By SCOTT ROTHSCHILD, The Lawrence Journal-World
Gov. Sam Brownback's policies have frequently been criticized for hurting low-income Kansans.
On Sunday, Kansas Department of Revenue Secretary Nick Jordan sought to defend his boss, saying that Brownback is compassionate to the poor and that the governor gives money to homeless people on Massachusetts Street.
Jordan, who is Brownback's point man on tax issues, and state Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, spoke on Brownback's tax policies during a moderated discussion before about 150 people at the Dole Institute of Politics.
Brownback's policies — cutting income tax rates while removing tax credits aimed at helping the poor — have been criticized as unfair to low-income Kansans.
In addition, in 2011, Brownback tried to shut down the state welfare agency office in Lawrence but then changed course leaving the office open.
But Jordan said Brownback cares about poor people.
