End of the 2011 Legislative Session

Good Afternoon Everyone:

Attached is an end-of-the-session legislative review.  I have moved all my belongings back home, but will be in and out of Topeka over the next several months attending meetings as necessary.  I hope to see you tomorrow evening at the Leavenworth/Lansing Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at the Carnegie Arts Center in Leavenworth.  Have a great summer and keep in touch.  The 2012 Legislative Session starts next January 9.

Best,

Kelly

Week 15 Legislative Update: May 13, 2011

Good Afternoon Everyone:

The legislature officially adjourned about 5:30 this morning.  Attached is the last weekly legislative update for the 2011 session.  I apologize if there are typos or mistakes, I’m working on about 4-5 hours of sleep. J Sometime during the next week or so I will send out a legislative review. 

The Ft. Leavenworth busing issue passed in SB 21 during the wee hours today.  It will help Ft. Leavenworth bus their high school students to Leavenworth High School. 

It has been an honor and privilege to represent you in the Senate.  Have a great weekend.

Best,

Kelly

Legislative Update

Week 15

Senator Kelly Kultala

May 13, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

·                  Legislature Adjourns

·                  District Happenings

·                  Ft. Leavenworth Busing Bill Passes

·                  Budget Debated

·                  Voter ID

·                  Arts Commission Closure

·                  Unilateral Annexation

·                  April Revenues Up

·                  KPERS Compromise Reached

·                  Unemployment Insurance

·                  Tourism Week

·                  Important State Phone Numbers

LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS

The Kansas Legislature has officially adjourned the 2011 session about 5:30 am today Friday, May 13, after using the full 90 days allotted.  This year was particularly frustrating, as many of the most important decisions were held until the final days of session. 

This is the last weekly legislative updates.  I will send out an end of the year review in the next week to 10 days.

Even with these setbacks, I’m proud to have voted for legislation this year that protected federal maintenance of effort guidelines for special education funding, took dangerous “bath salts” and K3 off the streets, and substantially changed workers compensation laws for the first time in more than two decades.

With the session now over, I look forward to returning home and spending some quality time out in our community.

   

FT. LEAVENWORTH BUSING BILL PASSES

Early this morning both houses passed SB 21, which contains the Ft. Leavenworth Busing language.  The bill will be on its’ way to the Governor for signature sometime during the next several days. 

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

·     This week I attended the official signing of a law that will designate the juncture of U.S. Highway 24 and K-7 Highway as the Representative Margaret Long Interchange.  Rep. Long served the 36^th House District proudly for a decade, leading the charge on a number of education, transportation and energy issues. 

·     The National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame, Bonner Springs is planning a Barnyard Babies program May 14.  The program will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Ag Hall, 126th and State. Chicks, calves, kids (baby goats) are the special guests at the event. Besides seeing baby animals, visitors may participate in children's hands-on activities, watch the blacksmith, attend living history demonstrations, take a hayride and ride the miniature train. Regular admission fees apply. For more information, visit www.aghalloffame.com or call 913-721-1075.

·     The Kansas City, Kansas, Fraternal Order of Eagles will hold a benefit fundraiser dinner on May 14. The cost of the dinner will be $10 a plate. For reservations, call 913-499-8481 or email eagleswyandotte87@kc.rr.com .

BUDGET DEBATED

Late Thursday evening, Senators finally had a chance to debate the state budget.  Typically, these decisions are made much earlier in the session. 

Unfortunately, the plan introduced in the Senate cuts $2.5 million from early childhood programs, causing huge pains to programs like Early Head Start and Parents as Teachers. It cuts funding for Kansas public schools by $232 per student next year.   These cuts will be devastating to local schools, leading to massive teacher layoffs, school closures and drastic increases in class sizes.

The plan also stripped years four and five of the long-overdue undermarket pay adjustment for state employees.  By reneging on this promise, thousands of state employees who clean our streets, protect us from criminals, work in our prisons and care for the disabled will continue earning far below their private sector counterparts.   

