There will be no ceremonial clocking-out with his timecard for Gov. Sam Brownback, but at 3 p.m. Wednesday Brownback officially resigns and Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer ascends to the governorship with a swearing-in ceremony in the Statehouse and he gets to start being the face of Kansas — or hoping he is.
That swearing-in is going to mean a dramatic change in lifestyle for Colyer, who has been a dutiful lieutenant governor. “Dutiful” for a lieutenant governor means don’t speak first, don’t criticize the boss, and don’t stand between the governor and press cameras.
It’s a major shift and Colyer has said there will be a “different tone” in the governorship, maybe in the whole state, when he is sworn-in. He’s not saying just days away from his swearing-in what that different tone is going to be, or even whether he liked the tone when Brownback was governor, just that it’s going to change.
But it’s for sure that after Colyer takes the oath and moves across the hall into the big office with its own bathroom that he is going to have to make Kansans aware that he’s the governor now, things are different, and that there are things he wants to do for Kansans that haven’t been done before.
And he also needs to quickly announce some noticeable—and for his political future—attractive changes in Kansas.
Because after he takes that oath, it’s all about winning the crowded Republican primary election and then the general election to get a term of his own.
Jeff Colyer
Now, while he and Brownback have said that they worked together on the budget for the remainder of this fiscal year and next, most Statehouse regulars think that Colyer within days of taking the new office will have some amendments to the Brownback/Colyer budget released earlier this month.
Little things, presumably, though Colyer is going to have to quickly do something attractive for the K-12 budget. Brownback said he wants to spend $600 million over five years to increase school funding. That’s a long time and spread out as it was proposed, even lawmakers who like the tone of the proposal don’t know where they’ll get the money for it.
It’s the time for a new governor/candidate must come up with some ideas that are his own and that mark him as leading the state, not just filling out the term.
Those new ideas— “tones?” –are what the crowd at the swearing-in is going to be listening for. Nobody’s looking for massive tax changes, either up or down, with revenues from last year’s income tax increases still uncertain…or when they’ll show up in the state treasury.
There are little things that might appeal to the voting public that he can propose as indicators of the Colyer leadership tone. Whether it’s naming bridges after former state leaders/heroes, or requiring safer helmets for high school football players, or knee-length cheerleader skirts, there are relatively cheap initiatives out there.
But at 3 p.m. Wednesday, we start seeing a new Colyer, and his GOP primary opponents are going to be busy discarding whatever he comes up with and labeling him “Brownback 2.0” for campaign purposes. Likely those GOP primary opponents and Democratic candidates for governor can agree on that tactic.
Key is that Colyer is going to have to move quickly to amass a body of work this legislative session that he can call his own and take credit for or find something in the Brownback/Colyer budget that he can say he didn’t really care for and wants credit for changing.
The new tone? We’ll see whether Kansans start humming it or not…
Syndicated by Hawver News Company LLC of Topeka; Martin Hawver is publisher of Hawver’s Capitol Report—to learn more about this nonpartisan statewide political news service, visit the website at www.hawvernews.com
The future of U.S. agriculture remains tied to this nation’s competitiveness in world trade. Our country must become more aggressive and assume its leadership role in trade negotiations.
It’s past time for our nation’s president and congressional delegation to lead this trade train. Political posturing and lack of cooperation on both sides of the aisle hasn’t worked. Our elected leaders are sent to Washington on behalf of this nation’s people. It’s time for them to work on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers, manufacturing, business and every other sector throughout this great nation.
While U.S. agriculture would like to remain positive about the possibility of keeping current trade agreements viable (NAFTA) while negotiating new deals, it appears the Trump Administration has repeatedly threatened to withdraw the United States from trade agreements. He scuttled TPP during the first week of his presidency.
The president says he’s doing this to secure a better deal for workers in the United States. He’s even placed recent tariffs on U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico. This includes tariffs on Canadian paper and solar panels and washing machines from Mexico.
The Trump Administration needs to understand how important it is for U.S. agriculture to trade with our nearby partners north and south of the border, says Kansas Farm Bureau President Rich Felts. The Montgomery County farmer says it’s vital to continue trade throughout the world.
Sanctions do not work – they only hurt our nation’s ability to trade, Felts continues. Each time we impose new sanctions, we surrender yet another market to competitors who are only too willing to sell in our absence.
