The Plains Ledger

The Plains Ledger

kansas, economics, inequality

The 11-to-1 Gap That Isn't

Aug 11, 2026

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2 min read

The 11-to-1 Gap That Isn't

What happens to inequality when we count taxes, benefits and healthcare. The gap between Kansas and Britain turns out to be smaller than either side of the debate assumes.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher
Property Tax Relief Needs More Homes

Jul 26, 2026

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2 min read

Property Tax Relief Needs More Homes

Kansas is debating the cost of owning a home. It should also be debating the cost of buying one.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher

Kansas, Education, Fiscal Policy

Measure What Matters

Jul 12, 2026

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2 min read

Measure What Matters

Kansas fell from 5th to 36th in reading. Here's how to reverse it.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher
The Rules Only Go One Way

Jun 29, 2026

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2 min read

The Rules Only Go One Way

Kansas school bureaucracy grows every year, no matter who holds office. The reason isn't conspiracy -- it's math: a rule's benefit is collected once, its cost is paid forever.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher
The Money Never Reached the Classroom.

Jun 17, 2026

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2 min read

The Money Never Reached the Classroom.

Kansas spends $18,324 per pupil — among the ten highest in the country. College readiness fell from 32% to 18%.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher
The Elf Was the Least Interesting Thing That Happened.

Jun 7, 2026

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2 min read

The Elf Was the Least Interesting Thing That Happened.

Josh Dambacher
Josh Dambacher
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