I could not in good conscience vote for these cuts, while leaving a $71 million ending balance.  April revenues were up and May revenues are expected to be millions of dollars higher than previous estimates.  The economy is clearly recovering. 

VOTER ID

An unusual motion was made Wednesday to reconsider a Voter ID bill that became law last month.  Senators behind the maneuver wanted to move the birth certificate requirement for first time voter registrations up from 2013 to 2012 and the law would have allowed the Secretary of State to have prosecutorial powers, currently held by local officials and the Attorney General. 

Although I supported the Voter ID bill, I voted against this measure.  The DMV previously told lawmakers that it needed this time to install a program to validate citizenship.  Without the program up and running, there’s no way to efficiently verify if someone should be allowed to vote.

ARTS COMMISSION CLOSURE

Governor Brownback has vowed to close the Kansas Arts Commission, announcing on Wednesday that he’d sent termination letters to the entire commission staff.

By closing the Kansas Arts Commission, more than 4,600 full-time jobs will be eliminated and $150 million in annual state economic activity will come to a halt.  Nearly 290 artists, schools and programs around the state, which were helped by the KAC last year, will be left out in the cold. 

Many Kansas cities, especially in rural areas, won’t have the ability to replace these lost state funds.  When the Kansas Arts Commission is eliminated, smaller and rural communities will lose disproportionately.

The KAC is a vital lifeline to our arts communities.  I’m disappointed the governor has chosen to eliminate this important organization. 

 

UNILATERAL ANNEXATION

The senate has approved a bill prohibiting cities from unilaterally annexing property without the approval of residents.  The issue has been a big concern for farmers and landowners living near growing communities.

New mandates will allow residents living within a proposed annexation area to vote by mail ballot whether the annexation should be approved. If a majority vote against the annexation, it could not take place.  It also requires that county commissions determine whether the city has provided appropriate municipal services to annexed areas.

APRIL REVENUES UP

The Kansas Department of Revenue reported state general funds were up in April.  Total receipts were $759 million, $25.7 million above estimates.  This represents a .5% gain above predictions made last year. 

Several factors played into the above-estimated receipts, including higher individual income tax, insurance premiums and corporate franchises.  Year-to-date, SGF receipts are nearly 14% higher than in April FY2010.

KPERS COMPROMISE REACHED

This week legislators passed a bill to address major underfunding issues with the state’s KPERS system.  The bill creates a 13-member commission to study alternate retirement plans and to make recommendations to legislators next year. 

As it stands, KPERS faces a $7.7 billion gap between anticipated revenues and benefits promised.  If long-term underfunding isn’t addressed, more than 150,000 KPERS beneficiaries risk losing their retirement. 

One plan the commission will study would increase employer contribution rates over 4 years.  Under this scenario, Tier 1 employees (those hired before July 2009) would have their contribution rates increase from 4% to 6%.  Tier 2 employees (those hired after July 2009) would also contribute 6%, but their automatic cost-of-living adjustment would be eliminated.

Another option would let Tier 1 employees continue to contribute 4%, but their multiplier would decrease.  Tier 2 members could choose to contribute 6% and reduce their multiplier, but retain their COLA. 

Appointing a study commission is our best solution.  Taking a serious look at our options is the least we can do for dedicated state employees who rely on KPERS.

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

A debate over changes to the state’s unemployment insurance law resurfaced this week.  If you’ll recall, the bill made major changes to current statutes addressing the state’s unemployment trust fund.  The Senate passed the bill 30-8 back in February. 

This week, however, House negotiators began insisting that provisions of another bill –HB2130 – be added in.  HB2130 would take away the ability of union members to have money automatically deducted from their paychecks to support pro-union political candidates.  Opponents of the bill believe it silences the free speech rights of workers. 