In the case of agriculture, if the world’s trade barriers were removed, this country could increase agricultural commodity sales. U.S. farmers could also supply the raw materials for an estimated $40 billion per year in exports of high-valued processed foods from new plants located primarily in rural areas.
“We’re at a crossroads with trade today,” Felts says. “In addition to manufacturing, U.S. trade must include and strongly support crops and livestock this nation’s farmers and ranchers produce.
“Our government must commit to becoming the best we can be in international trade,” the Montgomery County grain farmer says. “If we conducted trade the same way we produced food, we wouldn’t have trouble moving agricultural products to people who need them overseas.”
The United States has the climate, cropland and know-how to supply agricultural products to feed the nations of the hungry world. Our country has the world’s best infrastructure. We have some of the most productive farmers and ranchers on this planet.
It’s time for the political leadership of this country to view American agriculture as one of the premier growth opportunities. For far too long the east and west coasts, and its vast populations receive top billing above those who live in the Heartland. Those who supply much of the world with the healthiest, most affordable food.
For too long, agriculture has taken a back seat to other sectors of this nation’s economy. With only 1 percent of the U.S. population farming and ranching, we are often overlooked.
Remember, our entire rural economy depends on agricultural exports and farm income, Felts says. Local Kansas banks, implement dealers, grocery stores, even health services, depend on our ability to market wheat, corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs abroad.
In 2015, U.S. ag exports totaled approximately $133 billion. This amounts to 25 percent of all U.S. production of grains, feeds, livestock and horticultural products.
Incidentally, nearly half of the wheat from Kansas and other Midwestern states is exported each year.
“We must become more aggressive in conducting trade agreements,” Felts says. “The administration should assign people in our trade offices around the globe to conduct trade on this nation’s behalf.
“Our secretary of agriculture must make international trade a top priority and work it,” the Kansas Farm Bureau president says. “Without strong trade agreements that give us free access to the world marketplace, we cannot prosper in agriculture or any other business that depends so much on exports.”
While President Trump has expressed a preference for bilateral trade agreements, where’s the progress?
Negotiate trade deals beneficial for our country – don’t just talk about them.
Whether such negotiations are bilateral or multilateral should not matter. What is important is that this “business” president work out trade deals – now.
U.S. agriculture cannot afford to be placed behind other sectors of our economy when this nation trades. Agriculture’s position on the trade pecking order is breaking our back. Farm and ranch exports must be moved to the top of our U.S. trade priorities along with manufacturing.
John Schlageck, a Hoxie native, is a leading commentator on agriculture and rural Kansas.
Kansas will have its 47th Governor, Dr. Jeff Colyer, sworn in January 31st at 3:00. Governor Brownback will be leaving to be the U.S. Ambassador to International Religious Freedom.
With a cold, blustery and snowy day, hundreds of pro-life Kansans marched in the annual March for Life held in Topeka. January 23rd marked the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe vs Wade which made abortion legal in the United States. It was heartwarming to me, even though we had inclement weather, to see so many people show up to support this march, including so many young people.
The Senate adopted a resolution congratulating and commending the regional finalists of the 2018 Kansas Teacher of the Year selections. With more than 100 candidates nominated, Samantha Neill from Buhler Unified School District was selected as the 2018 Teacher of the Year.
Last Monday the amusement/agritourism bill was read in and it has been issued a bill number
S.B. 307, for those of you interested in following this legislation. A time for hearings has not been decided but should be scheduled in the near future. I will let all of the counties with amusement rides know when the hearings will be held. I had a very productive meeting with the House chair of Fed and State, John Barker, and vice chair, Ron Highland concerning changes needed for home owned carnival rides.
The State Finance Council met this week and approved the construction of a new Lansing prison. The vote was originally scheduled for January 4th but was delayed to allow legislators time to gather information on the plan. Under the approved plan developed by KDOC and CoreCivic, the new facility will have 1,920 maximum and minimum-security beds and 512 medium security beds. Technology and design upgrades will allow the KDOC to reduce staffing from 682 to 371.
This week legislators heard from hospital representatives, district attorneys, county sheriffs and leaders from community health centers about the growing mental health crisis in Kansas. A brief background was explained on how both the state and federal governments have cut funding to mental health over the past 60 years. This has resulted in Kansas emergency rooms and local jails being filled with people needing treatment. S.B. 195 will address some of these issues and should be passed out of community next week.
Next Tuesday, Ag and Natural Resources will be working on S.B. 263, concerning industrial hemp. Many constituents have shared their ideas concerning this legislation and may be interested in attending this meeting.
