Current Secretary of State Chris Biggs and State Senator Chris Steineger, both candidates for Kansas Secretary of State will be speaking and taking questions on Saturday, May 8 at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank on 501 Market St.
This meeting is open to all voters.
Light refreshments will be served.
For questions please contact Denise Cassells at 913) 795-4574.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Linn County Democratic Party Opens Meeting to All Voters
By DENISE CASSELLS
LA CYGNE, Kans. – The Linn County Democratic Central Committee, on Saturday, hosted the first of several open-to-the-public meetings scheduled for this year. State Representative Shirley Palmer and Doug Barlet, County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief shared informational updates with locals from all political affiliations who attended the meeting.
Barlet opened the meeting by clarifying that the fire department seven-man board established under county commissioners to make all decisions, “direct me on what they want me to do, then I take it to commissioners for approval because the commission maintains the authority to approve those decisions. Once the commissioners approve requests directed by the board, it then becomes my responsibility to see that it happens.”
In an effort to switch out the current 1970’s pumper vehicles, the fireboard is currently working to purchase 1990s Suburban’s that would carry the same number of people without using as much fuel.
“25 to 30 percent of calls now are emergency medical assists. Much of the time, we take a $25,000 to $35,000 pumper that carries three to four people out and it is quite expensive to maintain those trucks because of heavy fuel costs. One of our mid-seventies pumpers broke down and it was six months before we could find the parts to get it fixed and back in service. These newer vehicles would provide services to citizens at a more economical cost,” Barlet said.
The Prescott Fire Station will host a ribbon cutting when it is 100 percent completed. Barlet said he spent Friday working with county road and bridge crews to place rock around the parking and driveway areas, and the contractor has some work remaining before completion is finalized.
Prescott resident Don Johnson asked why they selected property located on the west side of the railroad tracks to build the new station.
“In looking at various locations it was felt that site would be the least costly in light of excavation and back fill costs estimates from the survey. The donated property on the east side would have required running water lines,” Barlet said.
In regards to the repealed burn resolution, “We try to provide the sheriff’s office daily with current weather and indices that suggest when it’s not safe to burn. When someone calls in, it can be recommended that it’s not safe; it does not mean you can’t burn, it only provides information that weather is not conducive for burning on a given day,” Barlet said.
Barlet discussed the new IRIS call notification system provided through the Northeast Homeland Security Council. He gave details on how the system works, how locals can sign up for emergency notification, and said he hoped everyone would take advantage of the warning system.
Barlet said that in his two plus years in his current position, he has implemented emergency operations that bring a vintage 1998 system into compatibility with current requirements. With new requirements added daily, “we are working on a vulnerable operations plan for those people in our county who need special assistance in the event of an emergency.”
Other new requirements the department is working on include controlling foreign animal disease outbreak, rescuing, and providing shelter for pets in the event of a disaster or flood, and disaster debris management. Lena Dick of Mound City asked if debris would be stored on city property. Barlet explained the process of identifying first city and county storage locations once soil test were conducted to identify possible chemicals that may not be compatible with certain elements because each type of debris would need its own specific site for storage and disposal.
Barlet earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, and master’s degree in engineering with an emphasis on explosives, both from Rolla, MO. He worked in engineering with the state for nearly ten years before working for the highway patrol as a state trooper for nine plus years, where he also worked in the accident reconstruction program before working privately doing accident reconstruction. He also spent nearly 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter.
“To facilitate all county services working toward the common good, having a background in these arenas, and being able to speak the language of various departments, I believe is helpful in my position,” Barlet said.
Representative Shirley Palmer said she believed this was the first time in nearly 20 years that the legislature has not worked a budget before wrap-up.
“We have been in session 75 days discussing issues other than budgets and taxes, leaving 15 days for wrap-up,” Palmer said.
With a current state shortfall of $433 million, trying to keep state programs operating at current levels for Fiscal Year 2011 has proven difficult.
“Every state in the union is experiencing budget shortfall issues due to the national recession. In the last 50 years, Kansas has not experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues more than one time. We are now in our third consecutive year, with a fourth year of declining revenue predicted. Because of this unprecedented decline, state lawmakers and the Governor have cut the state budget by over one billion dollars since July 1," Palmer said.
Palmer explained that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has fashioned a proposed $13.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
“However, it would require $364 million in tax increases,” she said.
When asked the number of Democrats to Republicans currently elected, Palmer responded, “There are nine Democratic senate members of 40, and 47 house members of 125 are Democrats.”
