From the Gallery
State Legislation
The 2010 legislative session started last week; the
legislators are back to finish the two-year legislative
session with some of the same problems as last year
confronting them. First, the Capitol renovations are
still not finished so only one door is available for
entry . . . the east entrance. Those who enter the
Capitol through the parking garage entrance and the
east entrance are now subject to security checks
adding to the frustration of getting where you want to
go.
The document room (the nerve center of information
on bills, schedules, etc.) has been moved to the
basement; benches are in short supply, and there is
no longer a circular desk to gather around on the first
floor. However, some of the cosmetic changes in
hearing rooms, committee rooms and the chambers
are stunning. Beautiful period light fixtures, brand new
paint, carpet, etc. are evident if you know where to look.
The Budget
The legislature is facing a budget crisis partially due
to spending increases and also due to short-falls in
revenue. In other words, the state is living beyond its
means. Kansas is already a high tax state compared
to its neighbors. Kansas has the second highest
personal and corporate income tax rates, second
highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second
highest in property tax collections per capita according
to a press release by Americans for Prosperity on
January 11 following the governor's call for tax
increases. In addition, while Kansas remains second
to Nebraska in tax burden, Nebraska's debt burden is
$22 while Kansas' is $1202. In question in the
current legislature is a constitutional amendment that
calls for the legislature to put aside funds up to 7.5
percent of the total state general fund during years in
which the revenue exceeds the previous year's
revenue by 3 percent or more. Ironically similar
legislation was promoted last year (SCR 1614 and HB
2320), but neither bill passed both chambers.
The "rainy day" fund is a good idea; however, the
horse is already out of the barn. We need to stop the
out-of-control spending first. Constituent surveys are
showing that Kansans are very worried about
government spending, tax hikes and the intrusion of
the government in our lives and in businesses across
Kansas. Action: Pray the legislature would be
fiscally responsible and that raising taxes would not
be the "fail-safe" for over-spending. Talk with your
legislators and let them know how you feel about how
state money is spent and generated.
Rally for state sovereignty
The Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony
regarding the sovereignty of the state of Kansas. SCR
1615 expresses support for the 10th amendment of
the U.S. Constitution that limits federal power over the
states. Part of the reason for the declaration of state
sovereignty is the federal government's plan to
compel all citizens to buy health insurance. A rally
held after the hearing at the Dillon House was
attended by over 200 citizens in support of the
amendment. The committee, headed by Sen. Tim
Owens (R-Overland Park) heard from 16 proponents,
one neutral and one opponent.
The next step: The resolution will be "worked"
in committee by the members of the committee. They
will debate the language; amendments may or may
not be offered at this time. A vote is taken, and, if
successful, it will move to the full Senate for debate.
The date the resolution will be worked has not been
announced. Action: Let your senators know about
your support for state sovereignty and that you would
support the Health Care Freedom Amendment.
Encourage-a-Legislator
Packets will be mailed out this week to those who
have signed up to pray for a legislator and to send
him/her a postcard of encouragement during the
legislative session. Thanks to all of you who have
participated in the past or who are participating now. It
is one of our most successful efforts to "bridge the
gap" between citizens and those who represent them.
It is a positive way to express our thanks and
appreciation to those who give up their lives, jobs and
time to represent us in the Kansas Legislature.
Concerned Women for America of Kansas
P. O. Box 11233
Shawnee Mission, KS 66207
Phone/Fax: 913-491-1380
Email: director@kansas.cwfa.org
Web site: kansas.cwfa.org
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