Debates are the rule of the day. This is the last week to hear House bills on the floor so things are beginning to get a sense of urgency. Wednesday the 21st of Feb is the last day for committees to meet, so bills that are going to see action need to get out for House floor debate. Next Saturday is called “turn around”. This is the day the house and senate exchange their proposed legislation.
The house passed 25 bills last week alone; some of the highlights are as follows.
Franchise Tax, HB 2031 repeals the corporate Franchise Tax over a three year period. The measure passed 91/30 changing the rate at which affected business are taxed as franchisees and repeals the tax completely in three years. This hopefully will lead to job creation and business growth.
Other tax relief being sought includes restructuring the states corporate income tax rates, permanently reducing the state’s Unemployment Insurance rate, exempting social security income for state income tax, and supporting constitutional amendment to ease the tax burden on Kansas citizens, especially those reaching the maximum social security retirement age.
Alexa’s law is named in the memory of Alexa Lynn Brooks; the unborn child of Chelsea Brooks who was murdered last summer in Wichita. Right now under Kansas law, prosecutors can only file charges against the murderer for the death of the mother.
Section 2 of Alexa’s law changes the Kansas Criminal Code definition of “person” and “human being” also to mean an unborn child and would allow the accused to face two murder charges. The federal government and 34 other states have a similar law already in place.
I was pleased to see the majority soundly reject efforts to alter the intent of this bill. I am confident the final vote on Monday the 19th will reflect the House resolve to fighting the kind of heinous crime that took the lives of Chelsea and Alexa Brooks.
SB 30 Passed the House 105-17, this measure pre-funds year 2 and 3 of the school finance plan and addresses the Regent’s crumbling classroom bond issue. It was amended on the House floor to include a $40 million a year debt reduction fund. As a side note the Governor’s Budget does not include any additional funding for K-12 education or deferred maintenance.
Creation of Health task Force-This 13 member task force is focused on finding ways to make Kansas healthier by assisting individuals in taking care of their own health. The current Health care system is broken and we are charging this task force with working towards a massive reform this year.
This week, El Dorado students, Bobby Morton, Laura Nightengale, and Kelli Fagg came to Topeka and served as pages. We had a great time and during lunch we discussed the mornings activities and had open talks on issues facing these young adults. I truly enjoy their visits and look forward to the required critique of the process they will send me.
On Thursday, Margo Funk, El Dorado Middle School language teacher came for a “job shadow” opportunity. She came early so we had opportunity to visit with KU representatives on Medical School and cancer center expansion, attend caucus meeting, sit in on Commerce & Labor Committee meeting, floor session, and a quick box lunch in my office before heading off for budget committee meeting. During our session Margo heard floor debate on Alexa’s law and two failed attempts to amend the proposed law. I offer these “job shadow”; trips as a way for all citizens to learn about the legislative process.
Dr. Vietti and LeAnn Ellis came on Thursday and met with Reps. Crum, Masterson, and me for discussions on may issues and on the creation of a Vo-Tech Education Board. We agree this is an attempt at more government and oversight boards. I think someone is trying to fix something that is not broken. The community colleges do a great job right now, “I say leave it alone”.
As always I want you to contact me on any issue of interest. I do consider it an honor and privilege to represent you and I want to know what you think. Contact me at Rep. Grange, room 411-S State Capitol, Topeka Kansas 66612, 785-296-7655, grange@house.state.ks.us.
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