Turn around is complete and this week was shortened by the process of assigning bills to specific committees and limited floor debate on a few issues.
Just to prove that you are listening and watching, I had many inquiries about a proposed house bill. HB 2200 was presented and was aimed at preventing teachers from using material that would otherwise be deemed obscene or pornographic. Aimed at K-12 levels; the thought that a teacher would be allowed to show movies or photos of a pornographic nature is hard to believe.
There was an attempt at a floor amendment to include the Regent Schools ( State Colleges) as well. The amendment was defeated and soon there after the bill itself was re-referred to the committee on Education. I suspect we will not see it again. In my response to the many individuals that contacted me, I think our local boards, associations, and leadership are capable of keeping these few rogue teachers in check. Thanks to all who inquired, nice to know we all agreed on this issue.
Research shows a vast disparity in tuition rates between resident and non-resident students and between Kansas universities and peer institutions. Information provided by the Kansas Board of regents and the Chronicle of Higher Education indicates that non-residents pay an average of $3,000 less per year to attend Kansas Regents schools than they would at peer institutions across the country.
KU and K-State students are paying between 11-15% more in tuition than students at peer institutions. In addition, non-resident students are paying an average of 20% less to come to Kansas school than a Kansan student pays when they go elsewhere. The policy essentially charges Kansas students more than other states charge their residents for higher education, while providing a $3,000 discount for students from outside Kansas.
Raising non-resident tuition rates to the national average would produce and estimated $33.5 million revenue stream. This adjustment would provide annual revenue for deferred maintenance expenses and protect Kansas students from tuition increases proposed under that pretext.
The Kansas Board of Regents estimates the current backlog of deferred maintenance between $500 - $700 million dollars. The study indicates there is indeed a connection between disparity and deferred maintenance needs.
The newly established health task force is expected to complete its hearings and make proposals for a comprehensive health care plan early next week. I set in on a preliminary briefing on the inner workings. The transition to this plan will take some time and there are a lot of questions to be answered. When we are asked to provide health care for everyone there may be a lot exchanges on policy, pricing, governing, and services.
Want the state to mandate employers to provide health care coverage? If you do, be prepared for mandated requirements in personal habits as it relates to smoking, eating, exercise, and other activities we all take for granted, but may not be in our best interest as a healthy society. This one has a lot of potential, we just need to hear from everyone and get answers.
The House Appropriations Committee is working on the details of the governor’s proposed budget to determine the top funding priorities for Kansans. The Governor’s budget is expected out of committee early next week. HB 2264 which exempts federal social security from the state income tax is set for debate on the floor of the House early next week as well.
Kansas’ tax-only revenues were up $21.5 million above estimates, putting us $83.2 million above the numbers on which the Governor based her FY 08 budget. That is the good news, I hope we move some of that toward the over $5 Billion debt of which $1.5 Billion is KPERS, school retirement. Over 50% of our teachers are within 10 years of retirement, this shortfall could get serious real quick!
The top 20 Political Action Committees (PAC) contributors for 2006 list is out. The top 5 are as follows:
Kansas National Education Association $228,000
Kansas Contractors Association, $113,300
Greater KC Chamber of Commerce $97,650
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers $85, 250
Bluestem Fund- Kathleen Sebelius, $83,350
The bottom of the top 20 is Kansas Agri-Business Council at $31,650. What is interesting is that the gaming industry did not make this list at all. I do not know what that means but I find it interesting they are not even on the radar.
Earlier this week I met with some of the county commissioners, county administrator, and staff to receive updates on happenings within Butler County. I am to address the El Dorado City Commission at their regular scheduled meeting on Monday the 5th, to discuss issues of mutual interest. Last Saturday I had a great time at the El Dorado Senior Center visiting with friends and making some new ones. I am available to visit with your group as well, give me a call.
As always I want to hear what you think, so do not hesitate to ask about any issue that may be of interest or concern. Contact me by one or more of the following: State Capitol, room 411-S, Topeka, Kansas 66612, 785-296-7655, or grange@house.state.ks.us , or www.kansashouse.org. I consider it an honor to serve as your representative.
Thanks,
Rep. John C. Grange
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