The final count is in for the 2007 session of the Kansas Legislature. During the session 996 bills were introduced: 395 in the Senate and 601 in the House. Of these 202 (20.2%) became law, 97 from the Senate and 105 from the House. Of those becoming law, 181 (90%) were introduced by committees and individual legislators introduced 21.
The Governor vetoed three bills and 3 line items in the appropriations bill. One bill was overridden; HB 2528, Concealed Carry. A total of 765 bills will be carried over to the 2008 Session, and if not acted upon they will become dead or “lost” and will have to be re-introduced during a subsequent session.
I have available several copies of the Summary of Legislation that I will be providing the High Schools in Towanda, El Dorado, and Whitewater. Should anyone like a copy they are available from the Legislative Research Department for a fee. (785-296-3181)
We see now the problems the State continues to face with lack of cash in that these recent disasters in Greensburg and Coffeyville can stretch the available resources and cause funding problems elsewhere. I always think it a good thing to have savings and try our best to get out from under the $5 Billion in State of Kansas debt.
We did not do that and now the funds available to help people are just not there in the amounts some would think necessary. What do you think? Should we as a State of Kansas be in the business to replace homes destroyed by flood, tornados, or other natural disasters? When the scale of destruction is as large as the ones mentioned, it becomes very easy for us to rush to the aid of those victims.
What do we do for the guy who lost his farmhouse and barns to a similar storm but he sits out all by himself? His personal loss is just as severe and devastating, do we rebuild him at taxpayer expense? I would like to know what you think.
The explosion in Valley Center reminds us all to be thankful for our emergency responders and should give us some comfort in knowing there are plans in place to address these types of unexpected event.
Perhaps this would be a good time for our City and County Economic Development people to contact the owners of the solvent plant and offer them an option to relocate to our Industrial park. We have a good location away from the center of a small town and have available rail service, highways and utilities.
I visited with Frontier Refinery officials recently and they reported that from 2005 until 2010 they expect to invest over $500 Million in our El Dorado refinery. Did you know there are only 3 operating refineries in Kansas? This is a very good sign for this additional investment, which shows confidence in this facility and our community.
Last weekend El Dorado had an opportunity to express her appreciation for the service of Veterans of the Viet Nam War and she let the Veterans down. The 20th anniversary of the Kansas Viet Nam Veterans Family reunion has come and gone.
A few of you viewed the parade that included close to 200 motorcycles flying the National Colors and our State of Kansas flag. The mounted Calvary color guard from Ft Riley attended and displayed a nostalgic look to the flag presentation. The military vehicles provided by the Kansas Museum of Military History from Augusta included a “Huey” helicopter that brought back many memories for me and the other veterans in attendance.
The name of the reunion has changed so as to not single out any specific war and give an opportunity for those Veterans who have served in past, current or future conflicts to be recognized and provide a venue to gather to visit with friends and comrades in arms. Senator Peggy Palmer, Representative and Colonel Lee Tafanelli and myself represented the State Legislature. Thanks to the “Times” for its follow-up coverage.
On Nov. 10th 2007 we will officially dedicate Highway 54 from Greensburg to the Missouri line, as the Kansas Veterans Memorial Highway. This activity while still in the planning stages will include unveiling of signs near El Dorado and Augusta and all along the route identifying the highway designation. The ceremony in El Dorado will coincide with the annual Celebration of Freedom activities. I hope to see you there.
I consider it a privilege and honor to serve as your representative in Topeka, please feel free to contact me. Home 1115 Rim Rock Road El Dorado, 67042. 321-2087, or johng@carlisleinc.net, www.johngrange.net. Thanks, Rep. John C. Grange.
Back to Updates
