January 12, 2018
State of the State
Tuesday evening, Governor Sam Brownback released the details of his proposed budget. His budget contains proposals to increase K-12 education funding by approximately $600 million over the next five years. He also set three goals for K-12 education: first, is to reach a 95% statewide high-school graduation rate; second is a post-secondary effectiveness of 75%; and third, continue to move schools toward the Kansans Can model for school redesign, these goals are to be completed by the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

The next morning, the House Appropriations committee met to discuss the details of the Governor’s budget. The Director of Budget addressed the committee and answered questions that arose regarding the Governor’s budget, it’s feasibility and/or impracticalities.

Many of the questions that were asked by the members of the Appropriations committee, including myself, focused on the increase in spending by the Governor. We also inquired about the cash balances of the state being in a deficit situation as early as 2020. The Governor provided no solution to address the shortfall only that he expects the Kansas economy to grow. On Thursday afternoon, I met with the budget chairs in the House and we began working on a plan to address the financial concerns of all the state’s departments and agencies.

More Items In the Governor’s Budget
Other items that the Governor presented during the State of the State speech are: an additional $5 million for the National Institute for Aviation Research, the National Center for Aviation Training will receive $1.7 million of additional funding, and $1 million will be added to fund Registered Apprenticeships.

National Guard members currently are assisted with 54% percent of their tuition. In the proposed budget, this number will be increased to 100% percent with a goal of increasing participation in the guard.

The Parents-as-Teachers waiting list will be funded, accomplished with a $1 million spending increase for the program.

Citizenship in Action
My office announced on Wednesday that I will be providing one scholarship to a 4-Her between the ages of 13-18, to participate in the Kansas 4-H program, Citizenship in Action, which will take place in Topeka February 18-19, 2018. The Citizenship in Action program allows 4-Hers to travel to Topeka and participate in mock legislative sessions, meet elected officials, and tour the statehouse. The deadline for submissions is Kansas Day, January 29, 2018. For more information, email me at [email protected], or call my office at (785) 296-7672.

Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act
Last year, I introduced job legislation referred to as the “Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act.” The bill passed the House during the 2017 session, with a vote of 97 to 22. The Senate has received the bill and has referred it to the Senate Commerce Committee, with a hearing scheduled for next month. This bill would incentivize businesses that wish to expand or relocate to an area of Kansas defined as a rural area with a city population of 60,000 or less.

I have worked on this legislation during the interim and have gained the support of many colleagues, both urban and rural, Department of Agriculture, and local Economic Development directors. I have also had discussions with Lt. Governor Colyer.

This legislation partners well with the Rural Opportunity Zones (ROZ) as it incentivizes businesses to hopefully create jobs in rural Kansas, as ROZ incentivizes individuals to relocate to ROZ designated counties.

Contact Information
As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, visit www.troywaymaster.com or email me at [email protected]. Also, if you happen to visit the statehouse, please let my office know.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

The 109th House District includes:

• Osborne, Russell, and Smith Counties
• Barton County: Cities: Albert, Claflin, Galatia, Odin, Olmitz and Susank; Townships: Beaver, Cheyenne, Clarence, Cleveland, Fairview, Grant, Independent, Logan, Union, Walnut and Wheatland
• Jewell County: Cities:Burr Oak, Esbon and Mankato; Townships: Athens,Browns Creek, Burr Oak, Calvin, Center, Erving, Esbon, Harrison, Highland, Holmwood, Ionia, Limestone, Odessa,Walnut and White Mound
• Lincoln County: Cities: Lincoln Center(part) and Sylvan Grove; Townships: Battle Creek, Beaver(part), Cedron, Elkhorn(part), Golden Belt, Grant, Hanover, Highland, Indiana, Marion, Orange, Pleasant, Valley and Vesper
• Rush County: Cities: Bison, Otis, Rush Center and Timken; Townships: Banner,Center,Garfield, Illinois, Lone Star, Pioneer and Pleasantdale

Troy L. Waymaster, (R-Bunker Hill) is State Representative of the 109th Kansas House District.