Today finds us in El Dorado with newly elected Mayor, two re-elected commissioners and one new Commissioner. I want to thank outgoing Mayor Shepherd and Commissioner Fagg for their service to the community. I wish the new team the best and stand willing to continue working with them to make El Dorado a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Today I had a meeting with the Butler County Commissioners, County Administration, Senator Peggy Palmer and Representative Ed Trimmer from Winfield. We regularly come together to discuss issues that affect our county and the State of Kansas. Today’s discussions included, property valuation, mill levy, special elections, and the impact of expanded gambling in our area.
Since I am not convinced the final version of the gambling bill has been filed, I am waiting until the end of our veto session before I try to outline all the issues for you. As I have been reporting to you, beginning April 24th and running through May 2d is our “Veto Session”, during which time we do our wrap up on all pending legislation. We will have a chance to vote on any “trailer bills” that are introduced to provide clean up language and clarify any discrepancies on past legislation.
I know of one veto that many want to see achieve an override and that is the “trailer bill” on concealed carry. Language needs clarified and a possible amendment offered by the League of Kansas Municipalities, may need defeated. The amendment would have not allowed any transportation of a lawfully licensed concealed firearm on any city property, that could include, parks, streets, community buildings, parking lots, your front yard that is considered an easement, and the list goes on.
I am scheduled to visit with the Boards of Education from Circle, Remington-Whitewater, and El Dorado on the 17th of April. This is another opportunity to connect with the education community to discuss issues of mutual interest. I will provide an overview of our discussion during my next weekly update.
Some interesting changes in the Campaign Finance, Election Petitions and Election Staff occurred this past session.
Senate Substitute for HB 2081 includes:
*The bill defines as a class C misdemeanor crime any paid campaign advertisement made by telephonic means which expressly advocates the nomination, election, or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for state or local office when the advertisement is not followed by a statement indicating who paid for or sponsored the ad.
*The bill amends prior law, which prohibits legislators and others from soliciting contributions during the Legislative Session, by limiting the prohibition to “knowingly” soliciting such contributions.
*Regarding various elections petitions required or authorized as part of a procedure applicable to the state, any legislative district, or any local governments, the bill changes the time frame for the county counselor, county attorney, or district attorney to furnish a written opinion regarding the petition from five calendar days to five business days.
*The bill changes prior law regarding poll workers and election boards by permitting a county election officer, at his discretion to allocate staffing resources. Poll workers may be utilized for partial shifts and not required to work the entire time the polls are open; however at least two workers, including the supervising judge, must be on duty the entire time the polls are open. The workers on duty at the time the polls close are required to certify the ballots at that polling place. I was asked about this issue and am happy to report a positive resolution.
HB 2316 amends the law governing the payment of compensation by an employer to do the following:
Institute the use of a payroll card as an option for employees that fail to designate a financial institution;
Allow for employees to have one free withdrawal, from the payroll card, of funds up the amount of total wages as stated on the employee’s earnings statement;
Requires not less than 30 days before implementing a payroll program using an electronic fund transfer or a payroll card, to conduct forums to educate employees regarding the use of electronic funds transfers or payroll card or distribute educational information regarding theses two programs;
Retain no interest in wages paid to employees by electronic transfer, other than to correct overpayments;
Requires no charges or fees to the employee for the electronic transfer, except for the costs to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged payroll card;
Provide definitions of payroll card, payroll card issuer, and payroll card account;
Allow the Kansas Department of Labor to make unemployment benefit payments by commercially accepted means; and
Allow Kansas Department of Administration to use cash, checks, drafts, or electronic deposit to state employee’s accounts.
I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative. I do want to know what you think. If there is anything I can do for you pleases do not hesitate to ask. Contact me grange@house.state.ks.us, johng@carlisleinc.net, or at home 1115 Rim Rock Road
El Dorado Ks. 67042. My home phone is 321-2087, and in Topeka 785-296-7655 (during session only). Thanks again, John.
Back to Updates
