By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
Week 5
I’m happy to report that the pace has picked up significantly in the Statehouse. Most committees had a full schedule on a variety of high profile issues, including: the FY 2010 rescission bill, tax policy, school funding lawsuits, health care, smoking bans, and liquor sales.
My Husband Ron
I’m sure many of you know my husband, Ron, has been very ill and in the hospital with pneumonia and other health issues. We have been to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for further evaluation. We are happy to report he is doing well and full recovery is expected soon. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Secretary of State Resigns
Kansas Secretary of State Ron Thornburg announced this week that he planned to resign in order to take a position in the private sector. Thornburgh said his last day in the state office will be Feb. 15th. Governor Mark Parkinson will appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Secretary Thornburgh’s term, which is set to expire on January 10th, 2011. The Secretary of State is one of four state-wide officers elected by voters every four years. The Secretary’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safe and fair administration of statewide elections. The office also oversees business entities and the uniform commercial code.
K2 Bill Passes Both House and Senate
This week, the House followed suit with the Senate by passing a bill that will add three chemicals to the state’s list of illegal drugs. Two of the chemicals, called “K2” or “Spice”, are added to herbs and smoked like marijuana. The substance is typically sold as incense. The third is a form of the drug Ecstasy. Under this legislation, it will become illegal to possess or sell those chemicals, just as it is for marijuana. No other state has banned this substance. (If K2 is a synthetic version of marijuana, making it illegal eliminates one possible option for easing the discomfort of cancer patients without exposing them to THC.) There are some differences between the House and Senate versions, so the two chambers must reconcile those differences before the legislation can go to the Governor for his signature or veto. A ban would take effect within two weeks of the Governor’s signature.
Budget Update
Because state revenues have been consistently lower than expected, it was necessary to make additional cuts to the FY 2010 budget that will ensure we end the fiscal year with a positive ending balance (referred to as a rescission bill). Most of the necessary cuts were made in November by Governor Parkinson, but some required statutory action. The Appropriations Committee voted the rescission bill out of committee last week and we took it up on the House floor this week.
For the most part, the Legislature accepted Governor Parkinson’s proposal, with only a few amendments. Specifically, a floor amendment was adopted that will reduce the salary of every elected official by 5 percent (this includes all public officials who are paid with state monies: statewide offices, state legislators, district judges, etc). Some Medicaid cuts were also shifted that will enable health care providers to receive more in matching funds. The total state cut remains 10 percent, but by making a few changes we were able to lessen the loss of federal dollars.
We probably aren’t finished with FY 2010 budget. Revenues were lower than expected again in January, and the state will likely be short approximately $40 million by July even with the additional cuts we approved this week. I expect we will revisit this again in April when the most updated round of revenue estimates are released and we have a more accurate picture of the shortfall. In the interest of the legislative calendar, it is best to turn our attention to FY 2011 for now.
School Finance
The Kansas Supreme Court has denied a petition by the school districts to reopen the 2006 MONTOY school finance case. Friday’s ruling from the court means that any new challenge to the state’s school finance system must start over at the district court level.
Taxation
After five rounds of budget cuts and a $400 million budget deficit still looming – revenue proposals have been a major component of the budget debate. The House Committee on Taxation began a series on various proposals. HCR 5028 would establish a three-year moratorium on the granting of new tax exemptions, tax credits or economic development incentive programs involving employer withholding taxes. This idea in addition to rolling back some tax exemptions has been widely floated throughout the interim as an alternative to a sales tax increase. This proposal is a nonbinding resolution and would not affect exemptions already in place (a repeal of any tax exemptions already on the books would require additional legislation). The Kansas Advisory Council on Intergovernmental Relations testified that the number of tax credits has increased exponentially in recent years, putting a significant dent in the state’s revenue stream. As we work through massive cuts in Medicaid and public schools, it is critical to protect what revenue we have until the economy stabilizes.