The House Appropriations Committee just endorsed a proposed budget that would not replace $172 million in one-time stimulus dollars for schools.
“Specific education cuts proposed by Republican leadership include cutting public education funding by over $170 million, offset only by higher property taxes in areas that can afford them," Palmer said.
“The Republican plan removes $32.8 million to fund a $50 increase in the base budget per pupil. Their plan cuts another $85.9 million the Governor added to replace supplemental general state aid, which is money used to equalize the local option budget. Only districts below the 81.2 percentile in assessed valuation per student receive this money, which means that over 50 districts with the highest property wealth will not be affected by this reduction, while some 240 districts would lose approximately 25 percent of current LOB aid. This will equal a loss of about $130 from the current base budget per pupil for every district. This loss either would result in a budget reduction of the same amount or would require a significant increase of up to ten percent in personal property taxes. This would disproportionally harm lower income districts,” Palmer said.
Palmer believes that if these suggested cuts pass for K-12 education for fiscal year 2011, districts would face eliminating some of the most basic activities and services of the public school experience.
“Larger districts are struggling to maintain programs; smaller districts are struggling to survive. Many local schools have already closed, devastating local economies,” she said.
Already, because of funding shortfalls, 18 National Guard armories have been closed. Over 4,000 K-12 employees have lost their job. At-Risk tutoring and after-school programs have lost funding. Correctional institutions closed, and supervised parole for former inmates eliminated. College tuition has increased due to cuts. The waiting list for disabled services exceeds 5,000 people, and services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid received cuts. Countless workers employed in these fields have faced pay cuts or had their jobs eliminated, Palmer said.
LA CYGNE, Kans. – The Linn County Democratic Central Committee, on Saturday, hosted the first of several open-to-the-public meetings scheduled for this year. State Representative Shirley Palmer and Doug Barlet, County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief shared informational updates with locals from all political affiliations who attended the meeting.
Barlet opened the meeting by clarifying that the fire department seven-man board established under county commissioners to make all decisions, “direct me on what they want me to do, then I take it to commissioners for approval because the commission maintains the authority to approve those decisions. Once the commissioners approve requests directed by the board, it then becomes my responsibility to see that it happens.”
In an effort to switch out the current 1970’s pumper vehicles, the fireboard is currently working to purchase 1990s Suburban’s that would carry the same number of people without using as much fuel.
“25 to 30 percent of calls now are emergency medical assists. Much of the time, we take a $25,000 to $35,000 pumper that carries three to four people out and it is quite expensive to maintain those trucks because of heavy fuel costs. One of our mid-seventies pumpers broke down and it was six months before we could find the parts to get it fixed and back in service. These newer vehicles would provide services to citizens at a more economical cost,” Barlet said.
The Prescott Fire Station will host a ribbon cutting when it is 100 percent completed. Barlet said he spent Friday working with county road and bridge crews to place rock around the parking and driveway areas, and the contractor has some work remaining before completion is finalized.
Prescott resident Don Johnson asked why they selected property located on the west side of the railroad tracks to build the new station.
“In looking at various locations it was felt that site would be the least costly in light of excavation and back fill costs estimates from the survey. The donated property on the east side would have required running water lines,” Barlet said.
In regards to the repealed burn resolution, “We try to provide the sheriff’s office daily with current weather and indices that suggest when it’s not safe to burn. When someone calls in, it can be recommended that it’s not safe; it does not mean you can’t burn, it only provides information that weather is not conducive for burning on a given day,” Barlet said.
Barlet discussed the new IRIS call notification system provided through the Northeast Homeland Security Council. He gave details on how the system works, how locals can sign up for emergency notification, and said he hoped everyone would take advantage of the warning system.
Barlet said that in his two plus years in his current position, he has implemented emergency operations that bring a vintage 1998 system into compatibility with current requirements. With new requirements added daily, “we are working on a vulnerable operations plan for those people in our county who need special assistance in the event of an emergency.”
Other new requirements the department is working on include controlling foreign animal disease outbreak, rescuing, and providing shelter for pets in the event of a disaster or flood, and disaster debris management. Lena Dick of Mound City asked if debris would be stored on city property. Barlet explained the process of identifying first city and county storage locations once soil test were conducted to identify possible chemicals that may not be compatible with certain elements because each type of debris would need its own specific site for storage and disposal.
Barlet earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, and master’s degree in engineering with an emphasis on explosives, both from Rolla, MO. He worked in engineering with the state for nearly ten years before working for the highway patrol as a state trooper for nine plus years, where he also worked in the accident reconstruction program before working privately doing accident reconstruction. He also spent nearly 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter.