To keep the highly contentious HB2130 out of the underlying bill, the Senate moved to accept a House plan that was free of the paycheck provisions.  Assuming the bill is signed into law, lawmakers will be able to strengthen the underlying bill next year.

TOURISM WEEK

Below are some interesting statistics I received from the U.S. Travel Association, in honor of National Travel & Tourism Week:  

·        The travel industry supports more than 10 million jobs, including hotel and rental car employees, tour operators, meeting planners and restaurant staff.  Nearly 1 out of 9 U.S. jobs depend on the travel and tourism industry.

·        Travel and tourism generates $704 billion in direct travel spending, and $113 billion in tax revenue for local, state and federal governments.

·        Each household would pay $950 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industry. 

Week 14 Legislative Update: May 6, 2011

Hello Everyone:

The Veto Session continues on.  There is still not any agreement on the budget.  Earlier this morning the budget conference committee met and after the Senate expressed concern about the lack of progress regarding budget proposals from the House, the House announced that the conference committee was at impasse and they wouldn’t meet again until Monday morning to present another offer.  The 90^th day of the legislative session is next Thursday, May 12 and the legislature has not budgeted for any additional days.  The Senate introduced a bill today in the Ways & Means Committee, which would prevent legislators from getting paid past the 90^th day, even if there is not an agreement on the budget.  The budget is the ONLY piece of the legislation that the legislature is required to pass each year via our Constitution. 

The Ft. Leavenworth busing issue is still alive.  Rep. Melanie Meier was able to get the issue amended on the House floor into SB 21 this week.  So now, it rests in SB 11 and SB 21 both bills are in the Education conference committee.

Have a great weekend and Happy Mother’s Day.

Kelly

Senator Kelly Kultala

Kansas District 5

Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties

Legislative Update

Week 14

Senator Kelly Kultala

May 6, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

·                  Veto Session Enters Week Two

·                  District Happenings

·                  Children’s Initiative Fund

·                  911 Service Fees

·                  Scrap Metal

·                  Annexation Leaves Committee

·                  Kansas Byways Receives Grant

·                  Racial Profiling Bill Passes

·                  Important State Phone Numbers

VETO SESSION ENTERS WEEK TWO

The 2011 veto session continues to progress at a snail’s pace.  As week two comes to a close, legislators continue to meet in their respective conference committees.  These committees must find compromises on a number of important issues before the session can adjourn. 

With 84 days of the 90 day session already used, legislators are very aware that time is limited.  If we are not able to finish our work this weekend, legislators may choose to forfeit some of their pay to extend the session into next week.  I will do my best to keep you up-to-date as these scheduling decisions are made. 

All House and Senate sessions are open to the public.  And live broadcasts of Senate and House proceedings can be found at www.kslegislature.org.  To hear legislative proceedings, just click on the “Listen in Live” link.  

 

I am honored to serve as your Senator.  My office is located in room 124-E.  Please feel free to visit or to contact me at 785-296-7357, if you should have any questions. Due to state budget cuts our office staff has been sent home for the rest of the legislative session, so you will need to leave a message and I will check the answering machine as my schedule allows.

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

·     The 7^th Annual Lansing DAZE festival will be held this weekend in Lansing.  Festivities will include games, rides, and fireworks.  For more information, contact the Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau at 913-727-5488.     

·     Congratulations to the 127 Leavenworth High School students who were recognized Monday night at the Academic Banquet.  Honorees represented the top 2.5 percent of freshman, the top 5 percent of sophomores, the top 10 percent of juniors and top 15 percent of seniors.

·     Sporting KC and Cerner Office Complex in KCK is a Top 10 Economic Development Project in North America. Site Selection Magazine has name the $400 million Sporting Kansas City Major League Soccer Stadium and Cerner Corporation Office Complex in Village West one of the top 10 economic development deals in North America in 2010.

·     The 2011 Kansas Sampler Festival will be held Sat. May 7 from 10 am – 5 pm and Sun. May 8 from 10 am – 4 pm at Ray Miller Park, 4201 South 4^th St. in Leavenworth.