Opponents came forth from the business community who testified that a moratorium would prevent Kansas from being open to new business investments. For years, the Legislature has arbitrarily granted or denied tax exemptions with no set criteria on which to base its decision. If nothing else, this proposal highlights the need for clearly defined and consistent guidelines for granting exemptions in the future.
There are several other proposals out there and will discussed this week.
Unemployment
The Secretary of Labor talked to us Thursday about the surge in unemployment claims. If you are having trouble filing for your unemployment benefits consider going on line to: Kansas Benefits. This process is fast, simple and secure. You simply click, claim and collect! Kansas is working hard to reduce the congestion in the call center to better serve claimants. (Kansas has paid out over $766 million in unemployment benefits. Kansas processes nearly $14 million a week in benefits.) We will have to borrow from the Federal Government by the end of February. 38 other states will be borrowing by the end of the year. This is a program that has been in existence for 75 years and was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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. My office telephone number is 785-296-7646 and my home number is 620-223-4105. You may e-mail me at Shirley.Palmer@house.ks.gov. or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Quick Update
Washington Days reservations will be opening this week for registration. If you are interested in attending the events please log on to www.kansasdems.org.
Events will be held at the Topeka Ramada Inn on Feb. 26 – 27. Please use Kansas Democratic Party reference to receive hotel room special rates.
The State Party has asked Crawford County Chair Beth Bradrick to submit the names of individuals in the Democratic Party locally who have served the Party well over time. Beth is asking that names be submitted to her, along with a couple of lines about that individual's service. The award will be announced Friday, February 26 during the Washington Days banquet. Suggestions should be submitted to Beth by February 16, as the State Party will have to review those nominations and make a decision. If you would like to nominate someone you feel is worthy of recognition for their work and commitment to the party please e-mail Beth at: bbradrick@cox.net.
Linn County Democratic Party will be showing off our new county banner. It will hang in Parlor B where you will find the best hospitality suite food and beverages on Friday evening. We have also extended an offer to co-sponsor the event with Crawford County and are awaiting further information on costs.
We hope to see many Linn County residents attend this year’s events. You will not be disappointed.
If you have any questions please contact Denise Cassells.
Events will be held at the Topeka Ramada Inn on Feb. 26 – 27. Please use Kansas Democratic Party reference to receive hotel room special rates.
The State Party has asked Crawford County Chair Beth Bradrick to submit the names of individuals in the Democratic Party locally who have served the Party well over time. Beth is asking that names be submitted to her, along with a couple of lines about that individual's service. The award will be announced Friday, February 26 during the Washington Days banquet. Suggestions should be submitted to Beth by February 16, as the State Party will have to review those nominations and make a decision. If you would like to nominate someone you feel is worthy of recognition for their work and commitment to the party please e-mail Beth at: bbradrick@cox.net.
Linn County Democratic Party will be showing off our new county banner. It will hang in Parlor B where you will find the best hospitality suite food and beverages on Friday evening. We have also extended an offer to co-sponsor the event with Crawford County and are awaiting further information on costs.
We hope to see many Linn County residents attend this year’s events. You will not be disappointed.
If you have any questions please contact Denise Cassells.
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT Number 3, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
New State Library -
I attended the State Library Open House in its new location in the capitol on Wednesday. The new state librarian is from Ohio. The new location is Room 169 W., State Capitol, while the renovation is taking place. Public computers, newspapers, periodicals, audio books, legislative bills and statue books can be located there.
Kansas Day -
Kansas celebrated its 149th birthday January 29th. Hundreds of local elementary students joined Governor Mark Parkinson at the Kansas State Historical Society for the celebration. As we reflect on the history of our state, I am reminded of all the things that make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I hope we will protect all of those priorities as we work our way through our budget crisis.
Budget Shortfall -
Budgets, Cuts, and Unemployment have been the topic for lots of discussion since the legislature reconvened in January. I have been hearing from lots of constituents with concerns and comments. Thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input.
