Column: Legislature Works Out 2010 Budget
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2009
The following is a column written by Representative Mike Burgess (R-Topeka).
Legislature Works Out 2010 Budget
By Rep. Mike Burgess
This coming week wraps up the regular legislative session this year. The Kansas Legislature will be off for a few weeks before returning to the Statehouse for “Veto Session” at the end of April.
So far this session the House has passed 193 bills, concurrent resolutions and resolutions.
Budget Progress
The House and Senate voted last week on their respective “Mega” budget bills.
Rep. Otto offered an amendment to cut state employee pay by 10 percent. I adamantly opposed that amendment and spoke against it on the House floor. Thankfully, a majority of my colleagues also voted against it and that amendment failed.
There were a few differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget, so a conference committee comprised of three members of each chamber met to work out the differences.
We have not received the committee report yet that includes what they agreed to, but I understand the compromise does include a small budget reduction for K-12 Education of .07 percent and actually increases funding for Higher Education compared to what the House originally approved.
I will have more details in my next column.
Right to Keep and Bear Arms Constitutional amendment
Both the House and Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611, a constitutional amendment to clarify the Kansas Constitution would guarantee an individual’s right to own a firearm.
Supporters introduced the proposed amendment in response to last year’s U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that the United States’ Second Amendment grants individuals the right to bear arms.
The Kansas Constitution currently states: "The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security." A 1905 Kansas Supreme Court ruled that meant it was a collective right - not an individual right.
The proposal will be on the 2010 General Election.
Dyslexia Resolution
Earlier this session the House Education Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2199 which would have required establishment of an early literacy program for Kansas schools. A subcommittee studied the bill further and recommended instead House Concurrent Resolution 5015. The full House passed the resolution last week 122-3.
The resolution is similar to one passed last year that directed the State Board of Education to take certain actions in relation to children with reading problems, including dyslexia. HCR 5015 would direct the State Board to ensure schools are screening their students early for reading problems and those needing assistance receive it; make sure teachers are using best practices in helping their students and make sure parents have access to information to help their children become stronger readers.
State Board is to report back to the legislature about its efforts on or before December 31, 2009. Members of the Education Committee felt the State School Board made good progress in responding to last year’s resolution and that this additional resolution would continue the process.
Wind, solar bill goes to governor
The House approved a bill designed to attract companies that manufacture equipment for solar and wind energy production to the state.
Senate Bill 108 would allow the state to issue up to $5 million in bonds to help such firms.
Companies would be eligible if they expected to invest at least $30 million in the state and have at least 200 full-time workers within five years. Also, a company would have to pay an average salary of $32,500 to its Kansas employees.
The Senate approved the bill earlier this month and it’s now on its way to the Governor for her signature.
Minimum Wage Bill Headed to Conference Committee
Both the House and Senate have passed a bill raising the minimum wage in Kansas.
Senate Bill 160 would increase it to $7.25 for most workers on January 1 from the state’s current minimum wage of $2.65.
The House amended the Senate’s bill, so a conference committee will work out the differences.
Manhattan lands Nonstop Air Service to Dallas/Fort Worth
I was pleased to hear the announcement that American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, will launch nonstop service from Manhattan to Dallas/Fort Worth beginning in late August.
The 2008 Legislature passed the North Central Kansas Air Passenger Service Support Fund to assist the airport in its attempt to attract a new regional air carrier.
House Substitute for Senate Bill 359 provides up to $1 million dollars in FY 2009 and FY 2010 to an air carrier if flights during any quarter are filled to less than 70 percent of capacity or as determined in a formula for a load factor, pursuant to a support agreement. The payments will be made only after the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc., first made payments of $250,000 or more in each fiscal year for air passenger support.
This is a great example of what a region can do when they work together. Their united voice got the Legislature's attention. This is a great opportunity for Manhattan, Junction City, K-State and the surrounding communities. It also will complement the building of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.
Keep this in mind the next time you travel as Manhattan offers free parking, and it will likely be much more convenient than driving the Kansas City International Airport.
Coffee & Conversation in Silver Lake
Sen. Laura Kelly and I were hosted by the Silver Lake Lyons Club for our annual townhall in Silver Lake. This was my 6th townhall so far this session. I want to thank all of the folks who braved the weather to come chat with us. We had a lot of great discussions on a wide variety of topics.
As always it is an honor to serve you and our neighbors in the 51st House District. Please call or email me about your concerns and ideas.
Rep. Mike Burgess
51st House District
785/296-7632
Mike.Burgess@house.ks.gov
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Mike Burgess serves north and west Shawnee County and southern Wabaunsee County, including Alma, Eskridge, Harveyville, Rossville, Silver Lake, Willard and a little bit of Topeka.