“To facilitate all county services working toward the common good, having a background in these arenas, and being able to speak the language of various departments, I believe is helpful in my position,” Barlet said.
Representative Shirley Palmer said she believed this was the first time in nearly 20 years that the legislature has not worked a budget before wrap-up.
“We have been in session 75 days discussing issues other than budgets and taxes, leaving 15 days for wrap-up,” Palmer said.
With a current state shortfall of $433 million, trying to keep state programs operating at current levels for Fiscal Year 2011 has proven difficult.
“Every state in the union is experiencing budget shortfall issues due to the national recession. In the last 50 years, Kansas has not experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues more than one time. We are now in our third consecutive year, with a fourth year of declining revenue predicted. Because of this unprecedented decline, state lawmakers and the Governor have cut the state budget by over one billion dollars since July 1," Palmer said.
Palmer explained that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has fashioned a proposed $13.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
“However, it would require $364 million in tax increases,” she said.
When asked the number of Democrats to Republicans currently elected, Palmer responded, “There are nine Democratic senate members of 40, and 47 house members of 125 are Democrats.”
The House Appropriations Committee just endorsed a proposed budget that would not replace $172 million in one-time stimulus dollars for schools.
“Specific education cuts proposed by Republican leadership include cutting public education funding by over $170 million, offset only by higher property taxes in areas that can afford them," Palmer said.
“The Republican plan removes $32.8 million to fund a $50 increase in the base budget per pupil. Their plan cuts another $85.9 million the Governor added to replace supplemental general state aid, which is money used to equalize the local option budget. Only districts below the 81.2 percentile in assessed valuation per student receive this money, which means that over 50 districts with the highest property wealth will not be affected by this reduction, while some 240 districts would lose approximately 25 percent of current LOB aid. This will equal a loss of about $130 from the current base budget per pupil for every district. This loss either would result in a budget reduction of the same amount or would require a significant increase of up to ten percent in personal property taxes. This would disproportionally harm lower income districts,” Palmer said.
Palmer believes that if these suggested cuts pass for K-12 education for fiscal year 2011, districts would face eliminating some of the most basic activities and services of the public school experience.
“Larger districts are struggling to maintain programs; smaller districts are struggling to survive. Many local schools have already closed, devastating local economies,” she said.
Already, because of funding shortfalls, 18 National Guard armories have been closed. Over 4,000 K-12 employees have lost their job. At-Risk tutoring and after-school programs have lost funding. Correctional institutions closed, and supervised parole for former inmates eliminated. College tuition has increased due to cuts. The waiting list for disabled services exceeds 5,000 people, and services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid received cuts. Countless workers employed in these fields have faced pay cuts or had their jobs eliminated, Palmer said.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT, Number 12, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
First Adjournment
The 2010 Legislature worked long hours on Tuesday, March 30th and adjourned at 1:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 31, until April 28th. The recess came earlier than expected but will help save the cost of legislative days that may be needed for the final veto session. On April 28, legislators will return for the wrap up session, when the budget bill, some conference reports, and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.
This will be my last news release until we reconvene on April 28. I have tried to keep you informed with highlights of the session on a weekly basis. I am grateful to the newspapers who have allowed me to do so.
PAGES
I enjoyed having four Fort Scott High School Juniors serve as PAGES for me on Tuesday. They were Austin Bailey, Kacie Brown, Jordyn Grey, and Gabe Quick.
Governor Seeks Agricultural Disaster for Linn County
Governor Mark Parkinson sent a letter March 29 to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking that he declare Allen and Linn counties agricultural disaster areas for crop production losses due to severe weather between September 1 and December 31, 2009. The severe weather consisted of excessive rain that delayed harvest of fall crops and prevented wheat from being planted.
A secretarial disaster designation will make farmers eligible for low-interest loans through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, as well as any other aid that may be available through the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program approved in the 2008 farm bill.
The PEAK Bill
The PEAK bill, (providing employment across Kansas) which provides some employers with up to 90% of the state income tax withholding they pay new employees, has passed both chambers, after amendments in conference that appear to have reduced its cost to the state to virtually nothing next year. The tactic: take money from some relatively little-used economic development programs to balance out the loss of income tax revenue. The bill is a major eco-devo effort among some legislators. It is on the way to the governor for his signature.