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.
As a result of this unprecedented decline in state revenues, the Kansas Legislature and Governor have cut the state budget by almost ONE BILLION DOLLARS in the past two years. Within our state, these cuts have closed 18 national guard armories, laid off over 4,000 K-12 employees, cut much needed at-risk, tutoring and after school programs at public schools, closed correctional institutions, eliminated supervised parole for former inmates, caused tuition increases at institutions of higher learning, swept funds from the state highway plan, caused a waiting list for services for the disabled that exceeds 5,000 people, cut services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid and cut the pay or eliminated the jobs of countless workers employed in the above fields. I could add another 5 pages delineating what damage the cuts have done, but I think you get the picture.
According to Kansas Tax Facts, a non-partisan publication put forth by the Kansas Legislative Research Dept., Kansas taxes (both state and local) as a percent of personal income have remained fairly constant.
TAXES as PERCENT of PERSONAL INCOME
State Local Both
FY 2004 6.52% 4.59% 11.11%
FY 2005 6.76% 4.73% 11.48%
FY 2006 7.18% 4.92% 12.10%
FY 2007 7.12% 4.87% 11.98%
FY 2008 6.94% 4.82% 11.76%
FY 2009 6.11% 4.72% 10.82%
In addition, the Kansas tax burden continues to be at or below the national average, depending on which sources you choose to reference.
As legislators, we are hearing from our constituents, and the overwhelming majority do NOT want to see further cuts to already devastated programs that serve Kansans well. H.B. 2475 may not be the answer we are looking for to solve our budget crisis. However, further cuts alone will not be the answer either. In order to move our state forward, we will need to put all options on the table and come up with a multifaceted approach to solving this budget shortfall.
After hearing testimony last week in support of Governor Parkinson’s proposed sales tax increase, opponents got their say on Tuesday. Overall, opponents argue that a sales tax increase would have a negative impact on small businesses in the state and decrease economic activity. Discussion also focused on maintaining competitiveness with our border states, especially Missouri, noting that some business owners may consider moving their business out of the state if the sales tax increased.
Some suggested that the problem was with excessive spending and that deeper cuts are the solution to the budget crisis. Others emphasized that an increase in sales tax would be regressive, harming those on the lowest end of the income scale the most because they have the least disposable income to spend, especially on consumable goods like groceries.
The committee passed the bill out of committee unfavorably on Wednesday. It has not been heard on the house floor. I felt the move was both premature and irresponsible. Given the inactivity of the House Appropriations Committee, it is nonsensical to vote on possible revenue streams until we know how much money we need or what that money will pay for.
I am interested in your honest feedback on these discussions. Should we maintain state services or should we seriously consider a revenue package of some kind? Please contact me and tell me what you think.
It is a special honor to serve as your State Representative. You may e-mail me at Shirley.Palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. My office telephone number is 785-296-4676 while my home number is 620-223-4105. You may also call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me.
New State Library -
I attended the State Library Open House in its new location in the capitol on Wednesday. The new state librarian is from Ohio. The new location is Room 169 W., State Capitol, while the renovation is taking place. Public computers, newspapers, periodicals, audio books, legislative bills and statue books can be located there.
Kansas Day -
Kansas celebrated its 149th birthday January 29th. Hundreds of local elementary students joined Governor Mark Parkinson at the Kansas State Historical Society for the celebration. As we reflect on the history of our state, I am reminded of all the things that make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I hope we will protect all of those priorities as we work our way through our budget crisis.
Budget Shortfall -
Budgets, Cuts, and Unemployment have been the topic for lots of discussion since the legislature reconvened in January. I have been hearing from lots of constituents with concerns and comments. Thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input.
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.
