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“Taxes 101” is the topic for the next Kansas Voices, a series of periodic conversations of interest to Kansans.

The conversation will begin at 7 p.m., Oct. 1, at the FNB Community Room, 101 C St, Washington, and is free and open to the public.

The program is designed as an overview of Kansas tax policy ranging from factors that influence how local and state governments levy taxes, types of taxes, how property is appraised and ideas about how tax policy can change.

Speakers include Chris Courtwright, Shawnee, who spent 34 years as the Kansas Legislature’s principal economist and is the author of Kansas Tax Facts, considered to be the authoritative guide on state and local tax policy.

Joining the discussion will be Dave Baker, Salina, a former member of the Kansas House of Representatives, who served on the Tax Committee. He is a former Washington County resident and a retired grocery store owner.

Also providing perspective will be Tom Hawk, Manhattan, who has served in both the Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas Senate and has experience on both the Tax and Ways and Means committees. Hawk was a teacher, counselor, school administrator and superintendent for Manhattan-Ogden public schools and also owned photography business.

On Dec. 3, the topic for the next Kansas Voices will be a 2026 legislative overview and a preview of the 2026 campaign season in the state.