School Employee Notice
SB 362 passed by both chambers. This bill identifies the date school boards must notify teachers and administrators of non-renewal and the date by which employees must respond if they do not wish to continue their contract. Currently the dates are May 1, and May 15. The new law will set the non-renewal notice date for boards as the third Friday in May every year. The response day would be the Friday two weeks (14 days) later. The deadline of the third week in May for boards and two weeks later for teachers will be permanent unless changed by a future Legislature. The bill will be sent to the Governor. Assuming the Governor signs the bill, it will take effect when published in the Kansas Register. It appears likely that will occur before May, thus allowing the bill to take effect for the current year.
SB 359 (Education)
Three issues pertaining to education in SB 359 passed by both Houses and were sent to the Governor. First, the bill amends the special education catastrophic state aid law for the 2009-2010 school year by increasing the threshold for eligibility from $25,000 to $36,000 and by requiring that state special education state aid and federal special education state aid, including Medicaid Replacement state Aid, be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student. In school year 2010-2011 and the years thereafter, the catastrophic state-aid reimbursement threshold would increase to twice the state aid per special education teacher from the previous year. State and federal special education aid, including Medicaid Replacement State Aid, would be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student.
Second: the bill allows a pilot program that changes the special education funding formula from a teacher-based formula to a census-based formula.
Finally, the bill amends a provision in the special education law, which provides for the payment of Medicaid Replacement State Aid to school districts.
Nursing Facility Bill Sent Back to Committee
The Senate debated a bill which would have implemented a new $30 million fee on Kansas nursing homes, before sending the bill back to committee for further review.
Under S Sub for Sub HB 2320, Kansas nursing facilities would be assessed on the number of beds that the facility is licensed for as of July1st each year. The assessment amount would be $1,325 per bed annually. The money generated by the provision is intended to supplement the current 10 percent Medicaid cut that the Governor put into place earlier this year. The $30 million fee would have drawn down $56 million in matching federal funds.
Transportation Plan
On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed to the floor – where it will reside on the calendar for a month before debate – a new, $8 billion-plus transportation plan. The plan will take advantage of about $300 million of federally subsidized “Build America” bonds. The bill includes a .3-cent sales tax increase to take effect in 2013 and is believed to be worth about $120 million a year. Transportation Chair, Dwayne Umbarger, Thayer, said he wanted the bill on the calendar so people can start talking about it and get feedback from constituents during the legislative break.
Unemployment Insurance Bill
Governor Mark Parkinson this week signed legislation to protect Kansans’ unemployment benefits and ease the financial burden on businesses as the state works its way through the national recession.
Cemetery Trust Fund
The Kansas house approved legislation designed to protect Kansans against cemetery trust funds that are not able to cover the services promised. The bill would give the Secretary of State’s office broad new powers to work with cemeteries that have underfunded prepaid trust funds. Consumers who purchase pre-paid funeral plans need to be protected.
Keep in Touch
My office in Topeka will be closed during the recess. If you would like to get in touch with me please call my home telephone 620-223-4104 or e-mail me at home at rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. Enjoy this nice spring weather. Best regards, Representative Palmer.
First Adjournment
The 2010 Legislature worked long hours on Tuesday, March 30th and adjourned at 1:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 31, until April 28th. The recess came earlier than expected but will help save the cost of legislative days that may be needed for the final veto session. On April 28, legislators will return for the wrap up session, when the budget bill, some conference reports, and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.
This will be my last news release until we reconvene on April 28. I have tried to keep you informed with highlights of the session on a weekly basis. I am grateful to the newspapers who have allowed me to do so.
PAGES
I enjoyed having four Fort Scott High School Juniors serve as PAGES for me on Tuesday. They were Austin Bailey, Kacie Brown, Jordyn Grey, and Gabe Quick.
Governor Seeks Agricultural Disaster for Linn County
Governor Mark Parkinson sent a letter March 29 to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking that he declare Allen and Linn counties agricultural disaster areas for crop production losses due to severe weather between September 1 and December 31, 2009. The severe weather consisted of excessive rain that delayed harvest of fall crops and prevented wheat from being planted.
A secretarial disaster designation will make farmers eligible for low-interest loans through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, as well as any other aid that may be available through the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program approved in the 2008 farm bill.
The PEAK Bill
The PEAK bill, (providing employment across Kansas) which provides some employers with up to 90% of the state income tax withholding they pay new employees, has passed both chambers, after amendments in conference that appear to have reduced its cost to the state to virtually nothing next year. The tactic: take money from some relatively little-used economic development programs to balance out the loss of income tax revenue. The bill is a major eco-devo effort among some legislators. It is on the way to the governor for his signature.