CHILDREN’S INITIATIVE FUND

I’ve received a number of calls and e-mails this week from citizens concerned about a possible 17.5% cut to the Children’s Initiative Fund (CIF).  Funding for the CIF is currently being debated by members of the budget conference committee.  The Senate proposed moving $8.3 million dollars from the State General Fund (SGF) into the CIF for early learning programs.  As of today, the House has refused to accept the offer.

  

The Children’s Initiative Fund helps prepare Kansas children for school, especially at-risk children in under-served areas.  I believe it’s a vital program that should be protected.

911 SERVICE FEES

The Senate has imposed a monthly fee on landline and cell phone users to help pay for 911 services.  The fee will be 53 cents per month, which replaces the previous fee of 75 cents per month on landlines and up to 50 cents a month for cell phones.  Those using prepaid wireless service will be charged $1.06 per retail transaction. 

I voted for this bill. Because we need to continue to update and fund our emergency response systems.

 

SCRAP METAL

In an effort to curb scrap metal theft, the Senate on Monday passed a mandate that will allow property destruction to be considered when fines are given to thieves.  Under current law, individuals convicted of scrap metal theft can only be fined the cost of the stolen metal.  HB2312 also includes new provisions which will make it more difficult for thieves to sell their stolen goods to scrap metal dealers, and require dealers to keep more detailed records. 

Scrap metal theft has been a problem for many years.  Stolen scrap metal – especially copper – can be resold for thousands of dollars.  Unfortunately, when the metal is taken from a building or construction site, it often leaves thousands of dollars worth of damage for the owner.  Creating a dealer paper trail and increasing penalties are both good steps to deter future theft. 

ANNEXATION LEAVES COMMITTEE

A Senate and House Conference Committee debated a measure that would make changes to the state’s annexation and incorporation laws.   As originally approved by the Senate, the bill allowed a city to incorporate if it had 250 residents or more.  Current law requires a minimum of 300.  

The House altered the bill, adding a number of changes to the state's current annexation statutes. The new bill would allow residents whose land is in a proposed annexation area to vote whether the annexation should be approved. If a majority of landowners voted against the annexation, it would not be allowed.  It also requires that within three years of an annexation, county commissions determine if the city has provided appropriate municipal services. If a hearing is not held within the allotted time, a landowner could bring legal action against the commission.

The approved conference committee report will be sent to the full Senate for a vote sometime next week.

KANSAS BYWAYS RECEIVES GRANT

The Kansas Byways program has been awarded a $220,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).  The funding will provide local byway committees that may not have local funds an opportunity to develop and tell their story.

Since 1992, the National Scenic Byways Program has awarded over $428 million in funding for more than 2,926 state, tribal and nationally designated byway projects in 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  To learn more about the 10 Kansas Byways, visit the website at ksbyways.org.

RACIAL PROFILING BILL PASSES

SB 93 would prohibit a law enforcement officer from using racial or other biased-based policing, allow community advisory boards to be established, and require written policies and annual reports, data collection, and procedures for the investigation and disposition of a racial or other biased-based policing complaint.  Complaints will go to the Attorney General’s Office for investigation, then if necessary, forwarded for possible action to the Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards and Training (CPOST).

Week 13 Legislative Update: April 29, 2011

Good Afternoon:

I was in Tulsa on Monday and Tuesday of this week attending a Southwest Power Pool conference.  As a newly appointed member of the Kansas Electric Transmission Authority, this conference was invaluable for me to learn about electric transmission lines in Kansas. On Wednesday the legislature convened to start the veto session, which I believe will last at least through next week and possibly into the following week.  There are regular committee meetings and conference committee meetings scheduled well into next week.  The budget conference committee is meeting daily.  So there are still lots of issues as yet to be resolved.

