From the Legislature
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Cindy provides occasional "Issue Updates" to provide constituents with more detailed information on important topics or of significant issues before the legislature. These updates examine a variety of topics of interest to Kansans.
If any of these updates prompt questions or concerns, I encourage you to call me or send me an email.
FY2011 Budget(last update -March 3, 2010)
Kansas is is suffering a financial crisis. State revenues have declined four straight years; and there have been five rounds of state budget cuts in the last 18 months, equaling a total spending cut of $1 billion. We are predicting yet another $400 million shortfall in fiscal year 2010. A review and trimming of state government services and programs is necessary...
Current Budget and Spending(last update - March 3, 2010)
A major focus of the 2010 legislative session will be completing the fiscal year 2010 rescission bill. This bill is necessary to reconcile last year’s budget and and ensure we end the current fiscal year with a positive ending balance. This will be difficult since revenue estimates have consistently been lower than anticipated, and we still face an almost $40 million shortfall by July.
Education Issues Update(last update - February 21, 2010)
As the Legislature struggles to balance the 2010 and 2011 budgets, significant spending cuts will be necessary - potentially even for schools. School finance will be an issue during the 2010 Session, including the impact of the pending public school districts court petition to reopen the 2006 Montoy school finance lawsuit.
Health Care Issues Update(last update - March 3, 2010)
Many issues dealing with health care will be before the Legislature this session, as Congress struggles with Health Care Reform at the national level, and as severe budget constraints force additional health care and other social service limitations on our elderly population.
Public Safety Issues Update(last update - February 21, 2010)
The Legislature will be dealing with many, varied issues affecting public safety during the 2010 Session. Many of these issues are either a direct or indirect result of the budget crisis the State faces, such as repealing some of the recent teen driving requirements due to the elimination of driver's education programs by schools, and the impacts of Department of Correction budget cuts.
Social Services Issues Update(last update - February 21, 2010)
The impact of todays economy and the State budget problems is having a significant impact on many of our must vulnerable citizens who rely on social service programs such as Medicaid and Veterans assistance.
Statewide Smoking Ban Update(last update - February 14, 2010)
In an effort to protect Kansans from harmful secondhand smoke, Governor Mark Parkinson encouraged the Legislature to produce a strong statewide public smoking ban in 2010. Governor Parkinson has requested legislation that would satisfy the 75% of Kansans that want a real and effective public smoking ban. The Legislature has addressed this issue in the past without passing legislation for a statewide smoking ban.
Taxation Issues Update(last update - February 21, 2010)
The Legislature is holding hearings this session on Governor Parkinson's proposed 1% sales tax increase as a means of protecting Kansas schools, essential services, and vulnerable citizens from deeper budget cuts.
Unemployment Issues Update(last update - January 25, 2010)
With the surge in unemployment claims, the Kansas Department of Labor continues to experience a growing demand for Unemployment Insurance benefits filings and claim information. The Department is working hard to reduce waiting times for callers filing unemployment claims.