As a result of this unprecedented decline in state revenues, the Kansas Legislature and Governor have cut the state budget by almost ONE BILLION DOLLARS in the past two years. Within our state, these cuts have closed 18 national guard armories, laid off over 4,000 K-12 employees, cut much needed at-risk, tutoring and after school programs at public schools, closed correctional institutions, eliminated supervised parole for former inmates, caused tuition increases at institutions of higher learning, swept funds from the state highway plan, caused a waiting list for services for the disabled that exceeds 5,000 people, cut services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid and cut the pay or eliminated the jobs of countless workers employed in the above fields. I could add another 5 pages delineating what damage the cuts have done, but I think you get the picture.
According to Kansas Tax Facts, a non-partisan publication put forth by the Kansas Legislative Research Dept., Kansas taxes (both state and local) as a percent of personal income have remained fairly constant.
TAXES as PERCENT of PERSONAL INCOME
State Local Both
FY 2004 6.52% 4.59% 11.11%
FY 2005 6.76% 4.73% 11.48%
FY 2006 7.18% 4.92% 12.10%
FY 2007 7.12% 4.87% 11.98%
FY 2008 6.94% 4.82% 11.76%
FY 2009 6.11% 4.72% 10.82%
In addition, the Kansas tax burden continues to be at or below the national average, depending on which sources you choose to reference.
As legislators, we are hearing from our constituents, and the overwhelming majority do NOT want to see further cuts to already devastated programs that serve Kansans well. H.B. 2475 may not be the answer we are looking for to solve our budget crisis. However, further cuts alone will not be the answer either. In order to move our state forward, we will need to put all options on the table and come up with a multifaceted approach to solving this budget shortfall.
After hearing testimony last week in support of Governor Parkinson’s proposed sales tax increase, opponents got their say on Tuesday. Overall, opponents argue that a sales tax increase would have a negative impact on small businesses in the state and decrease economic activity. Discussion also focused on maintaining competitiveness with our border states, especially Missouri, noting that some business owners may consider moving their business out of the state if the sales tax increased.
Some suggested that the problem was with excessive spending and that deeper cuts are the solution to the budget crisis. Others emphasized that an increase in sales tax would be regressive, harming those on the lowest end of the income scale the most because they have the least disposable income to spend, especially on consumable goods like groceries.
The committee passed the bill out of committee unfavorably on Wednesday. It has not been heard on the house floor. I felt the move was both premature and irresponsible. Given the inactivity of the House Appropriations Committee, it is nonsensical to vote on possible revenue streams until we know how much money we need or what that money will pay for.
I am interested in your honest feedback on these discussions. Should we maintain state services or should we seriously consider a revenue package of some kind? Please contact me and tell me what you think.
It is a special honor to serve as your State Representative. You may e-mail me at Shirley.Palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. My office telephone number is 785-296-4676 while my home number is 620-223-4105. You may also call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me.
Legislative Forum Update
The Legislative Forum will be March 13,10 a.m. to Noon.
Please plan to attend in place of our regularly scheduled March meeting.
This event will be held at the F & M Community Building in Mound City, located on the south side of Main St.
Also: Our February meeting will feature guest speaker, Kansas State Democratic Party Executive Director Kenny Johnston. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Refreshments will be available at both of the meetings.
Please remember to make calls to extend invitations.
Thanks!
Please plan to attend in place of our regularly scheduled March meeting.
This event will be held at the F & M Community Building in Mound City, located on the south side of Main St.
Also: Our February meeting will feature guest speaker, Kansas State Democratic Party Executive Director Kenny Johnston. Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Refreshments will be available at both of the meetings.
Please remember to make calls to extend invitations.
Thanks!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Updates:
Greetings,
Just a quick update to those of you I feel may be interested in upcoming events.
Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., Kansas State Democratic Party Executive Director Kenny Johnston will be the featured speaker at our meeting to be held in La Cygne at the Labette Bank.
Refreshments will be provided, and we are asking everyone to invite other Democratic and Independent voters to join us.
