Troy L. Waymaster, State Representative, 109th Kansas House
February 12, 2018
State of the State 2.0
On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, Governor Jeff Colyer addressed a joint session of the House and Senate in the chamber of the Kansas House of Representatives. Although this was technically not a second State of the State speech, in essence it was.
The Governor outlined his focus for the remainder of his term. He started with an executive order that he had already signed and four additional orders. The executive order that he had signed requires all cabinet agencies to update their sexual harassment prevention policies. Thursday, the Governor signed the four executive orders that he mentioned during his speech.
The Governor also discussed jobs, stating that job growth and enhancing the quality of life for all Kansans must be our high priority. He mentioned that the current unemployment rate is at 3.4%, although the state has 48,000 unfilled jobs. The Governor said he would be launching his “(Re) Employment Plan,” which will provide, free of charge, a skills assessment, resume, interview and networking assistance, and labor market information highlighting current in-demand jobs. Governor Colyer’s speech was very refreshing and his direction for the state was starkly different than what Governor Brownback released earlier in the session.
Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act Gets Hearing in the Senate
Early on Tuesday morning, I had the pleasure of testifying in front of the Senate Commerce Committee to promote the bill that I introduced during the 2017 Legislative Session. The bill focuses on creating jobs in rural areas of Kansas. I focused on the components of the legislation that allow for capital investors to invest in companies that are wanting to build, relocate, or expand in rural areas. The Ad Astra Rural Jobs Act would definitely boost job creation, and I mentioned how it partners with the Rural Opportunity Zone. However, this was just a hearing on Tuesday morning, I hope, that given the support we had, the Senate Commerce committee will work the bill soon.
Bills Passed Out of the House
On Thursday, February 8, 2018, the Kansas House of Representatives debated and voted on four bills. A couple of those bills are as follows:
The first bill that we debated was Senate Bill 262, introduced by Senator Elaine Bowers, which authorizes the construction of a statue to honor President Dwight D. Eisenhower on the State Capitol grounds. The funds generated to construct the statue will be privately raised and no state general fund dollars will be used for the Eisenhower statue.
This bill passed 123-0.
Another bill that we debated was House Bill 2492, which would increase the maximum local sales tax rate that could be imposed by Thomas County from 1.5% to 1.75%, with all taxes levied above 1% to remain earmarked for financing a courthouse, jail, and law enforcement center. This is subject to a vote by the electorate of Thomas County. This bill now goes to the Senate after passing 109-14.
Appropriations Committee Work
On Thursday February 8, we heard the first report from a Budget Committee. The Committee heard the General Government Budget Committee’s report on the Board of Barbering, Board of Cosmetology, and Judicial Branch Budgets. We will continue to hear budget reports from all the Budget Committees until March 15. This week, the following budgets will be heard in Appropriations:
February 12: General Government: Office of the Governor; Attorney General; Department of Administration;
February 13: Transportation and Public Safety: Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training; Office of the State Fire Marshal; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
February 14: Agriculture and Natural Resources: Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism; Department of Agriculture. Social Services: Kansas Commission on Veterans’ Affairs
February 15: Higher Education: Board of Regents; Emporia State University; University of Kansas Medical Center; Wichita State University
The Kansas Legislative Research Department has produced agency budget summaries. You can access the budgets at the following web addresss:
http://www.kslegresearch.org/KLRD-web/Publications/BudgetBookFY19/FY2019_ABS.pdf
House Recognizes American Heart Month
On Thursday, members of the Kansas House, Kansas Senate, and legislative staff wore red for heart health awareness. Representative Susan Concannon carried House Resolution 6048, which names February as American Heart Month. The resolution provides many facts surrounding women and heart health, including: cardiovascular diseases kill one in three women in the United States, yet 80 percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented; an estimated 44 million women in the United States are affected by cardiovascular diseases; 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing a heart disease or a stroke. The Go Red for Women movement encourages women to know and manage total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index. Representative Concannon was joined by Leann Dickson, a cardiac nurse at Lawrence Memorial Hospital and an American Heart Association volunteer. The resolution was adopted without roll call.
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.