The Builder vs. The Blocker: A Clear Choice for Salina’s Future
Jay Vanier
Salina’s growth did not happen by accident.
The Alley, The Garage, The Fieldhouse, Barolo, Blue Skye, Old Chicago, 1858 Coffee House, YaYa’s, Homewood Suites, Kohl’s, Shoe Carnival, Longhorn Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, AeroPlains and Southview Estates exist because our community chose to compete, invest, and grow.
Since 2021, Steven Howe has repeatedly voted NO on major pro-growth legislation designed to attract investment, support housing, create jobs, revitalize communities, and expand the tax base.
Steven Howe’s NO Votes on Growth Bills
2021 — SB 66: Angel Investor Tax Credit Improvements
Passed the House 109–12.
This bill improved Kansas’ angel investor tax credit program to help startups and growing businesses access private capital. Steven Howe voted NO.
2021 — SB 124: STAR Bond Expansion
Passed the House 101–23.
This bill expanded Kansas’ STAR bond program to help communities compete for major destination-based economic development projects. Steven Howe voted NO.
2022 — SB 347: APEX Megaproject Recruitment
Passed the House 80–41.
This bill created a major economic development tool to help Kansas compete for large-scale job-creating projects. Steven Howe voted NO.
2023 — SB 17: Expanded Housing Incentives
Passed the House 63–59.
This bill expanded housing tools, including RHID and housing tax credit provisions, to help communities address workforce housing shortages. Steven Howe voted NO.
2024 — SB 467: Tourism, STAR Bonds, and Redevelopment Tools
Passed the House 94–26.
This bill strengthened tourism and redevelopment tools, including STAR bond-related provisions, to help Kansas communities attract visitors and investment. Steven Howe voted NO.
2024 — HB 2001: STAR Bonds for Major Projects
Passed the House 84–38.
This bill involved STAR bond authority for major development projects. Steven Howe voted NO.
2025 — HB 2083: Energy Storage Investment
Passed the House 90–29.
This bill supported investment in energy storage infrastructure and related economic development. Steven Howe voted NO.
2025 — SB 98: Data Center Investment Incentives
Passed the House 85–37.
This bill created incentives for major data center investment tied to capital investment and job creation. Steven Howe voted NO.
2026 — SB 197: STAR Bond Reform, Accountability, and Extension
Passed the House 82–38.
This bill extended STAR bonds while adding more accountability, transparency, and reform. Steven Howe voted NO.
2026 — HB 2737: New TIF-Style Financing Tool
Passed the House on February 18, 2026, by a vote of 110–14, and passed the Senate on March 18, 2026, by a vote of 34–6.
This bill created the Taxpayer Agreement Act, a new local economic development financing tool related to tax increment financing. Steven Howe first voted NO on the House vote. Then, after minor Senate changes, he voted YES on concurrence — the first time he voted yes on a TIF/STAR bond-related bill — and just two days after I filed to run against him.
Why It Matters
These tools help communities:
✔ Attract businesses
✔ Build housing
✔ Revitalize declining areas
✔ Grow the tax base
✔ Reduce long-term pressure on property taxpayers
I’m a Builder, Not a Blocker.
Growth is how we achieve tax relief.
The Kansas Republican Platform supports economic growth by empowering the private sector, maintaining a competitive tax and regulatory environment, and keeping government accountable. Responsible economic development tools and incentives, when used with transparency and oversight, help attract investment, support local businesses, create jobs, expand the tax base, and allow Kansas communities like Salina to compete for opportunity and prosperity.