The Democratic meeting for March 13 has been cancelled. There will however, be a legislative forum held that Saturday with four panelist; R - Senator Pat Apple, R - Rep. Jene Vickrey, D – Rep. Shirley Palmer, and D – Rep. Bill Feuerborn. The Democratic and Republican county parties are co-hosting this event, along with Farm Bureau, and the Linn County News.
This forum will be held at the F&M Bank community building located on the south side of Main, in Mound City. The event will be held to two hours for speakers and q & a. Refreshments will be provided.
The Democratic Party of Linn County will have a prominent guest speaker at each monthly meeting throughout the remainder of the year until the general election. Our meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. in the La Cygne Labette Bank building.
We strive to welcome all interested Independent voters who wish to hear from state and local candidates running for a 2010 seat. Questions will be answered by the candidates. We especially urge educators, mayors, and all county officials to join in the ensuing discussions.
Please visit our web site at www.DemocraticPartyofLinnCounty.org for updates, or see Democratic Party of Linn County on facebook for announcements.
We realize that e-mail communications are limited in scope; therefore, as chair, I ask that all committee members please make phone calls and extend an invitation.
We look forward to seeing many new guests to help welcome our line-up of state and local authorities.
Just a quick update to those of you I feel may be interested in upcoming events.
Feb. 13 at 2 p.m., Kansas State Democratic Party Executive Director Kenny Johnston will be the featured speaker at our meeting to be held in La Cygne at the Labette Bank.
Refreshments will be provided, and we are asking everyone to invite other Democratic and Independent voters to join us.
The Democratic meeting for March 13 has been cancelled. There will however, be a legislative forum held that Saturday with four panelist; R - Senator Pat Apple, R - Rep. Jene Vickrey, D – Rep. Shirley Palmer, and D – Rep. Bill Feuerborn. The Democratic and Republican county parties are co-hosting this event, along with Farm Bureau, and the Linn County News.
This forum will be held at the F&M Bank community building located on the south side of Main, in Mound City. The event will be held to two hours for speakers and q & a. Refreshments will be provided.
The Democratic Party of Linn County will have a prominent guest speaker at each monthly meeting throughout the remainder of the year until the general election. Our meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. in the La Cygne Labette Bank building.
We strive to welcome all interested Independent voters who wish to hear from state and local candidates running for a 2010 seat. Questions will be answered by the candidates. We especially urge educators, mayors, and all county officials to join in the ensuing discussions.
Please visit our web site at www.DemocraticPartyofLinnCounty.org for updates, or see Democratic Party of Linn County on facebook for announcements.
We realize that e-mail communications are limited in scope; therefore, as chair, I ask that all committee members please make phone calls and extend an invitation.
We look forward to seeing many new guests to help welcome our line-up of state and local authorities.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Reminder: Legislative Forum will Replace March 13 County Democratic Meeting
Saturday, March 13 county meeting will be canceled due to the scheduling of a Legislative Forum that our party will co-sponsor. The forum will be held at the Farmer & Merchant building on Main St. in Mound City.
Time will be announced in the Linn County News, or check back here for time details.
Tentatively, plan on a morning meeting at 9 or 10 a.m. The meeting should last approximately two hours.
Panelist will include:
State Sen. Pat Apple - a Republican from Louisburg,
State Rep. Jene Vickrey - a Republican from Louisburg,
State Rep. Shirley Palmer - a Democrat from Fort Scott,
State Rep. Bill Feuerborn - a Democrat from Garnett.
More information will be made available in the near future.
Time will be announced in the Linn County News, or check back here for time details.
Tentatively, plan on a morning meeting at 9 or 10 a.m. The meeting should last approximately two hours.
Panelist will include:
State Sen. Pat Apple - a Republican from Louisburg,
State Rep. Jene Vickrey - a Republican from Louisburg,
State Rep. Shirley Palmer - a Democrat from Fort Scott,
State Rep. Bill Feuerborn - a Democrat from Garnett.
More information will be made available in the near future.
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.
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.
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