School Employee Notice
SB 362 passed by both chambers. This bill identifies the date school boards must notify teachers and administrators of non-renewal and the date by which employees must respond if they do not wish to continue their contract. Currently the dates are May 1, and May 15. The new law will set the non-renewal notice date for boards as the third Friday in May every year. The response day would be the Friday two weeks (14 days) later. The deadline of the third week in May for boards and two weeks later for teachers will be permanent unless changed by a future Legislature. The bill will be sent to the Governor. Assuming the Governor signs the bill, it will take effect when published in the Kansas Register. It appears likely that will occur before May, thus allowing the bill to take effect for the current year.
SB 359 (Education)
Three issues pertaining to education in SB 359 passed by both Houses and were sent to the Governor. First, the bill amends the special education catastrophic state aid law for the 2009-2010 school year by increasing the threshold for eligibility from $25,000 to $36,000 and by requiring that state special education state aid and federal special education state aid, including Medicaid Replacement state Aid, be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student. In school year 2010-2011 and the years thereafter, the catastrophic state-aid reimbursement threshold would increase to twice the state aid per special education teacher from the previous year. State and federal special education aid, including Medicaid Replacement State Aid, would be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student.
Second: the bill allows a pilot program that changes the special education funding formula from a teacher-based formula to a census-based formula.
Finally, the bill amends a provision in the special education law, which provides for the payment of Medicaid Replacement State Aid to school districts.
Nursing Facility Bill Sent Back to Committee
The Senate debated a bill which would have implemented a new $30 million fee on Kansas nursing homes, before sending the bill back to committee for further review.
Under S Sub for Sub HB 2320, Kansas nursing facilities would be assessed on the number of beds that the facility is licensed for as of July1st each year. The assessment amount would be $1,325 per bed annually. The money generated by the provision is intended to supplement the current 10 percent Medicaid cut that the Governor put into place earlier this year. The $30 million fee would have drawn down $56 million in matching federal funds.
Transportation Plan
On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed to the floor – where it will reside on the calendar for a month before debate – a new, $8 billion-plus transportation plan. The plan will take advantage of about $300 million of federally subsidized “Build America” bonds. The bill includes a .3-cent sales tax increase to take effect in 2013 and is believed to be worth about $120 million a year. Transportation Chair, Dwayne Umbarger, Thayer, said he wanted the bill on the calendar so people can start talking about it and get feedback from constituents during the legislative break.
Unemployment Insurance Bill
Governor Mark Parkinson this week signed legislation to protect Kansans’ unemployment benefits and ease the financial burden on businesses as the state works its way through the national recession.
Cemetery Trust Fund
The Kansas house approved legislation designed to protect Kansans against cemetery trust funds that are not able to cover the services promised. The bill would give the Secretary of State’s office broad new powers to work with cemeteries that have underfunded prepaid trust funds. Consumers who purchase pre-paid funeral plans need to be protected.
Keep in Touch
My office in Topeka will be closed during the recess. If you would like to get in touch with me please call my home telephone 620-223-4104 or e-mail me at home at rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. Enjoy this nice spring weather. Best regards, Representative Palmer.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Linn County Democratic Committee is Hosting a Non-Partisan Meeting April 10
Saturday April 10, the Democratic Party will feature two guest speakers. Doug Barlet, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator, and Fire Chief will address attendees on accomplishments through the Rural Fire Department, and changes that impact tax dollars.
Also, State Rep. Shirley Palmer will discuss the Kansas State House wrap up session. Palmer will highlight important issues that will be taken up when the house and senate resume.
These measures will have a direct impact on taxpayers.
This speaking engagement will be non-partisan; we encourage county residents to attend this informational gathering.
Refreshments will be provided.
The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank hall located at 501Market St.
Also, State Rep. Shirley Palmer will discuss the Kansas State House wrap up session. Palmer will highlight important issues that will be taken up when the house and senate resume.
These measures will have a direct impact on taxpayers.
This speaking engagement will be non-partisan; we encourage county residents to attend this informational gathering.
Refreshments will be provided.
The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank hall located at 501Market St.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Special Guests in Linn County
Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney will be in Linn County for a visit on July 10. The meet and greet, Q&A, will be held at the Labette Bank meeting room, located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne at 2 p.m.
As you may know, many of the Kansas state elected officials will be up for re-election this year. Therefore, we believe it beneficial that all voters try to attend gatherings hosted for informational purposes before you head to the polls in August and November.
