Column: The Budget and Elections

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2009

The following is a column written by Representative Mike Burgess (R-Topeka).

Budget Stabilization and Working to Ensure Secure and Accessible Elections

By Rep. Mike Burgess

In my time at the Statehouse, serving as your representative, I have enjoyed working with folks on both sides of the aisle and from all areas of the state. One of the most important things we can do is work hard to minimize the unintended consequences of the legislation we consider each year.

This week, I would like to update you on a couple of the issues I am working on this session.

Budget Stabilization Fund

The first bill will establish a budget stabilization fund to help stabilize the state’s budgeting process.  This bill will direct the legislature to set aside a little revenue into the fund during the good years.  Then when our economy takes a turn for the worse, we will have a savings account to lean on during the difficult time – making us better prepared for the downturn.  The goal is to help smooth out the bumps and make our budget more stable from year to year. The better we are able to plan and accommodate unforeseen downturns, the more efficient the state will be able to spend your tax dollars. 

The key to the fund will be to require legislative action to re-fund it when possible. 

Obviously, this is a tough budget year, but I think it is important to create the statutory framework for the fund so we create a process to put money aside during the good years.  This will be very important for the financial future of our state and our families.

Photo Identification for Voting

I have enjoyed working on a number of election issues that increase the accessibility and the security of elections over the past couple of years.  I believe fair and reliable election results are a fundamental and basic expectation of our citizens and are of the utmost importance in any society.  That is why I requested a bill that will require Kansans to show a photo ID when they vote. 

The bill is similar to a measure passed last year by the Kansas Legislature but vetoed by the Governor.

The bill exempts several groups from having to provide a photo ID, including those 65 and older; military members serving overseas and their spouses; and eligible voters living overseas.  It also provides provisions for any eligible person to receive a non-driver’s identification card free of charge.

We are asked to show a photo ID nearly every day for a host of activities from banking, to travel and other basic services. The expectations mandated in this bill are well within reason.

This bill will help by simply confirming that each vote cast is a valid one.  And when we secure the legitimacy and integrity of the political process— we instill public faith in our elections.

Once both bills are read in and referred to committees, those committees will hold public hearings on them and then decide whether to recommend them to the full House for debate. 

Finally this week I would like to encourage you to head to my website – www.mikeburgess.org and sign-up for my e-newsletter.  It’s another great way for me to keep in touch with you about the work I am doing on your behalf.

As always, it is an honor to serve you and your families.  Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the work being done at the Statehouse.

Representative Mike Burgess
51st District
Docking State Office Building, 7th Floor                    Topeka, KS 66612                                 
(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.