Neighbor News Update
NEXT WEEK LAST OF REGULAR SESSION
Next Wednesday, March 28, is "drop dead" day for the 2007 legislative session. On this day, any bill that has not passed both House and Senate chambers can no longer be debated, although certain bills, such as budget and tax, are exempt from this deadline. To prepare for "drop dead" day, legislators will be working all day on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. To save time and money, the legislature will not be in session on March 29th and 30th. During that time, conference committees will iron out the differences between House and Senate bills.
The regular session is scheduled to end on Tuesday, April 3. On April 25, legislators will return for the wrap up session, when the Omnibus Reconciliation budget bill, some conference reports and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.
FY 2008 BUDGET DEBATED
On Thursday, March 15, members of the House discussed provisions of the newly-proposed FY2008 State Budget. These expenditures essentially provide the funding state agencies need to establish and maintain various programs that benefit Kansans. Legislators spent many hours debating proposals, but over 200 funding decisions have been delayed until the last days of the session, when the House will vote to approve a final Appropriations bill.
Key issues that have been delayed:
- Investigators to fight Illegal Hiring
- Community Colleges, and Vocational and Technical School Funding
- Disability Services
- Services for Senior Citizens
- Grandparents as Caregivers
- Early Childhood Education
- Homeland Security - Natural Disaster Response
- Tracking of Sex Offenders and many more
I'm disappointed that the budget has left a number of real needs unaddressed and voted NO on the final bill. We must remember that a budget is more than an allocation of money. It is an expression of the values we hold as Kansans. Until these issues and many others are discussed, the budget will not be complete.
Amendments passed and failed:
During the debate 39 amendments were offered. Of these the legislature did mange to pass a few provisions to fund essential state programs. One amendment will restore funding for Early Head Start programs throughout the state. The appropriation reflects the Governor's recommendation to fund programs that will help prepare young children for school. I voted yes on this amendment as it will provide for educational opportunities for those who are most at-risk.
I also supported the provision that allows for a new judge in Johnson County. This is an important addition for our courts that has been requested for over ten years. This will help with the caseload of our judges and provide for much needed assistance.
Members of the House also approved an amendment that will restore funding for Domestic Violence Programs. The appropriation will cover the costs of maintaining safe houses and shelters for victims of domestic violence, and will help establish new centers in underserved, rural areas of the state.
Health Care
The House failed to pass several amendments that would have improved health care coverage for thousands of working Kansans and their families. One amendment would have funded the Governors proposal for all Kansas children from birth to age five and expecting mothers. I voted yes on this amendment because if we start our children off with healthy opportunities and good prevention treatment, it will cost us much less in the future because they will not be using emergency rooms for minor health needs. Another proposal would have helped thousands of small businesses provide adequate, affordable health insurance to their employees, by assisting these businesses with start up costs in forming association health insurance plans. I voted yes on this amendment because I heard from many small businesses that this was a top priority.
Rising health care costs are a serious problem facing our families and our businesses. We must be serious about addressing rising health care costs and ensure that all Kansans have access to quality health care. By failing to provide adequate healthcare programs, the legislature has refused to address this serious issue.
The legislature also failed to approve satisfactory funding for Kansas public schools, colleges, and universities. The House voted against an amendment that would have provided appropriations to help expand all-day kindergarten programs, which numerous studies have indicated help better prepare children for school. Members also chose not to increase scholarship money for students attending Kansas colleges and universities. I voted yes on both of these amendments, as this is a priority for all of our school districts.
Funding for home-based services for the elderly and disabled and childhood immunizations were also stripped from the Governor's proposed budget, as was funding to monitor sexual predators, and to employ individuals to investigate cases of worker misclassification (a tool commonly used by employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants).
"WAITING WEEK" SIGNED INTO LAW
Representatives, Senators and supporters joined Governor Kathleen Sebelius for the official signing of SB 83 this week. The bill, which was a result of a Senate and House compromise, represents the largest employer tax cut and the first improvement in unemployment benefits in 30 years.
SB 83 will help employers by lowering overhead on unemployment taxes by an estimated $80 million next year, cuts that will become affective as early as April 1. Governor Sebelius has signed this bill and I voted yes on SB 83.
Workers who have been laid off at no fault of their own will also benefit by being able to receive unemployment benefits more quickly. The law will eliminate altogether the week unemployed workers currently have to wait if they have been laid off because a business has closed operations in Kansas, declared bankruptcy, or fallen under the federal workforce reduction rules under that federal WARN Act. For other laid-off workers, the waiting week will still apply, but on the fourth week of unemployment, claimants will receive double benefits to compensate for non-payment on the first week.
Unemployed workers are eligible for 26 weeks of benefits. If a worker finds a new job before the 26th week, benefits are stopped. If the employer contests the claim, no payments are made until the dispute is resolved.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Several bills dealing with energy efficiency standards have been passed in the House, one of which was HB 2036. This bill requires disclosure of the energy efficiency in new built homes or in any home one decides to build. I carried this bill and it has passed the Senate, passed out of Conference Committee, and is now in the hands of the Governor. The intent of this bill is to make sure the buyer has clear expectation prior to signing the contract, of the energy efficiency ratings of the home and before they place any money in escrow. I voted yes on this bill.
Another energy efficiency bill passed by the House was HB 2037. This bill provides tax credits for energy efficiency improvements on rental housing, and is an essential step in furthering energy conservation measures in the state of Kansas. HB 2037 passed the House 123-0 and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate.
TODAY IN THE HOUSE
Today is Friday, March 23rd, and we are now debating the gaming bill. Since we are presently on the House floor and debating multiple amendments, I am unable to give you accurate and full information regarding the status of the bill. Upon adjournment of the House, which could be very late, I will try to summarize what took place.
As always, I encourage you to e-mail me with any questions or concerns. It is a pleasure to serve as your voice in Topeka!