We are fortunate this year to have several candidates who have scheduled Linn County for a visit; these candidates have an entire state to cover prior to elections, thus having our county on their schedule is an honor.
It is our hope that all interested voters will plan to attend these
events:
State Senator Chris Steineger, will be at the same location, and time on May 8th.
Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on July 10th.
Links have been provided for more information.
We hope you will join us in welcoming these candidates.
As you may know, many of the Kansas state elected officials will be up for re-election this year. Therefore, we believe it beneficial that all voters try to attend gatherings hosted for informational purposes before you head to the polls in August and November.
We are fortunate this year to have several candidates who have scheduled Linn County for a visit; these candidates have an entire state to cover prior to elections, thus having our county on their schedule is an honor.
It is our hope that all interested voters will plan to attend these
events:
State Senator Chris Steineger, will be at the same location, and time on May 8th.
Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on July 10th.
Links have been provided for more information.
We hope you will join us in welcoming these candidates.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Linn County 2nd Saturday Meeting - April 10
Saturday April 10, guest speaker for our county meeting is Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief Doug Barlet. Please welcome our friend Doug, as his speaking engagement will be non-partisan. The issue of the Rural Fire Department's budget should be a concern to every citizen.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
Fund Raiser plans.
New precinct lists are now available from Votebuilder.
May meeting discussion.
April 10 meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
Fund Raiser plans.
New precinct lists are now available from Votebuilder.
May meeting discussion.
April 10 meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
Monday, March 22, 2010
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT, Number 10, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
The pace picked up a lot this week in the Kansas Legislature as we are approaching the end of the 2010 regular session. Only two weeks remain before First Adjournment, so this was the last week for committees to pass out bills. However, bills that were never worked may still find a way onto legislation as amendments or provisos.
Next week the House will be on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to get as much done as possible before the end of the regular session. We will not convene on the floor Thursday and Friday, although conference committees will continue to meet. Things tend to move quickly from here on out. Stay tuned.
New Secretary of State
Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson named Chris Biggs as the new Secretary of State this week. The Office of Kansas Secretary of State performs many public service functions and plays a vital role in maintaining the fairness and credibility of our elections. Chris has been in public service for more than 20 years. Until this appointment, Biggs served as the state’s Securities Commissioner. Prior to being named Securities Commissioner in 2003, he had served as an attorney in public service including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and the KU Law School.
Kansas Agriculture Day
“If you eat today, thank a farmer.” That was the message Kansas commodity groups, along with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce shared on Kansas Ag Day, March 18th at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. Agriculture has always been a leading industry in Kansas. It’s a tradition that predates our statehood and it continues to contribute to our economic well-being.
Kansas Agriculture Facts
I’d like to share with you some important facts about agriculture in our state. Kansas has 65,531 farms; 85% of the farms are family owned; 8% are partnerships and the balance owned by corporations, estates or trusts. The average farm size is 707 acres. Kansas has 46.2 million acres of farmland and $13.9 billion market value of all agricultural products sold in 2008.
In 2008 Kansas ranked first in wheat produced and milled and in sorghum produced; second in cropland; third in land in farms, sunflowers produced, cattle and calves on grain feed, and cattle processed; sixth in cash receipts for farm marketing; seventh in corn produced; tenth in soybeans produced and hogs on farms and seventeenth in upland cotton and milk produced.
Kansas Highways # 1
Reader’s Digest has ranked Kansas highways #1 in the nation. Three Governors and four former Transportation Secretaries held a news conference this week to celebrate the great news. This accomplishment was possible because of the investments Kansans have been willing to make in their transportation system. The timing couldn’t have been better as the legislature is currently holding hearings on future transportation programs for our state.
Hunter Orange Requirement
We discussed HB 2646 again this year in an Agriculture and Natural Resources committee this week. This bill would amend KSA 32-1015 to clarify when hunter orange is required for hunting elk or deer during elk or deer firearms seasons. Fort Riley conservation officials first approached the Dept. in regard to this topic in the fall of 2008. As elk and deer seasons have expanded, the statutes have not kept pace with the expanded seasons. Firearms elk seasons and archery deer seasons now overlap completely in some areas of the state and as a result, large numbers of archery deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange in those areas for a very small number of firearm elk hunters annually. While many other seasons for other species overlap with either firearm elk or firearm deer seasons, hunters hunting the other seasons and species are not required to wear hunter orange and the Department feels that removing this restriction on deer and elk is in line with the rest of the hunting seasons across the state.
