Kansas’ use of Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds has drifted far from its original purpose and now exposes taxpayers to unnecessary financial risk, reduced public accountability, and long-term budget strain.

STAR Bonds were designed to fund self-sustaining tourist attractions that would generate enough new sales tax revenue to repay their own debt. In practice, this promise has repeatedly fallen short.

The Problems with STAR Bonds
1. Taxpayer Risk Without Taxpayer Consent
STAR Bonds are issued without a statewide vote, yet they pledge future sales tax revenue that would otherwise support schools, infrastructure, and public safety. When projections fail, Kansans still absorb the loss.

2. Overly Optimistic Revenue Projections
Many STAR Bond projects rely on aggressive forecasts that assume constant growth, ideal economic conditions, and no market disruption. When reality intervenes, repayment periods stretch for decades—or fall back on general revenues.

3. Picking Winners and Losers
STAR Bonds allow the state to favor select private developments with public financing advantages that are unavailable to small businesses and local entrepreneurs, distorting free-market competition.

4. Lack of Transparency and Oversight
Once approved, STAR Bond projects often operate with limited ongoing scrutiny. Taxpayers have little visibility into performance, compliance, or whether promised economic benefits materialize.

5. Long-Term Opportunity Cost
Every dollar of sales tax pledged to STAR Bonds is a dollar unavailable for roads, education, water systems, property tax relief, or direct community investment.

A Better Path Forward
Kansas can promote economic growth without mortgaging future tax revenue or socializing private risk. Other states have successfully moved toward:

• Pay-as-you-go infrastructure
• Private financing with performance guarantees
• Transparent incentive programs tied to measurable outcomes
• Local voter approval for major public-risk financing

What This Petition Asks

We call on the Kansas Legislature and Governor to:

• End authorization of new STAR Bond projects
• Sunset the program entirely
• Conduct a full public audit of existing STAR Bond obligations
• Replace STAR Bonds with fiscally responsible, transparent development tools
  

Kansas deserves economic development policies that reward real growth—not speculative promises.

Sign this petition to protect taxpayers, restore accountability, and put Kansas on a sustainable financial path.