Legislatures are unpopular. Most voters think that legislators do little more than bicker, bicker, bicker. Major problems often go ignored, and back-room deals predominate.

There is some truth to this depressing stereotype, yet most lawmakers try to do what’s best, despite their disagreements over specifics.

What we can see, whether in Topeka or Washington, is that partisanship and centralized leadership dominate legislatures, providing little room for deliberation or – save in dire circumstances – compromise. Budget deadlines or the end of a session may force action, but day in, day out, legislative leaders often discourage productive work on serious problems.

This year, the Kansas Legislature barely managed to address the looming school finance issue, and then almost passed a rushed, ill-advised tax cut, just as the state had started to reverse its revenue swoon.

Given the need to bring together large numbers of diverse lawmakers, elected from their distinct constituencies, it is no wonder that legislating is difficult. Regardless, it is not as hard as Kansas representatives and lawmakers have made it.

To render the Legislature a bit more productive and civil, let me suggest one modest change. Legislative leaders should bring back the practice of appointing several meaningful interim committees to address thorny issues between sessions.

We do still have a few such committees, but they rarely lead to serious study of stubborn issues. Indeed, for the Senate president and the House Speaker, these committees are dangerous because they offer the possibility of reaching broad agreement on an important issue outside the majority party caucus.

Thirty or forty years ago, interim committees were plentiful and valuable; they often met for several days between sessions. In 1972 and 1973, years of intense governmental reform, more than thirty interim committees met, addressing subjects from consumer protection to education master planning to the energy crisis.

As recently as 1995, 14 committees met between sessions, and the 1980s averaged more than ten. These numbers contrast sharply with the 2011-2016 Republican era, with just 3.5 interim committees per year. In the wake of the 2016 election, interims increased to eight in 2017, but they did not shape the legislative agenda to the extent that earlier committees did.

Kansas has historically had an amateur (or maybe “semi-pro”) legislature, with its 90-day sessions and meager pay. In the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, many legislators studied hard, did their homework, and with the assistance of the Legislative Research Department came to deep understanding of many issues facing the state. Interim committees served as one vehicle to enhance their knowledge, and the discussion of major issues benefited from their experiences.

Without question, there are many current legislators, such as the retiring Rep. Tom Sloan (R-Lawrence), who have gained great understanding during their service, but he stands as a contemporary exception, not the rule.

In fact, much current legislation comes pre-packaged from the right-wing universe of Americans for Prosperity and ALEC (the American Legislative Exchange Council).

One path to a deeper understanding of major issues is to reinvigorate the interim committee system, which could place ideology on a back burner. Perhaps ten or so such committees every year would mean that the Legislature could do a better job of hitting the ground running in an era of difficult, overlapping issues like education, mental health, Medicaid expansion, foster care, prisons, and many more.

Effectively using the June-January period could make for less bickering, less partisanship, and more coherent policy-making. Definitely worth a try.

Burdett Loomis is an emeritus professor of political science at the University of Kansas.

The 2018 wheat crop has had it challenges to say the least. Much of the planting was late because it was too wet to get into the fields last fall. Then, that was the last measurable moisture the crop had until April. A mid-April hard freeze has also impacted some of the fields while the drought and cold spring has left the plants short and behind in development. Wheat is hardy though, and if favorable weather happens, the crop may still be close to average come harvest.

The Cottonwood District has two wheat demonstration plots out this year, one in each county.

Dr. Lucas Haag, KSRE North East Area Agronomist will be on hand to talk about the individual varieties which were planted, and how they are producing in each area. He will also discuss the different situations and stressors for this year. Eric DeWolf, KRSE Plant Pathologist will also be on hand to discuss what disease pressures are present and what to keep a lookout for coming into harvest.

At the Ellis County plot, Dr. J.P. Michaud KSRE NW area Entomologist will also be present to discuss insect populations and answer any questions that you may have.

The first plot tour will be on May 24th in Barton County beginning at 6:00. This year’s plot cooperator is Terry Reif. Directions to the field are: from Hoisington: go N. on blacktop Susank Rd. at Susank go 4 miles E. on the blacktop, turn N. onto NE40 Ave. go 1-mile N. to NE 200 Rd., turn E on 200 and go about 3/8 mile.

After the plot tour, everyone is invited to the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department located at 588 1st Ave in Beaver. Please call 620-793-1910 to RSVP for the meal following so that we have enough food for everyone.

The second plot tour will be on May 31st at 6:00 pm on L & M Farming’s ground. Directions from I-70: take the Victoria exit 168 go 2.5 miles north on Cathedral Ave./HWY. 255. Turn west onto Fairground Rd and go 1.5 miles. From Catharine: go ½ east and turn south onto 310, go 1 mile and turn east onto Fairground Rd and go 1.5 miles.

A meal and refreshments will immediately follow the field day in Victoria at the city park, beside the swimming pool on Iron Street. All interested people are invited to attend. No RSVP necessary.

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910.