Budget Proposal
Despite the fact that the budget has been dramatically cut six times in the last 18 months, the majority party continues to assert that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Ten weeks into the legislative session, House Republican leadership offered on Thursday a FY 2011 budget proposal. It basically cuts approximately $361 million from state services, in addition to $200 million in cuts to Kansas public school districts. Here are some key components of the proposal:
* $200 million in cuts to Kansas public education
* $5-7 million in cuts for mental health programs impacting 90,000 Kansans who need mental health assistance.
*A 5% across the board salary cut to all state employees. (There is also a proposal to begin closing state offices at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, which is essentially a 12-day furlough).
*$37.9 million freeze on KPERS employer contributions
*1% cut in all state agency budgets, resulting in more layoffs and service cuts
* Increased premiums for children’s health insurance
We all know this is a difficult year and tough choices are inevitable. In the past, we have worked through the budget process in a bipartisan manner. After 67 days with no proposal from the majority party, this plan was passed out of committee on a straight party line vote, after about an hour of discussion. I am concerned about the deep proposed cuts. The budget debate is just getting started. This proposal will come to the House floor for full consideration early next week at which time we will have opportunities to add amendments. The bill could be voted down altogether and sent back to the drawing board. Whatever passes must be reconciled with the Senate budget bill and signed by the Governor. We will then reconvene in late April-after the most recent revenue estimates are announced – to make more adjustments through the Omnibus Budget. We have a long way to go!
Education Rally
Approximately 1,000 teachers, students and parents from across the state – as far away as Colby – took advantage of Spring Break last Tuesday by marching to the Capitol to protest further cuts to public schools. Education funding has been slashed by at least $300 million (about 10 percent) over the last year.
State Employees
More than 250 members of the Kansas organization of State Employees came to the Statehouse on Wednesday to visit with legislators. Since state employees receive their paychecks directly from the State of Kansas, their jobs, wages, and retirement are directly linked to what happens in the Capitol. State employees work in every county of Kansas. They work in agencies that keep our state running efficiently. They include social workers, psychologists, mental health techs, correctional officers, transportation workers and investigators, to name a few. Their work helps keep you safe and provides the basic services that you depend on every day. Kansas is near the bottom in state employee wages. Kansas taxpayers cannot receive their money’s worth if quality state employees are not kept on the payroll to answer the public’s call.
Mental Health Advocacy
On Thursday over 300 people arrived in Topeka as a group in an umbrella coalition of more than 30 organizations that represent consumers of mental health services, their family, community mental health centers, individual providers of mental health services, advocacy organizations, and child welfare providers. Many of these organizations operate under a state mandate to serve everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of a patient’s inability to pay. As a result, they heavily rely upon Medicaid funding to provide the treatment and care of Kansans in need. They have been deeply impacted by the 10 percent Medicaid cut imposed by the Governor in November. The coalition lobbied for the restoration of that funding in FY 2011.
Keep in Touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and or questions. My Topeka office telephone number is 785-296-7646. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105.
Additionally, you may e-mail me at shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. You may call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
The pace picked up a lot this week in the Kansas Legislature as we are approaching the end of the 2010 regular session. Only two weeks remain before First Adjournment, so this was the last week for committees to pass out bills. However, bills that were never worked may still find a way onto legislation as amendments or provisos.
Next week the House will be on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to get as much done as possible before the end of the regular session. We will not convene on the floor Thursday and Friday, although conference committees will continue to meet. Things tend to move quickly from here on out. Stay tuned.
New Secretary of State
Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson named Chris Biggs as the new Secretary of State this week. The Office of Kansas Secretary of State performs many public service functions and plays a vital role in maintaining the fairness and credibility of our elections. Chris has been in public service for more than 20 years. Until this appointment, Biggs served as the state’s Securities Commissioner. Prior to being named Securities Commissioner in 2003, he had served as an attorney in public service including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and the KU Law School.
Kansas Agriculture Day
“If you eat today, thank a farmer.” That was the message Kansas commodity groups, along with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce shared on Kansas Ag Day, March 18th at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. Agriculture has always been a leading industry in Kansas. It’s a tradition that predates our statehood and it continues to contribute to our economic well-being.
Kansas Agriculture Facts
I’d like to share with you some important facts about agriculture in our state. Kansas has 65,531 farms; 85% of the farms are family owned; 8% are partnerships and the balance owned by corporations, estates or trusts. The average farm size is 707 acres. Kansas has 46.2 million acres of farmland and $13.9 billion market value of all agricultural products sold in 2008.
