January 29, 2018
Appropriations Committee
Last Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee heard from Alan Conroy, Executive Director the of Kansas Public Employees Retirement System. He provided an update on: 2016 valuation; pension obligation bonds; funding projections; and reamortization.
On Wednesday, the committee received an economic forecast from Michael Austin, Department of Revenue. He noted that Kansans are optimistic, shown through increased growth in the retail and leisure industries. The housing market is also showing positive results in residential building permits, and home prices. Lastly, Kansas’ consumption is growing at a robust pace.
On Thursday, the Committee received an update from Secretary Tim Keck, Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, on the recertification effort at Osawatomie State Hospital. With the recertification of Osawatomie, the state may be able to recoup some funding from the federal government.
The Committee also received an update from Secretary Richard Carlson, Kansas Department of Transportation. His testimony included information about State Highway transfers, bonding, revenues, and details on the delayed modernization and expansion projects.
Lansing Correctional Facility
On Wednesday, the State Finance Council, which I am a member, approved a new plan for CoreCivic, to build a new prison at the Lansing Corrections Facility. This facility will be financed under a lease-purchase agreement, in which the state will lease and then own the facility after the 20-year lease. Through the projected reduction in staff of around 46 percent, the state will save enough money to pay the annual lease payments. The facility will be managed by CoreCivic, however, staff would be hired and managed by the United States Department of Corrections. During the 2017 session and interim, we had numerous meetings and deliberations regarding the construction of a new prison at Lansing.
Governor Brownback Confirmed By US Senate
This past July, President Donald Trump nominated Governor Sam Brownback to the Ambassador At Large for International Freedom position. After many months, the United States Senate confirmed Governor Brownback on Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
The following day, Governor Brownback issued a press release that he will be resigning as the Governor of Kansas effective January 31, 2018, at 3:00 PM. Brownback wrote in his resignation that “Wherever my new duties take me, my Kansas values and experience will always travel with me.”
Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer will then take the oath of office with a ceremony in the Kansas State Capitol. Colyer is currently in the 2018 gubernatorial race. Colyer’s plans are to visit his hometown of Hays, Kansas and then return to Topeka for the official proceedings. When the appointment for Brownback was announced, Colyer indicated a different style of governing by saying, “I’ll be working closely with the Legislature and a lot of folks. You’ll see a lot of energy and a little different approach.”
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.