Hard Facts:
• The Kansas economy grew 2.1% in the third quarter of 2017, missing the expectation of 2.8% growth.
• Since December 2016, Kansas gained 6,300 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 8,000 private sector jobs.
Kansas Department of Agricultural reports: Agriculture industry employs nearly 247,000 Kansans accounting for 13% of the state’s workforce.In 2017 Kansas agriculture was valued at nearly $68 Billion approximately 45% of the Kansas economy.
John Richard Schrock is a professor at Emporia State University.
In his State-of-the-State speech, Governor Brownback proposed five goals for Kansas education. The fifth goal was for Kansas to “…offer every Kansas high school student, at no additional cost to parents, the choice of taking either the ACT college entrance exam or the Work Keys assessment.”
I have seen the bad effects of the gao kao exam in China, the GCSE across the British Commonwealth, and the high school exit exams in Japan and South Korea. These information-laden tests worldwide drive teachers to teach-to-the-test, just as the Kansas state assessments have taken away many teachers’ professionalism in curricular design. This is a major reason many veteran teachers and the best of our new teachers leave the classroom.
But the Governor’s recommendation on the ACT is a good proposal.
In contrast to state tests that turn creative teachers into test-prep drill-masters, the ACT is an aptitude
test, not an achievement test. Questions are designed to measure a student’s aptitude, or ability to apply methods and logic when they confront unique new problems, not their memorization of specific content. So it is difficult to teach-to-the-ACT. The small improvements seen in ACT test-prep sessions are due to familiarizing a student with the test format, and learning techniques we call “test-mechanics.”
The ACT should be provided free to all Kansas students. Currently, 20 states already fund the ACT test for all of their students in their senior year. That list includes neighboring Colorado and Missouri.
But over the last 5 years nationwide, the proportion of high school students aspiring to a college education has dropped by 6 percent. And there are one million fewer American students attending college today than a decade ago, a shortfall currently filled by international students. And for the first time in U.S. history, the five-year post-college cohort of Americans has less college education than the next older five-year generation. Unlike all other developed countries, the United States is becoming a less-educated society.
The 20 states that give the ACT to all high school seniors made one important discovery. Some high school seniors who would not have taken the ACT on their own, and who were not considering attending college, discovered from their ACT scores that they were indeed college-ready and college-able. America needs those students in the college classroom.
So what about the Work Keys assessment? Nationwide over the last five years, the number of students wanting to pursue vocational, technical and two-year degrees increased by 2 percent. America does have a shortage of welders and mechanics and plumbers—jobs that often pay more than a college graduate may earn. The Work Keys focus on applied math, graphic literacy, and workplace documents. But the genuine credentials are welding certificates and other real-life skill documents that are awarded by professions after high school. The generic Work Keys National Career Readiness Certificate is no substitute for the ACT.
But by far, the real benefit of adopting the ACT for every student lies in discontinuing the state assessments. In December 2016, the KSBE received a study that demonstrated the Kansas assessments and the ACT were essentially equivalent.
In addition, the ESSA that replaces No Child Left Behind specifically allows states to use the ACT in place of the high school assessments.
Providing the ACT to all Kansas seniors and ditching the redundant state assessments not only saves money, but begins a long overdue journey back to teacher professionalism, where teachers use unique teaching to educate unique students. Standards and standardized testing may work for quality control on a factory assembly line where raw materials are uniform. But students come to our classes unique and they should graduate out unique.
That was the strength of the American education system and it is time for teacher professional judgement to return to the American classroom. But adding the ACT without ending state assessments just adds more testing to our test-overloaded schools.
And any Kansas farmer knows, the more time you spend weighing them, the less time you have to feed them.
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.
An aggressive energy acquisition and development firm has bought 40 leases in Ellis and Rooks counties that have already produced six and a half million barrels and are currently yielding more than 5,000 barrels per day. In a news release, the company said Haas Petroleum will operate the assets on behalf of wholly-owned subsidiary Mid-Con Drilling. This marks Viking’s third announced energy acquisition since Christmas, including acreage in Allen and Woodson Counties in Kansas, and in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
The Kansas Geological Survey reports the state produced nearly 30 million barrels of crude oil through October of last year after adding nearly three million in October. Ellis County led the way with an additional 219,000 barrels produced in October, for a running total of 2.2 million barrels. Haskell County was next, producing 224,000 barrels for a total through October of 2.03 million. Barton County was next, adding 145,000 barrels for a total of 1.42 million barrels through October. Russell County produced 136 thousand barrels and Stafford County produced 89,000 for that month. The number of active oil wells in Kansas was 51,774, down more than 800 from the year before and the lowest total since 2012.
