Gov. Sam Brownback is proposing that Kansas
create a special fund to help cover the costs of recovering from
natural disasters.
The measure is part of the budget Brownback has outlined for the
fiscal year beginning July 1. He wants the state to set aside $12
million for disaster relief.
The money would come from taxes that insurance companies already
pay on the value of the premiums they charge in Kansas. The state
expects to collect $139 million in premium taxes during the next
fiscal year.
Brownback’s budget notes that Kansas incurred nearly $109
million in costs from winter storms, flooding and tornadoes over
the past five years. That figure doesn’t include either federal or
local governments’ expenses.