Mitt Romney prescribed Cornflakes for Big Bird. Mizzou won the Big-12 tourney and then flamed out. And competing tax cut plans advanced in the Kansas Legislature. KCUR's Steve Bell recaps on those and other top stories of the week on the KCUR Saturday News Review.
Kansas Tax Cut Plans
A tax bill that cleared the Kansas House would cut state income tax rates. Republican taxation chair Richard Carlson said it is a cure for a lagging economy. Most Democrats voted against it, saying it favored businesses and well-to-do Kansans will cost the state revenue it can't afford to lose.
Meanwhile a Senate committee amended and advanced a competing tax reduction bill endorsed by Governor Brownback.
Redistricting Map Splits Wy Co
And a House committee Chaired by Republican Mike O'Neal endorsed a Congressional redistricting map that would put part of Wyandotte County in a district with Johnson County and part of it in one that spans the width of the state. Top Democrat Paul Davis called it gerrymandering.
Koback Registration Plan Falters
A bill moving the date when first time voter registrants must show proof of citizenship to be before the presidential election was stalled into limbo as a committee ended its last meeting without voting on it.
Nixon Vetoes GOP Workplace Bills
In Jefferson City, Governor Jay Nixon, as predicted, vetoed bills making it harder to sue for workplace discrimination and to prevent workers from suing co-workers and companies in some cases of accidents and long-term occupational diseases.
Romney Pitches Spending Cuts
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney didn't campaign in Kansas before last week's caucuses, but did make an appearance in Liberty this week. Pitching Missouri voters, the former Massachussets governor was selling spending cuts. Romney said he would end “Obamacare” and subsidies for AMTRACK and PBS. He concentrated on criticizing President Obama and never mentioned any of his Republican rivals.
Council Holds Off On Day Curfew
A Kansas City city council heard public comments on a proposed daytime curfew, which councilman Scott Wagner said is not an unusual concept. But the committee again postponed a vote on the curfew, which is strongly opposed by parents who homeschool their kids.
MLB Backs Down on All-Star Rules
The council also got Major League Baseball to ease the rules on signs and vendors so that already licensed street vendors around downtown, the Plaza and the stadium can stay open in the time period around July's All-Star Game.
Mizzou Wins, Loses
MU ended its days in the Big-12 with a conference tournament win and 30 victories. Coach Frank Haith said he wasn't concerned that the team was not declared number one seed as the NCAA post-season schedule got underway. On Friday, Mizzou lost to number 15 seed Norfolk State in the first round, and was out of the NCAA tourney.