SB 11, which has to do with busing Ft. Leavenworth high school students to Leavenworth High School is still being held up in the Education Conference Committee.  Some other education issues have been added to the bill since it left the Senate and the members of the conference committee are trying to negotiate a compromise.

I was very lucky to have the opportunity on Wednesday to recognize Jacob Brown, Jared Brown, Ty Shafer and Toby Sullivan in the Senate for their participation in the Kansas Teen Military Council.  These young men are truly remarkable students and family members.

I hope you all enjoy a safe and happy weekend.

Kelly

Senator Kelly Kultala

Kansas District 5

Wyandotte & Leavenworth Counties

Legislative Update

Week 13

Senator Kelly Kultala

April 29, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

·                  Senate Returns for Veto Session

·                  District Happenings

·                  Workers Memorial Day

·                  KPERS

·                  April Month of the Military Child

·                  Budget Update

·                  Important State Phone Numbers

SENATE RETURNS FOR VETO SESSION

Legislators returned to Topeka this week for the wrap up session.  Typically the wrap up lasts four or five days, although it can take longer if legislators need more time to debate the state budget and conference reports.  I will keep you updated in the coming days as these important decisions are finalized and the session moves to a close. 

All House and Senate sessions are open to the public.  And live broadcasts of Senate and House proceedings can be found at www.kslegislature.org.  To hear legislative proceedings, just click on the “Listen in Live” link.  

 

I am honored to serve as your Senator.  My office is located in room 124-E.  Please feel free to visit or to contact me at 785-296-7357, if you should have any questions.

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

·        The Piper Spring Craft Show will be held May 7 at Piper High School, 4400 N. 107th, Kansas City, Kansas. This event is sponsored by Piper Community Education Association. Up to 50 booths will be available for shoppers to browse, visit and buy.  Crafters from the Kansas City area and other states will be here to show off their handcrafted items. A feature of this show will be a plant sale provided by CLJ Foundation. Admission is free. Another feature of the day will be a talent show. Openings are still being accepted for the show. Those interested in becoming involved may contact Lori Lanter, 913-238-2936.  Lunch will be available featuring a barbecue cookout by the “Piper men.” The menu will include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, polish sausage, nachos and homemade desserts. Piper Community Education Association is a nonprofit organization. Profits from our fundraisers are used for our projects, community and school district. For more information contact Karen, 913-721-3243 or visit  www.pipercommunityed.com.

·        Marble Days will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in downtown Bonner Springs. The community event is for children, parents and grandparents. The celebration will include a marble shooting tournament for all ages, and marble artwork and marble invention competitions for students in grade school through 12th grade. Also planned is the “Running of the Pinkys,” which is a benefit involving pinky rubber balls, along with a Wacky Parade, yoyo tournaments, yard games, train rides, straw tunnel and mountain, cake walk, jugglers, and balloon animals.

·        Wyandotte County Parks Foundation is raising funds to enhance the quality of life in Wyandotte County.  Your support can be in the form of a direct donation, a sponsorship, a contribution of in-kind services, volunteerism, conducting a fund raiser or to become a member. You can send a donation directly to the WYCO Parks Foundation at 5033 State Ave., Kansas City, KS 66102 or call 913-573-8381, dhurrelbrink@wycokck.org, or you can donate via credit card, check, stock transfer or a gift of real estate, etc. by contacting the Community Foundation of Wyandotte County. Cash & checks can be sent Attn: WYCO Parks Foundation Fund, 1055 Broadway, Suite 130, Kansas City, MO 64105.  For other types of gifts please call 816-842-7444.

·        Forty-seven teachers from Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) were honored this month for their exemplary work and dedication at the district's annual Star Teacher Celebration.  Teachers of the Year are Emily Fleming, from Welborn Elementary School; and Rashanda Rhodes, from Sumner Academy of Arts and Science.

