Week # 6 and the weather is terrible, the report is for a lot of snow and from what I hear Butler county is getting it as well. The times like these make us appreciate the services we get from the snow removal teams and law enforcement.
Today we debated some upcoming proposed statute changes (bills).
HB 2628, requires Townships to follow set procedures when they want to dispose of personal property with a value of over $1,000.00. Apparently some board(s) have in the past allowed close hold sales of unneeded merchandise. At issue was the sale of a truck that went well below the market value to a relative of a board member.
HB 2726, would prevent any law enforcement officer or prosecutor from requesting or requiring that an alleged victim of sexual assault take a polygraph as a condition for proceeding with an investigation or bringing charges in a case. Believe it or not this action was required under federal law to remain eligible for certain Grants under the violence against women act.
HB 2681, would repeal a statute KSA-48-1604, that requires several state agencies to study the need for changes in State law arising from the presence in Kansas of nuclear materials. This would actually have us look more realistically at the option of Nuclear energy generation.
Are you ready for your check from the federal government economic stimulus program? Each household in Kansas should receive around $900.00 tax free to spend or not to spend as they see fit. Sounds good doesn’t it? Well guess what; if our analysts are correct we can expect ½ of the people to spend the money, the result of which will bring approximately $25 million into our state sales tax receipts.
Some of those not spending "found money"on new purchases could be paying of debt or adding to their savings account. In the case of paying off some credit card debt or making an extra car payment is good use as well. Maybe getting debt reduced will free up more discretionary spending next year.
Along with this cash is the issue of speeding up depreciation on equipment and material purchases for industry. What does all this mean to us? We expect $25.2 Million reduction in tax receipts in FY 08, $54.6 million in FY 09. By reducing the taxes to industry and by giving money to families the fed’s hope to boost the economy.
The state expects to lose $54.8 million in revenue income, over the next 2 years ($79.8- the $25.2 tax reduction I mentioned above). The other news is now we must decide where to make the cuts necessary and identify and fund the really essential services the state provides. Since we are currently developing the state budgets for next year, this is good timing.
As a side note Oklahoma expects to see $114 million shortfall in their revenues and are facing some drastic cuts. Our friends to the south may see personnel cuts or deep cuts at all agencies. As you see no good deed goes unpunished.
I had the honor of hosting the 2007 National Champion Football Team Butler Grizzlies on Tuesday the 19th. I was pleased to introduce them to the House of Representatives and they were very well received and represented our community very well. Since 2000 they are the most successful team in the US with a 85 win to 10 loss record. In the last 10 years they have played in 6 national championship games and won 4. Our coach Troy Morrill has been named NJCAA coach of the year 4 times. GO GRIZZLIES!
Last night we legislators were guests of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and our local chamber’s at a dinner and reception. Frontier Refinery and Butler Economic Development hosted us from Butler County. We were represented by County Commissioners, County and City Managers, Bankers and El Dorado Inc.
Senator Pat Roberts served as the emcee, and the guest speaker was George Will, the television and newspaper political analyst. We had ample time to discuss common issues of interest and enjoyed seeing so many of our local dignitaries
I am attending a legislative round table with the Butler and Cowley County College leadership on Saturday.
I still have some time open for pages on the 27th of February and March 6th. Call my office for details. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve you in Topeka and want to know what you think. Please call or write with your questions. 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado 67042, Topeka address is State Capitol Room 411-S Topeka 66612. Grange@house.state.ks.us, johng@carlisleinc.net. Thanks again, John.
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