Here are the top ten oil-producing counties in Kansas in Oct. 2017 with running totals for the year in parentheses:
Ellis County 219,000 bbl (2.21 million bbl)
Haskell County 224,000 bbl (2.04 million bbl)
Barton County 145,000 bbl (1.415 million bbl)
Finney County 146,000 bbl (1.36 million bbl)
Russell County 136,000 bbl (1.34 million bbl)
Rooks County 130,000 bbl (1.33 million bbl)
Ness County 127,000 bbl (1.25 million bbl)
Harper County 76,000 bbl (857,000 bbl)
Stafford County 89,000 bbl (871,000 bbl)
Barber County 77,000 bbl (794,000 bbl)
Owners and operators in the Oklahoma oil patch will no longer be protected from lawsuits involving the deaths and injuries of their employees after a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court last week. The high court held that there was no valid reason for special treatment of the oil and gas industry within workers compensation law. They ruled that the special protections amount to an “impermissible and unconstitutional special law.”
Baker Hughes reported an increase in the number of drilling rigs actively exploring for oil and gas across the country, but the numbers in Kansas are going the other way. There were 947 active rigs coast to coast, an increase of 12 oil rigs. Canada reported an increase of 13 to 338 active rigs. The rig counts in Kansas dropped last week. Independent Oil & Gas reported 21 active drilling rigs west of Wichita, down four, and seven in eastern Kansas, which is unchanged. The total of 28 active rigs statewide is down eight from six months ago, but up one from a year ago. Operators are drilling on leases in Barton and Stafford counties, and moving in completion tools at sites in Barton, Ellis and Russell counties. The report shows a big increase in active rigs in the Permian Basin. Texas added 13 rigs last week, and New Mexico increased by three.
Operators filed 32 permits to drill at new locations last week. Seventeen of those were in eastern Kansas, and 15 are west of Wichita, including one in Ellis County. Independent Oil & Gas Service reported 39 newly completed wells across the state, two in Barton County and one in Ellis County.
Some drillers in North Dakota are cutting oil output to limit the amount of natural gas they have to burn off. In November, the state’s production of natural gas was very near the capacity of state’s gas-gathering and processing capability. The head of the North Dakota Petroleum Council says the pipelines they have now are adequate to move that gas to market. But Ron Ness says the state’s producers lack the gathering and processing facilities needed in between the pipeline and the well head.
Natural gas processing is getting a big push in North Dakota, where oil producers are testing the limits of current facilities and must burn off more than the state allows. The Governor put out a call for more gathering and processing facilities, and in two days, no fewer than four projects surfaced. All four projects are expected to come on line within the next two years.
Marathon oil will have to figure out another way, after North Dakota regulators on Wednesday denied a request for several exemptions from the state’s flaring limits. Governor Doug Burgum leads the state’s Industrial Commission, which denied the request, saying it would violate the state 85%-capture policy.
TransCanada Corp’s Keystone crude pipeline was still operating at 20 percent reduced pressure last week, more than two months after a leak forced the line to be shut. The reduced flows have contributed to inventory declines at the Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub and pressured Canadian crude differentials, traders said.
This week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation. The Senate will be returning to General Orders where we will see the first committee bills to have a vote from the entire Senate. There was no floor action on bills this week on the Senate floor.
SNAPSHOT OF THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE 2018
The Kansas Senate consists of forty Senators – thirty-one Republicans and nine Democrats with fifteen women and twenty-five men. Fourteen Senators live in cities of 100,000+ population, ten with 20,000 to 100,000, six with 5,000-20,000 and five with 2,000-5000 and five with 0-2000. The Kansas House of Representatives consists of one-hundred twenty-five members with eighty-five Republicans and 40 Democrats with thirty-four women and ninety-one men. Fifty-three Representatives live in cities of 20,000 – 0 population with two living in unincorporated communities.
JEFF COLYER TO BECOME GOVERNOR WEDNESDAY
Governor Sam Brownback will resign this week after being confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to International Religious Freedom this past Wednesday. Brownback’s last day in office will be January 31st and Lt. Governor Colyer will be sworn in as governor at 3 pm the same day. Governor Sam Brownback was formally nominated by President Trump in July.