In 2008 Kansas ranked first in wheat produced and milled and in sorghum produced; second in cropland; third in land in farms, sunflowers produced, cattle and calves on grain feed, and cattle processed; sixth in cash receipts for farm marketing; seventh in corn produced; tenth in soybeans produced and hogs on farms and seventeenth in upland cotton and milk produced.
Kansas Highways # 1
Reader’s Digest has ranked Kansas highways #1 in the nation. Three Governors and four former Transportation Secretaries held a news conference this week to celebrate the great news. This accomplishment was possible because of the investments Kansans have been willing to make in their transportation system. The timing couldn’t have been better as the legislature is currently holding hearings on future transportation programs for our state.
Hunter Orange Requirement
We discussed HB 2646 again this year in an Agriculture and Natural Resources committee this week. This bill would amend KSA 32-1015 to clarify when hunter orange is required for hunting elk or deer during elk or deer firearms seasons. Fort Riley conservation officials first approached the Dept. in regard to this topic in the fall of 2008. As elk and deer seasons have expanded, the statutes have not kept pace with the expanded seasons. Firearms elk seasons and archery deer seasons now overlap completely in some areas of the state and as a result, large numbers of archery deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange in those areas for a very small number of firearm elk hunters annually. While many other seasons for other species overlap with either firearm elk or firearm deer seasons, hunters hunting the other seasons and species are not required to wear hunter orange and the Department feels that removing this restriction on deer and elk is in line with the rest of the hunting seasons across the state.
Budget Proposal
Despite the fact that the budget has been dramatically cut six times in the last 18 months, the majority party continues to assert that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Ten weeks into the legislative session, House Republican leadership offered on Thursday a FY 2011 budget proposal. It basically cuts approximately $361 million from state services, in addition to $200 million in cuts to Kansas public school districts. Here are some key components of the proposal:
* $200 million in cuts to Kansas public education
* $5-7 million in cuts for mental health programs impacting 90,000 Kansans who need mental health assistance.
*A 5% across the board salary cut to all state employees. (There is also a proposal to begin closing state offices at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, which is essentially a 12-day furlough).
*$37.9 million freeze on KPERS employer contributions
*1% cut in all state agency budgets, resulting in more layoffs and service cuts
* Increased premiums for children’s health insurance
We all know this is a difficult year and tough choices are inevitable. In the past, we have worked through the budget process in a bipartisan manner. After 67 days with no proposal from the majority party, this plan was passed out of committee on a straight party line vote, after about an hour of discussion. I am concerned about the deep proposed cuts. The budget debate is just getting started. This proposal will come to the House floor for full consideration early next week at which time we will have opportunities to add amendments. The bill could be voted down altogether and sent back to the drawing board. Whatever passes must be reconciled with the Senate budget bill and signed by the Governor. We will then reconvene in late April-after the most recent revenue estimates are announced – to make more adjustments through the Omnibus Budget. We have a long way to go!
Education Rally
Approximately 1,000 teachers, students and parents from across the state – as far away as Colby – took advantage of Spring Break last Tuesday by marching to the Capitol to protest further cuts to public schools. Education funding has been slashed by at least $300 million (about 10 percent) over the last year.
State Employees
More than 250 members of the Kansas organization of State Employees came to the Statehouse on Wednesday to visit with legislators. Since state employees receive their paychecks directly from the State of Kansas, their jobs, wages, and retirement are directly linked to what happens in the Capitol. State employees work in every county of Kansas. They work in agencies that keep our state running efficiently. They include social workers, psychologists, mental health techs, correctional officers, transportation workers and investigators, to name a few. Their work helps keep you safe and provides the basic services that you depend on every day. Kansas is near the bottom in state employee wages. Kansas taxpayers cannot receive their money’s worth if quality state employees are not kept on the payroll to answer the public’s call.
Mental Health Advocacy
On Thursday over 300 people arrived in Topeka as a group in an umbrella coalition of more than 30 organizations that represent consumers of mental health services, their family, community mental health centers, individual providers of mental health services, advocacy organizations, and child welfare providers. Many of these organizations operate under a state mandate to serve everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of a patient’s inability to pay. As a result, they heavily rely upon Medicaid funding to provide the treatment and care of Kansans in need. They have been deeply impacted by the 10 percent Medicaid cut imposed by the Governor in November. The coalition lobbied for the restoration of that funding in FY 2011.
Keep in Touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and or questions. My Topeka office telephone number is 785-296-7646. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105.
Additionally, you may e-mail me at shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. You may call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
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