Week 7 activities in the Kansas Legislature

Turnaround

The seventh week of the session included an important marker: a major deadline known as "Turnaround". Turnaround marks the date that most bills must clear their house of origin. Beginning next week, the House of Representatives will begin to consider legislation approved by the Senate, while the Senate will begin to consider bills approved in the House of Representatives.

Pages and Visitors

I personally enjoyed having four students from Fort Scott High School serve as Pages for me on Wednesday. They were Matthew Chaplin, Brian Gorman, Shelby Brennon and Tiffnie Bradley.

On that same day I also enjoyed having Casey Wilcox, Alene Jolly, Melony, Diane and Stacey visit me from Tri-Valley. They were representing people with disabilities.

School Funding

The Kansas House of Representatives began discussions regarding school funding this week. As a result of debate, House Bill 2605 failed to pass by one vote, 62-63. The bill would have significantly reduced funding for 36 school districts in Kansas, including Fort Scott, Pleasanton and Uniontown. I worked hard to defeat the legislation and I appreciated the bipartisan support of other lawmakers.

Energy Bill Update

After the House officially approved the Holcomb energy bill last week -- House Substitute for Senate Bill 327 -- joint House and Senate conference committee meetings began this week. This committee, composed of three senators and three representatives, will work to finalize details of the energy bill and will send their work back to each chamber for approval, then on to Gov. Sebelius for her signature or veto.

Though the bills are similar, there are differences between the House and Senate versions. Among the differences was a Senate proposal to form a new energy commission and a House proposal to develop a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which aims to decrease carbon emission in Kansas by 5 percent by 2012 and 10 percent by 2020.

State Leaders Lobby for Research Facility in Kansas

This week, a bipartisan group of state leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress in an effort to help secure Kansas as the host state of a $450 million federal research facility, the National Bio-and Agro-defense Facility. Last summer the Department of Homeland Security selected the Kansas State University campus in Manhattan as one of five finalists for the site. The bio-and agro-defense facility would be the largest and most advanced bioscience research laboratory in the world. Construction of the site is estimated to create 1,000 new jobs and bring $3.5 billion dollars in new revenue to the state over 20 years.

Airport to Manhattan

The Kansas House approved a bill last week that will authorize $2 million in subsidies over two years to help provide air passenger service to the city of Manhattan. Supporters contend that a new airport in Riley County will offer a number of benefits. An airport will provide another incentive for the Department of Homeland Security to select the Manhattan location for the bio-and agro-defense research facility.

Armed Forces Day

Thursday was Armed Forces Day at the Capitol.

School House

to the White House

Have you been to the Eisenhower Museum and Library in Abilene lately? If not, now may be the time. An exhibition called "School House to White House: The education of the Presidents" will be running there from March 3 to May 31. The exhibit is in the Library building and is free to the public. The Library and Museum was recently named one of the eight wonders of Kansas.

Bonuses for Teachers

The House considered House Bill 2870 this week, which would provide bonuses for hard-to-fill teacher posts, including math and science positions. According to Education Week Magazine, Kansas teachers earn only $0.86 cents for each dollar earned by comparable workers. This bonus would do little to close that gap. A one-time bonus of $1,000 was unlikely to attract or keep good teachers when they can receive significantly higher profits in less time-consuming careers. I believe this money should be more wisely invested in better legislation with more helpful, long-term benefits. The bill failed by a close vote.

Celebrate Literacy with

Your Children

Throughout Kansas and the country, educators, librarians, elected officials, celebrities and parents will participate in activities that encourage young people to read during the week of March 3. By instilling a love of reading, we help build a positive attitude toward knowledge and education that will last a lifetime. Reading and comprehension helps our children become critical thinkers, stronger writers and better communicators. I hope you will pledge to read to a child during this special week. Read Across America is designed to help motivate children to read all year long.

New Smoking Ban

Last year, the Health Policy authority made recommendations to the legislature to improve the health of Kansans and lay a framework for future reforms. As part of those recommendations, KHPA endorsed a statewide smoking ban. A senate bill has been introduced to implement comprehensive smoking prohibition throughout the state, with no options for county opt-out. Opponents believe this bill will hurt private business and free market in the state. Supporters argue that a smoking ban will protect innocent, nonsmoking Kansans from harmful second-hand smoke.

Keep in Touch

Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. Please feel free to contact me at (785) 296-7698.

I personally enjoyed having four students from Fort Scott High School serve as Pages for me on Wednesday. They were Matthew Chaplin, Brian Gorman, Shelby Brennon and Tiffnie Bradley.

On that same day I also enjoyed having Casey Wilcox, Alene Jolly, Melony, Diane and Stacey visit me from Tri-Valley. They were representing people with disabilities.