KANCARE
Last week, legislators heard from hospital representatives, district attorneys, county sheriffs, and leaders from community health centers about the growing mental health crisis in Kansas. A brief background was explained on how both the state and federal governments have cut funding to mental health over the past 60 years. This has resulted in Kansas emergency rooms and local jails being filled with people needing treatment. A few goals were outlined to address this growing issue. One goal was to change Medicaid policy to allow recipients of KanCare who are incarcerated to have their Medicaid eligibility suspended rather than terminated. This would provide a safety net for treatment to people who are continuously arrested and would also help alleviate some costs that the hospitals are absorbing. SB195 addresses this goal and was heard in the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and is expected to be passed out next week. There were no opponents to changing the policy. Another recommendation was to look at the needs of the state on a regional basis and to begin the creation of regional acute behavior health facilities. Acute care facilities would provide care for patients needing care for less than two weeks. Lastly, it was acknowledged that the state needs a long-term care facility. It was expressed that Osawatomie Hospital is not meeting the long-term and acute care needs of behavior health for patients needing more than two-weeks of care. Advocates hope with more funding and attention to mental health, Kansans can get the care they need to live stable and productive lives.
KANCARE 2.0
Governor Brownback’s administration announced last week that they would halt their plan to move forward with KanCare 2.0. The announcement comes after Senate President Susan Wagle, Senate Majority Leader Jim Denning, Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee Chairwoman Vicki Schmidt, and Senate Ways and Means Chairwoman Carolyn McGinn expressed concerns with the implementation of KanCare 2.0 in early January. Governor Brownback and Lt Governor Colyer explained this week that they want to address the concerns raised by legislators in regards to increased costs and the state’s ability to absorb those costs in future budgets. The administration plans to work with the Kansas legislature to determine the best path forward with the program.
INTRODUCING REAL ID
Our Elections, Ethics and Local Government heard an update from representatives of the Department of Revenue, Driver’s License department concerning Real ID. Real ID is a federal law, passed by Congress in 2005 to ensure state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards meet minimum security standards. To get a Real ID before law goes into effect on October 1, 2020, you’ll need to bring certain documentation into the local driver’s license office. Anyone boarding an airplane or entering a federal facility, such as a military base, using a state issued ID or driver’s license on October 1, 2020, will be required to have a credential that is Real ID compliant. To apply for this ID, you will need a valid passport or birth certificate, Proof of social security such as a social security card, current W-2 or 1099, or current pay stub with full SSN, Proof of residency, which can be a utility bill, your vehicle registration, or your current driver’s license. All documents should be un-laminated originals. If your name is not the same on all of your documents because of adoption, marriage, divorce, or any court ordered name change, you must provide proof of the name change such as your marriage license, adoption certificate, or divorce decree. The fees remain the same for Real ID: $26 if you’re renewing and $8 to replace. If your credential expires after the 2020 deadline and you want a Real ID, you can bring your documents in to the office, receive the Real ID, and only pay the $8 replacement charge. Finally, it is worth noting that you have the option to choose between a Real ID or a non-Real ID card. For more details and a checklist that will help make sure you bring everything you need when you go to the driver’s license station, visit ksrevenue.org/realid and you can find your local driver’s license office at https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovstations.html.
‘IF I WERE MAYOR” WINNER ANNOUNCED
On January 24, the League of Kansas Municipalities held their annual Local Government Day event. At this event, six 7th graders received recognition for their participation in the League’s annual “If I Were Mayor” memo contest. The League presented awards to five regional winners from across the state along with the overall winner. The League oversees a statewide competition for all seventh-grade students in public or private school systems. The League, which represents Kansas’ cities, asked students what they would do if given the opportunity to serve as mayor of their town. This year, the students were asked to write a memo concerning a topic and think about policy considerations, resources needed, and barriers to success. This year, over 375 students from across Kansas participated with two students from District #36 recognized – Samantha Clark, Palco Junior/Senior High School and Ariona Miller, Marysville Junior/Senior High School.
FOLLOW THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE
Both the House and Senate have taken historic steps towards the promotion of open government. For the first time, you can view video streaming of both chambers via the Kansas Legislature YouTube page. In addition, many committees are now audio streamed. Finally, the Kansas Legislature website remains a great resource.
