LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT Number 1, 2010

By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative

2010 Session Underway
Hello! On Monday, January 11, the Kansas Legislature convened for the 2010 Legislative Session. It could very well be the longest, toughest legislative session in the history of our state. Although we have experienced challenges in the past, the current financial crisis is by far the most severe situation we have faced since the Great Depression. Even after five rounds of crippling budget cuts, revenues are still too low to keep the state operating at current funding levels. A $400 million shortfall is anticipated. We must put partisan politics aside and work together to pass legislation that will improve the lives of all Kansans. Lawmakers have been called on to build for the future and not continue slashing in the present. We must work together to make tough choices which I know are inevitable. This session is more than a discussion about our budget, it is a discussion about our overall quality of life. We owe it to our fellow citizens and future generations to do whatever we can to protect it.

I am privileged and honored to be your voice in the Kansas Capitol. I want to thank the people of the 4th District for allowing me this opportunity. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at home or in Topeka. The State Capitol is still undergoing major renovations so my office is still in the Docking State Office Building which is located directly across the street (west) of the Capitol. My new office telephone number is 785-296-7646 and my state e-mail is shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105 and my home e-mail is rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. A FAX can reach me at 785-296-2028 or 785-368-6503 in Topeka or 620-223-4105 at home.

Committees
Most committees met during the week for organizational purposes and began hearing bill introductions. My committees for this year include: Education, Transportation, and Agriculture and Natural Resources.

FY 2011 Budget Debate Begins
As a result of the recession, state funds have declined for an unprecedented four straight years while total spending has been slashed more than $1 billion in the last 18 months. To partially fill the budget hole, Parkinson said the state should raise the sales tax by 1 cent for 36 months. After that point, he said the state should cut back the tax increase to two-tenths of a cent to fund a highway program. He also said the state should raise the cigarette and tobacco tax to the national average of $1.34 from 79 cents a pack in Kansas – a move he said could both reduce teen smoking and raise revenue. It is important to note that the budget proposal does not increase state spending. The $1 billion in cuts enacted last year will stay in place. The revenue package the governor presented is only a means of maintaining current funding. We must keep open minds and have honest discussions. There is always a lot of give and take in this process. We owe it to Kansans to give every proposal a fair examination, even if it is something we are not inclined to support.

Ultimately, you elected me to make reasonable decisions that protect our communities and grow our economy. That’s what I will try to do. In that effort, I am willing to give every proposal fair consideration. Governor Parkinson’s proposed budget is a good starting point, but we are a long way from a final package.

Keep in Touch
I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Some issues that we will be discussing soon will no doubt include: texting while driving, public smoking ban, removing the death penalty, closing some state facilities, and issuing bonds to start a new comprehensive transportation plan to name a few. Please feel free to contact me with your comments or questions. The legislative hotline is 1-800-432-3924 and is available for you to leave a message for me. Complete daily calendars are available at www.kslegislature.org. To hear legislative proceedings, click on the “Listen in Live Link.”

With hard work and dedication, we will transform the challenges of 2010 into new opportunities for 2011 and beyond.