From individuals to the government, the recession has put a pinch on spending. But a Kansas political watchdog group has revealed the state has $2 billion in unused money sitting idle in more than 1,600 accounts.

The Flint Hills Center for Public Policy analyzed unencumbered funds, money that doesn't have a claim or isn't owed out. It's basically money paid by taxpayers just sitting in accounts and not being used.

Kansas Rep. Owen Donohoe, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said if the report is true it has the appearance of a backdoor tax.

Rep. Donohoe said that if dentists, barbers, morticians and others who pay state licensing fees are making the payments and the money is just sitting in accounts, perhaps the state is overcharging for those fees.

"We need to go in and find out what's there and ascertain if they are in excess," Rep. Donohoe said. "Then we need to stop collecting the fees for the various funds."

Donohoe said he doesn't think the funds will be reimbursed, but he's hoping the report will help change the way the state collects fees.
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