Hello from Topeka.

This past week was spent working on revisions to the Kansas budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and FY ‘17. While tax revenues continue to come in lower than projected, adjustments were made to balance the budget, and although the projected remaining balance at the end of the year will be less than where it should be, there will be a little money left to begin the new fiscal year.

There has been a lot of misinformation about what is going on with the Kansas Public Employment System or KPERS. Those currently receiving payments will continue to receive payments as promised. The provision passed out of the House gives the Governor the option to delay a payment, if needed, to make up for a budget shortfall. This payment goes into the plan for investment and would be paid in the first quarter of the year. A reminder, once the money has been placed into the investment arm of KPERS, it cannot be taken out and used for any purpose, except to pay retirees and those eligible for payments.

Another big issue last week was the ruling on funding Kansas public schools from the Kansas Supreme Court. At the time of writing this column, there has not been a plan released from either the House or Senate regarding a timeline to proceed. This week the legislature will begin the process of examining the 105 recommendations from a study on ways to reduce the cost of state government operations. It will be interesting to see what assets may be sold, or if the state decides to seek sponsorships of some highways or other things which could bring in revenue.

Those from the 110th in Topeka this past week included: Mendi Alexander, Hays; Rhonda Goddard, Lenora and Jimmy Todd, Norton from NexTech, Chris Tanner and Craig Renner with Norton County Farm Bureau; Gimmie Jo Jansonius, Prairie View; Doug Zillinger, Logan representing Phillips County Farm Bureau and Stephen Bigge, Stockton, representing the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission.

Please reach out to me if you have concerns, questions or issues that need to be addressed.

You can keep up on things by following and liking Ken for Kansas on Facebook. During the session I can be reached: Ken Rahjes, Kansas State Capitol, 168-W, Topeka, KS 66612; Phone: (785) 296-7676; Email: [email protected]; or 1798 E 900 Rd, Agra, KS 67621; Cell: (785) 302-8416 You can also track bills and get specific information by going to kslegislature.org. I look forward to seeing you when you are in Topeka or out and about in the district.