65 and older license exemption

[imajigger2]

Howabout this for a solution since we all want somehow to get on the same page.

For the year 2013 ALL people who fish the State of Kansas will have to have a permit for that year only. The cost of the permit will be 2.50 cents for each person in ALL catagories of fishers. Kids, Disabled Vets, Over 65, and Native Americans. All other Licenses will rise by the same 2.50. Now after that year we have something to work off the past from. Lets see a breakdown of salaries in that year compared to the last year. Lets see how much was spent on improvements and the improvements broken down as to exactly what was improved. Then lets see a list of where the remaining dollars were spent and what for. Then we will have some hard transparent figures to adjust from on the future.

Raise your hand right now if you truly believe that by throwing money at this without facts that you will see vast, major or even minor improvements to the rundown ramps, new fish cleaning stations, more accsessible handicap docks or any other venture you want to throw in there.

Is there really no room for complete transparency and accountability instead of blindly accepting "we need money"?

None of this was addressed in any press release, all it basically said was we need more money so we have to charge this group of people. There was no real explanation of it was needed to maintain status quo or we need this to improve things for the sportsman, just plain old english we need your money. How many of us go buy something without researching cost, benefit, need or why? Personally I find it very insulting that the politicians think so little of our intelligence.

[crappiedoc]

Hey BD40,

How much was a license in Texas? Last time I was there years ago an out of state was cheaper than a reg KS.

[Blackdog40]

Cost more now, more than a resident Ks license.

[shane]

If you really want to complain about something, complain about KS boat taxes where we are all in the same boat unless you register in another state.

[springhillwantabe]

If you really want to complain about something, complain about KS boat taxes where we are all in the same boat unless you register in another state.

i think some of you don't get it for some it is the mon for some it is the point always pay taxes not taken anything away giving up the exemption is taking away from a group?

[imajigger2]

Can someone please show me the numbers of how large a group we are talking about here. Lets see some facts. If we are willing to accept the idea that the 65 and older crowd is huge and will make a difference and it's all so cheaply priced anyway, can you explain and show me with facts that the under 16 crowd is a smaller group of potential sportsmen. If you are one of those who approve of funding the KDWPT with the 65 and over crowd why not just take it a step further and start charging for the under 16 crowd too, that way we can insure that the future is secure for all the people and we will get all the marvelous things we all want. Should bring in a bunch of money when we charge everyone the measley 20.00. I mean no one should object to this cause a lot of you said if we felt that charging the 65 and over crowd was so wrong then we should go and buy one for em. I'm sure everyone will agree lets charge everyone, then no one can say they didn't do their part. Anyone wanna bet which group is larger? Lets not forget to do away with those lifetime licenses, I mean times change and it wasn't really promised was it?? OOPs wait a minute promises inferred by past practice or even made don't need to be kept cause it's the Government and we need to bail them out of their dire straits!!!!!!!!

[Fishslime]

So if you run yor household like the Government runs, you would be completely satisfied, and it would be okay to make promises to family, friends, children, and others then just change your mind with no facts to back it up? How could you expect anyone especially your kids to respect, look up to you, or think of you as responsible? It's not about entitlement, it is about a whole bunch of things like transparency, accountability, and INTEGRITY to name a few. I suspect that NONE of you really run your household this way so why would you defend someone else who does?

Good question.

[Fishslime]

So if your employer don't give you a raise that is to your satifaction, does that give your the right to demand to see all of the company records? Nope!

When it is a government agency (Fed. State or Local) you do have the right to know how the money is divided and spent.

[Fishslime]

Guys, before I say this, I want you all to know I'm not picking on anybody here, I'm one very opinionated SOB. In my life I've seen this very agency slide into the gullet of political misuse. When I was younger it was called Fish and Game, a totally self-supporting agency with BIG MONEY on the books. The state stole it's money by combining that agency with Parks, it's basically been insolvent since. The generation of the time didn't stand up against this, now having done this once and being successful, history is going to repeat itself. The new generation for this, is mine and I'll tell you all if we just let it happen our childrens future is at stake. The reasons for license numbers declining are the same as the people wanting to charge this new fee. Where will it stop? If you think ante up, your feeding a progressive pot and folding before the flop. People get fed up and just quit, look at the license/permit sales. Next will be some form of ANS stamp and on and on.

I remember that too Doc. When the Parks Dept was combined with Fish and Game or should say bailed out. I just turned 65 last year and have bought hunting and fishing licenses since I was 16 with the exception of the 4 years I was in active duty military. I wouldn't mind paying if I knew every cent was going to Fish and Game. I used to have a camper and expected to pay to camp, however I have noticed frisbe golf, horse trails, stables, walking trails etc. being added to state parks. Those are nice but I'm not interested in paying for state run amusement parks. Charge me more for a boat ramp permit, that's ok, I still hunt and wouldn't mind paying a fee to access WIHA but don't charge me more to support activities I'm not interested in. It's time to bow our necks and make these agencies be accountable. This is not about a state employee COLA. Someone stated all the license money collected goes directly to KDWP, I believe it goes to the general fund and then redistributed. I feel the state made a committment and should stick to it, they can find other creative ways to tax and charge.

[fishlessDan]

i think some of you don't get it for some it is the mon for some it is the point always pay taxes not taken anything away giving up the exemption is taking away from a group?

What did this group do to be ENTITLED to fish for FREE???? They could have bought "LIFETIME" license's 25yrs' ago and they would have paid for themselves in 15yrs and would now not have to worry about anything.