Kansas residents can access information on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, public policy issues and more by calling 1-800-432-3924. Calls are answered by experienced reference/research librarians at the State Library of Kansas and kept confidential. Lines are open weekdays 8AM-5PM. Callers can also leave brief messages to be delivered to legislators as well as request copies of bills, journals, and other legislative documents. In addition to calling the hotline, residents can also text questions to 785 256-0733, email or instant message at kslib.info/ask. The State Library is located on the 3rd floor, north wing of the Capitol.
VISITORS FROM SENATE DISTRICT #36
The first three weeks of the legislative session was a busy one with people visiting from home for meetings and to celebrate Kansas Day on Friday – 157 years of statehood. The Municipal Judges, Electric Cooperatives members and Title Company representatives from District #36 had their annual meetings and receptions this month. Members of the Joint Law Enforcement community, County Clerks & County Appraisers, and officials from city and county government were in Topeka for Local Government Day. Doctors across the state attended the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians annual legislative day with Dr. Jen Brull from Rooks County serving as Doctor of the Day at the Capitol on Thursday.
Hello from Topeka and Happy Birthday Kansas! Probably the biggest news this past week was Governor Brownback confirmed as Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. He is resigning this week and Lt. Governor Jeff Colyer will occupy the southeast corner of the capitol building. At the time I am writing this we do not know who the new Lt. Governor will be, so we have that to look forward to.
The conversations continue on school finance, last week the House Republican caucus heard from Rep. Blaine Finch, Chairman of the Special Committee on a Comprehensive Response to the School Finance Decision. Other Representatives serving on the interim committee were Rep. Campbell, Rep. Johnson, Rep. Trimmer, Rep. Waymaster, and Rep. Winn. The interim committee was charged to: review and analyze the recent Gannon v. State decision; identify the responses available to the Legislature and the consequences of each; and explore options to reduce or eliminate the perpetual cycle of conflict over school finance and end the perennial and recurrent threat of school closures.
Caucus members also discussed how the case was presented to the Supreme Court, including how the Legislature showed its work. Speaker Ryckman indicated it is important that an expert be involved in the case. Since it is important for an expert to be involved in the case, the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) hired an expert to perform a cost study by March 15. Once completed, that study will be peer reviewed, along with previous cost studies by Augenblick and Myers and Legislative Post Audit.
The Speaker emphasized that school finance is a math problem. 90 percent of the state’s budget is expended for: Education, KPERS, and Social Services. If $600 million is added to the K-12 system, the K-12 share of government could rise to 60 percent. It will be important to prioritize spending.
One piece of information that was brought up is the time and money that the State has spent on defending itself. According to KLRD, the Attorney General’s Office has expended almost $1.6 million, as of March 1, 2017. The Speaker noted that the House lead on this issue last session and will lead again year. It is also important to look beyond this year, looking at the fiscal impact on the outyears.
It looks like we will have a new prison at the Lansing Correctional Facility as the State Finance Council convened to consider action on the Lansing Correctional Facility project. 2017 HB 2002 called for the State Finance Council to approve the project following review and consultation with the Joint Committee on State Building Construction and the Legislative Budget Committee. Those Committees discussed the project during interim meetings. The Council first considered the project on January 4, holding an informational briefing on January 11. The prison’s construction and maintenance will be through a lease purchase agreement with Core Civic. The prison’s operations will continue to be through the Department of Corrections. The Council approved the project with a 6-3 vote.
The first votes of the session were HB 2482, which would effectively change the time in which drinking establishments would be able to serve, mix, or consume alcoholic beverages on the premises from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., to 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. This change would extend this daily period by three hours. Proponents argued that this bill would improve opportunities for restaurants and businesses to attract additional clientele, particularly those working night shifts and individuals seeking breakfast opportunities.
The second was HB 2439 also known as Caitlin’s Law. This would create an additional crime of involuntary manslaughter, while under the influence. Under current law, vehicular aggravated battery while under the influence would be a severity level 5 person-felony, and such manslaughter charges would result in a severity level 4 person-felony. This bill would provide greater penalties for those who drive under the influence at a time in which they are not entitled to drive due to prior DUI offenses, specifically wen a death or serious injury occur because of the crash. If serious injury is a result while driving under the influence with the prior offense records, the sentence would be a level 4 person-felony, and would result in a level 3 person-felony should a death occur.
When you come to Topeka during the session, please stop by my office: it is in Room: 352-S. My phone number is (785) 296-7463 and email is: [email protected] and my cell number is (785) 302-8416. You can also check out kenforkansas.com.
Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.
Recently, Ag Daily posted an article by Missouri farmer Blake Hurst that explores why the media doesn’t understand “flyover country.” It takes a while to read his essay, but the points he makes are worth weighing and deciding whether the mainstream news over-dramatizes lives of those from small towns in middle America. Reading his article made me thankful that I’ve spent my life living in villages with less than 2,000 population, even if it that means a long drive to Walmart. It also makes me want to correct some misconceptions.
Even for those without children to raise, small communities in the middle of America offer plentiful reasons to call them home. You’ll know your neighbors. That doesn’t mean you’ll never have conflicts, but odds increase that you won’t worry about them belonging to terrorist organizations or holding 13 children hostage in filthy conditions. Rural living means you have an idea regarding who lives on your street and know their family history as well. So much awareness typically helps folks get along. Ever noticed how lawn mowing, flower planting, and putting up Christmas decorations appears infectious? When everyone on the street tidies yards or hangs festive lights, it’s like a germ—in no time, everyone’s got it.
On that note, if there’s a resident who can’t manage yardwork or maintenance, small town neighbors help. Now days, school kids join in the volunteering. On an established date, you’ll find entire classes alongside teachers and principals raking, painting, washing windows, or whatever needs done. Many youngsters continue helping older or disabled neighbors long after the assigned event. It’s part of their culture.
At workshops I’ve attended, urban teachers are curious about rural schools’ technology. They have the misconception that our facilities don’t compare to theirs. Imagine the surprise when they learn our students often have one on one access to computers or I-Pads. They’re more intrigued by rural youngsters’ savvy at designing web pages and computer programs, mastering CAD skills, or printing 3-D designs.
Because of technology, those who live in the hinterlands can access the world. We may have to drive an hour to shop at a big box store, but nothing stops us from placing a cyber order that’s delivered to our doorstep or from making reservations to travel wherever necessary to achieve our goals. Due to such access, rural regions house an increasing number of ex-urbanites who’ve given up gridlock to work online.
Recent arrivals mention missing familiar restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping. However, I’ve heard these same newcomers share how nice it is to visit with neighbors at the market or on the front porch. Almost all appreciate drivers who wave at everyone they meet. No one misses the honking and rude gestures they left behind.
Granted, folks in little towns give up some privacy, but the trade-off is genuine concern from people where you live and do business. I’d like to think Mr. Hurst’s article encourages rural dweller to share the truth about their communities—that these are places where residents want what humans everywhere want—love, community, safety, job satisfaction, and accomplishment. Maybe it’s time to start an exchange program to encourage Americans to see the reality of one another’s lives, rather than manufactured drama.
Native Kansan Karen Madorin is a local writer and retired teacher who loves sharing stories about places, people, critters, plants, food, and history of the High Plains.
Dr. Roger Marshall, R-Great Bend, is the First District Kansas Congressman.
Friend,
I have some exciting news to share. This week I was appointed to a leadership position on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee.
I will be assuming the role of Vice Chair on the Research and Development subcommittee. I am honored and excited about this opportunity! (shown left)
This Subcommittee has legislative jurisdiction and general oversight over the National Science Foundation. Last year, the NSF provided Kansas State University with more than $13 million for research and development. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues, including fire grant programs that provide essential gear and training to our firefights and emergency responders. These programs are especially critical in rural areas like the Big First.
In the past, this subcommittee has held hearings on the importance of federal agriculture research, and I am looking forward to continuing these Ag related discussions in my leadership role. Click here, to read my statement.
THIS WEEK:
Its time to #ReleaseTheMemo
This week I am encouraging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in pushing for the release of the FISA Memo. This is a matter of national importance and transparency must remain the corner stone of our democracy.
I’ve read the memo. I want to be very clear; I am in total support of releasing this document to the public as soon as possible. I’m glad to see my colleagues on the House Intelligence Committee take action to release the document (shown right). This can be a long process, but nonetheless a considerable step in the right direction. Americans deserve to know the truth, and there should be complete transparency.
Happy Birthday, Sgt. Zimmerman!
One hundred never looked better!
Sgt. Zimmerman (shown left) was inducted into the Army at age 24 in Leavenworth, Kansas. He worked his way up from an ammunition carrier, to a heavy machine gunner and eventually a Sergeant in the Second World War. Zimmerman was fighting in Okinawa when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, ending the War.
