This is my first report from Topeka for the 2009-10 Session of the Kansas Legislature. This will be a continuation of my weekly report on the issues that will be considered during the next 90 days or so of this session. I want to thank the El Dorado Times for printing this as a public service to the good people of the 75th District and beyond.
If you would like to receive this as an e-mail and receive it a few days ahead of the publish date just let me know and I will add you to my e-mail address book. If you have comments or questions that you would like addressed just send your request to me. I will provide all the possible ways to contact me at the end of this paper.
Two major road expansion projects that originally been part of the $200 million spending cut by the Kansas Department of Transportation have been reinstated. KDOT will open bids on Feb. 4th for the $58 million K-61 expansion in Reno County and the $54 million US-169 expansion in Montgomery County.
These are a couple of the major projects that are funded from the last 10-year Comprehensive Transportation Program (CTP). KDOT Secretary Deb Miller said, “We decided that due to favorable prices, it is advantageous to the state to get these projects under contract quickly.”
KDOT analysts have determined that by withholding some of the suspended CTP preservation projects, such as paving resurfacing projects, the two larger projects can be built.
The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, with no racinos (slots at race tracks) and just one state owned-and-operated casino being built in Dodge City, will lay off 11 staffers and cut hours of another 10 workers effective Feb. 7th.
Stephen Martino, KRGC executive director, said the layoffs include enforcement agents, financial investigators, auditors and IT and administrative staff. Seven other employees have resigned. The gaming law passed two years ago was to have provided for the state to have four casinos and at lest three slots-at-tracks locations. The savings per pay period will be $54,500.00.
The layoffs and hours reductions should cut the KRGC salary expense by 50 percent. One would have to ask why these individuals were hired in the first place before the need was established after the casinos were built. The “peanut” of the issue is that until Dec. 5th 08 the casinos remained a real possibility.
The issue of the slots at the tracks became a non-issue when the racing industry was not able to place slots at their tracks and as a result the racetracks closed. The facilities at Wichita Greyhound, Camptown in SE Kansas, Woodlands in Kansas City, and reduced racing at the Anthony and Eureka Downs all led to a decreased need for the above mentioned employees.
After talking with my Topeka Research staff assistant I was provided the above rationale and was informed that these people had been employed doing background checks and preparing for the beginning operations of the expanded lottery (Casinos). There being no need to supervise a non-existent casino the layoffs became a necessity. I think this makes sense.
To answer some of your questions about visiting the capitol and the availability of tours and events I offer you the following numbers; Tour Desk at the Capitol 785-296-3966, The State History Museum, 785-272-8681, or www.kshs.org/places/museum.
To track the legislative process and have access to a local agency phone directory you can use www.kslegislature.org. Before you travel and wish to get road conditions you can call 511 on your landline or cell phone, or http://511.ksdot.org. The page office for the House is 785-296-7343, Senate pages call 785-296-7344.
This year it will once again be my honor to introduce the 2008 NCJAA National Champion Football Team; the Butler Community College Grizzlies to the House of Representatives. One day early in February the team, coaches and trainers will come up for tours and recognition.
Each member will receive a specially prepared certificate authorized by the House of Representatives.
The coaches tell me this is a very memorable event for their players and has had a positive impact on recruitment. I enjoy this event especially by getting bragging rights over my house colleagues that have community colleges and football programs in their districts.
It is an honor and privilege to be your representative in Topeka. My contact information is home 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado 67042, 316-321-2087, johng@carlisleinc.net, grange@house.state.ks.us, previous updates are available at www.johngrange.net. God Bless you and our great State of Kansas. Thanks, John
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