told the committee they were disappointed that there was not more focus on expanding bus service within the city.Government

Brownback Signs Controversial Tax Bill In Overland Park

Kansas is “open for business," according to the enthusiastic proclamation made by Gov. Sam Brownback Thursday morning as he signed a controversial tax bill in Overland Park, Kan.  The governor was referring to the impact of second year cuts in state income taxes that he and supporters claim will attract economic development to the state - enough economic development to offset expected budget shortfalls in coming years.

Drought Drives Up Beef Prices

Multi-year droughts in states that produce most of the country’s beef cattle have driven up costs to historic highs. Last year, ranchers culled deep into their herds – some even liquidated all their cattle – which pushed the U.S. cattle herd to its lowest point since the 1950s.  Dry conditions this summer could cause the herd to dwindle even further. That means beef prices may continue on a steady climb, just in time for grilling season.

New Missouri House Committee Will Look At Department Of Social Services

The Interim Committee on Improving Government Responsiveness and Efficiency's first priority will be looking into the Department of Social Services.  The committee will be chaired by State Representative Sue Allen, a Republican from Town and County.  Allen also chairs the subcommittee that writes the budgets for DSS and for the departments of Health and Senior Services and Mental Health.

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