 

·   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 office in KCK will be accepting applications for 2011 Environmental Education grants through May 2.  Grants between $15,000 and $100,000 will be awarded to those who develop new programs promoting environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.epa.gov/enviroed/grants.html.

·   Congratulations to Leavenworth County native Krista Jobst for placing first in radio reporting at the Society of Professional Journalists Region 7 Conference last month.  Krista, who is a freshman at KU, reports on-air for KJHK radio. 

·        Thanks to the following students who were at the Statehouse on Wednesday to hear a Proclamation and Senate Resolution regarding “Month of the Military Child”: Jacob Brown, Jared Brown, Ty Shafer and Toby Sullivan. While in Topeka, the group met with the governor, had an official photo taken, and toured the State Capital.  All of the students are local members of the Kansas National Guard Teen Council.

WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY

This Thursday was Worker’s Memorial Day, a nationwide effort to honor the millions of American workers who have been injured, disabled or killed while on the job. 

This session I voted in favor of legislation that will substantially change our workers compensation law for the first time in two decades.  These new mandates will increase outdated compensation caps to injured workers from $125,000 to $155,000 for permanent total disability, from $100,000 to $130,000 for temporary total disability, and from $250,000 to $300,000 in cases of death.

According to the Kansas Department of Labor, more than 58,000 injuries and illnesses were reported in 2010.  159 employees each day are injured or killed while on the job.  Of those who are injured, more than half must take time off work to heal.   

We must continue fighting for workplace safety and for new resources that will help employers implement safety and outreach programs.  Only then will we be able to prevent the injury and loss of any more Kansas workers.

 

KPERS

I’ve received a number of e-mails recently regarding potential changes to the state’s KPERS system.  As it stands, KPERS faces a $7.7 billion gap between anticipated revenues and benefits promised.  The House and Senate have differing plans to solve the underfunding problem.

The Senate proposal would raise the state’s annual KPERS contribution to $23 million beginning in 2013.  While employers and KPERS members will be asked to contribute more, those making higher contributions will also receive greater retirement benefits. 

On the other hand, the House hopes to institute a 401(k)-style plan for state employees hired after June 2013.  The plan would also decrease future benefits for current KPERS members. 

If long-term underfunding isn’t addressed, more than 150,000 KPERS beneficiaries risk losing their retirement.  I believe that the Senate plan is a fair solution that won’t force state retirees to shoulder an unfair burden.  It is our best option for solving this important issue. 

APRIL MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Members of the Kansas Senate unanimously approved a Resolution Wednesday, recognizing April as “Month of the Military Child in Kansas.” 

Today about 1.7 million American kids and teens have a parent serving in the military. More than 33,000 of these children are Kansans. 

Military children lead unique lifestyles, but thankfully there are local resources to help.  The Kansas Department of Education has a special section on its web site dedicated to military families, and Child Care Aware of Kansas runs a group called Operation Military Child Care to support the child care needs of parents who are active or deployed.  I encourage all of our Kansas military families to use the wealth of services offered throughout our state to help meet their needs.

BUDGET UPDATE

This week, legislators returned to negotiations on a “mega” budget bill.  Traditionally, the current year’s budget is settled early in the session, and legislators use the veto session to finalize an omnibus budget. But because we were unable to pass a budget compromise earlier, legislators now must vote on a combined budget that includes provisions for both this fiscal year and next year.

The Senate and House differ on just how much money should remain in state coffers. The House proposal leaves $60 million, requiring severe cuts in services to save money now. 

The Senate proposal, on the other hand, would leave about a $2 million balance. The Senate budget plan protects essential services to Kansans, such as Meals on Wheels and services for the elderly and disabled.

A Joint House and the Senate conference committee met Thursday.  The six-member group has been assigned to find a responsible compromise agreeable to both chambers.  I will study the latest offers made by the House and continue to follow the negotiations in the upcoming days.

As discussions continue, I hope that legislators on both sides of the aisle are able to pass a mega budget that meets our financial needs while protecting vital services.