Week 9 activities in the Kansas Legislature

This Week at the Capitol

We enjoyed sunnier days and warmer weather in Topeka this week, at least outside the dome.

Spring officially arrives next Thursday, which is a welcome change after months of snow and flu. The new season also reminds lawmakers that the clock is ticking. Too many priorities have basically been untouched -- including health care, school finance and affordable housing.

The House spent the last two weeks working through legislation from the Senate. Concurrently, the Senate has been reviewing House bills.

I was very busy this week. In addition to the normal activities of the week, I served on two sub-committees and prepared and introduced two bills on the House floor before the whole session.

They included SB 437 which would allow the selection committee at each ROTC institution to award ROTC scholarships to qualified students enrolled at community colleges. There is a dire shortage of officers in the Kansas National Guard mainly due to mandatory retirements. The goal is to encourage more people to enter the military. The second bill was an amendment to HB 2938 which would provide a sales tax exemption for the purchase of materials for repair and or rebuilding of businesses damaged by the Southeastern Kansas flooding in June and July that involved 23 counties in Southeast Kansas. Both bills passed the House.

Energy Bill Update

The highly anticipated energy bill -- Senate Bill 327 -- officially reached Governor Sebelius' desk on Wednesday, leaving her 10 business days to act on the legislation. The governor made several criticisms of the bill and has publicly promised a veto. She must respond by March 22.

At this point it remains unclear what will happen next.

Health Care Reform Gets Late Start

Other issues are finally gaining momentum. A subcommittee has been established to craft a comprehensive health care reform bill. The committee hopes to present its proposal to the full House body before the first major budget bill is debated next week. As lawmakers, we must do all we can to make health care more affordable and accessible to Kansas families.

New State Employee Pay Plan

This week the House approved House Bill 2916, which will implement five new classified state employee pay plans, a new statewide employee performance management system, a 2.5 percent base salary adjustment for all state employees and regular market salary surveys. Currently, Kansas classified state employees work under a system based on longevity and position. The new plan will gradually transition to a "compensation philosophy." Similar to the private sector, this philosophy offers competitive compensation based on relevant labor markets and employee performance. Supports believe this will help raise expectations for both managers and employees, attracting and retaining better workers.

Corporate Taxation

The House Committee on Taxation introduced a bill this week that would make significant changes in corporation income tax rates and income apportionment provisions. HB 2762 would expand the ability of certain businesses with a unitary group of corporations to utilize two different kinds of tax credits. The bill would also enact two new sales tax exemptions. This bill would allow full apportionment of business income for all tax years beginning in 2009.

Tax Breaks for Seniors

The House Taxation Committee also considered House Bill 2928, which would provide a tax benefit to approximately 900 Kansas senior citizens per year by allowing eligible seniors to defer paying property taxes. The bill is designed to assist seniors on fixed incomes who face unplanned financial hardship. Proponents support the legislation because retired seniors have little opportunity to seek additional sources of income when their expenses unexpectedly rise. Lawmakers hold a responsibility to protect these Kansans from losing their homes or falling into deep financial turmoil.

Anti-Bullying Rules

House Bill 2758 would extend the current law that requires school districts to prohibit bullying on school property, in school vehicles and at school events. The bill would require districts to extend their policies to prohibit cyberbullying. Cyberbullying includes bullying by use of any electronic communication device, including e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, mobile phones and websites. In addition, the bill would require school district anti-bullying policies to prohibit bullying using school property.

Research at Kansas

Universities

In an effort to encourage the development of research initiatives in Kansas, the House recently approved HB 2750, which will allow projects to lease space from state university research facilities. Because research activities in Kansas help boost the state's economy, this clarification will expand opportunities for both public and private interests.

Women's History Months

Throughout the month, organizations across the country will take time to recognize the achievements and heritage of women in America through National Women's History Month.

In 2008, women enjoy more freedom and opportunities than ever before. The opportunities come from sacrifices and hardships suffered by pioneers of women's rights, dating back to the 1700's. Women play a critical and complex role in America today. An awareness of women's history provides a clearer vision of what women can help accomplish for society, families and each other.