Following his service, he came back home where he dedicated his life to farming and family. Zimmerman and his wife Helen of 66 years raised 5 sons, 18 grandchildren, and 29 great grandkids in Grainfield, KS. Sgt. Zimmerman and I spoke about his time in the war working in heavy weapons and his memories from the war.
Thank you, Sergeant, my family and I are wishing you and yours endless happiness on your 100th trip around the sun!
Big WINS for workers wages!
Tax Reform really is the gift that keeps on giving! This week alone JPMorgan, Home Depot, Verizon, Starbucks and Disney were added to the ever growing list of over 100 businesses that are providing bonuses or extra incentive to their employees because of the GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act! This is a WIN for American and for Kansas.
Are you a business owner who has provided additional employee benefits thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? Have you noticed a difference in your pay check thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? We would love to hear your stories of a Tax Reform WIN! Reply to this newsletter with your story!
For more information about the over 100 businesses providing a little extra to their employees, CLICK HERE.
By BOB GARDNER Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations
and GARY MUSSELMAN Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association
They don’t make the headlines, their names are not in the box scores and they don’t make the all-star teams, but perhaps the most important individuals in high school sports are the contest officials.
These individuals are so important that, in fact, there would be no organized competitive sports at the high school level without the men and women who officiate these contests every day across the country. Subtract the dedicated men and women who officiate high school sports and competitive sports would no longer be organized; they would be chaotic.
In some areas, high school officials are retiring faster than new licenses are being issued. And junior varsity, freshmen and middle school games are being postponed – or even cancelled – because there are not enough men and women to officiate them.
Anyone looking for a unique way to contribute to the local community should consider becoming a licensed high school official. For individuals who played sports in high school, officiating is a great way to stay close to the sport after their playing days have ended. Officiating helps people stay in shape, expands their social and professional network and offers part-time work that is flexible, yet pays. In fact, officiating is a form of community service, but with compensation.
Another benefit of officiating is that individuals become role models so that teenagers in the community can learn the life lessons that high school sports teach. Students learn to respect their opponents and the rules of the game and the importance of practicing good sportsmanship thanks, in part, to those men and women who officiate. And the objectivity and integrity that high school officials display is an example that every young person needs to observe firsthand. In short, communities around the country will be stronger because of the life lessons that high school officials help teach the next generation.
Officiating is a great way to stay connected to sports and to give back to the local high school and community. We need dedicated men and women to become involved so that high school sports can continue to prosper for years to come.
Individuals interested in learning more about becoming a high school official, and even begin the application process, can do so at www.HighSchoolOfficials.com.
Sen. Laura Kelly (D-Topeka) is a candidate for Kansas governor.
The following op-ed is by Senator Laura Kelly, candidate for governor:
It has been a long time coming. Finally, on January 31st Sam Brownback is leaving Kansas. His disastrous experiment has inflicted serious damage to our state that will likely take years to fix. He’s leaving our budget in shambles, our schools underfunded, our economy at a standstill, and our communities struggling to make ends meet. And sadly, our challenges are far from over. Taking over his legacy is Jeff Colyer.
As Lieutenant Governor, Jeff Colyer was Sam Brownback’s biggest fan. They worked hand-in-hand to create policies that harmed our state. They both championed the tax plan that led to the devastating collapse of our state’s budget and economy. From dismantling our top-notch highway program to cutting schools to privatizing our Medicaid system, Jeff Colyer helped lead the way.
But he is not alone in his support for Sam Brownback. Secretary of State Kris Kobach and other Republican candidates for governor supported Sam Brownback’s irresponsible tax plan. They supported his efforts to decimate our public schools and steal money from our roads. Several have even proposed we bring the experiment back.
From Topeka to Colby folks tell me it is time to go in a new direction.
I’ve spent the last seven years in the Legislature fighting for teachers and taxpayers, seniors and students who suffer under the bad policies of the Brownback/Colyer Administration. I have witnessed first-hand the problems that were created by their failed tax plan. I know where the problems are, and I am uniquely qualified to fix them.
It’s time Kansans come together to invest in our shared priorities – strong schools, affordable healthcare, safe roads, and a thriving economy. To do that, we must first balance our budget. I have been a leader on budget issues for my entire career in the Senate. As governor, I will continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget so that government can start working for the people again.
This November, Kansas voters have an opportunity to reclaim our state and move beyond Brownback once and for all. Let’s get it done together.
One hundred never looked better!
