Last Friday, I had the pleasure of joining Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita to celebrate the 10,000th 737 fuselage delivery. In attendance for the celebration were Senator Jerry Moran, Representative Roger Marshall and Representative Ron Estes. Also, in attendance were eight employees and one employee watching from Oklahoma who helped build the first 737 in 1966 and were a part of building the 10,000th 737 fuselage. Last year Spirit announced their plan to invest $1 billion in Wichita and 1,000 new Wichita jobs. This is all part of the plan to increase production to keep up with demand.
HB2477: Last week we had a hearing in the Ag and Natural Resource committee on a bill that will increase fees for pet animal inspections. Breeders are all in agreement that fees need to be increased so inspections can be completed in a timely basis. However, Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) was able to get an amendment on the House floor mandating policy changes on notification of breeders prior to an inspection. This amendment allows HSUS to get their foot in the door in Kansas and will direct the Department of Ag to carry out inspections without prior notification. The Department of Ag testified that this will increase their cost of doing inspections because showing up unannounced may cause a return visit when the owner/operator is not present to let the inspector into the facility.
In Financial Institutions, Insurance, Pensions and Benefits we had a confirmation hearing for an open board position on the KPERS board. Governor Jeff Colyer has recommended for appointment James Zakoura. Our committee has accepted the appointment and has recommended to the full Senate, James Zakoura.
On Thursday, the Senate voted 22-16 on Concurrent Resolution 1611 which calls for convention of states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose limits on the federal government. The purpose of calling the convention would be to implement term limits on members of congress. In addition, it would require the federal government to work with a balanced budget. This vote required two-thirds vote and fell short to pass.
On Wednesday, the Senate Committee of Ethics, Elections and Local Government held a hearing on HB 2539 which deals with qualifications for candidates seeking certain statewide office. The bill would list a minimum age requirement to run for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and insurance commissioner. Currently, there is not a minimum age requirement therefore any current resident of Kansas is eligible to run. It was noted that a “qualified elector” should be at least 18 years of age.
It is March and with March comes state basketball. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the state qualifiers from Senate District 40. Congratulations to the State Champions in class 1A division 2 Quinter Lady Bulldogs (first ever state championship), 1A Division 2 Almena-Northern Valley Huskies men’s basketball team State Champions. In 1A division 2 Wallace County Men’s Wildcats (Sharon Springs) fourth place and congratulations to the lady Wildcats for qualifying for state. Congratulations to 1A Division 1 Atwood-Rawlins County Buffalos men’s team for qualifying for state, class 2A Hill City Ringneck’s girls placed 4th, Class 3A Phillipsburg Panther’s men’s 2nd place winners and TMP-Marian Monarchs men’s qualification for state, and TMP-Marian Monarchs ladies 4th place.
Congratulations to Ty Schultz, Wyatt Mong of Grainfield and Adam Klausmeyer from Hays for your hard work and receiving the Scouts highest honor of an Eagle Scout.
It is an honor and a pleasure to serve the 40th Senate District.