Friday, March 25, 2011

Week 11 Legislative Update: March 25, 2011

Good Morning Everyone:

The legislature was only in session thru Wednesday of this week, however, I have been in Topeka Thursday and Friday serving on conference committees and attending a Kansas Electric Transmission Authority board meeting. Next week will be the last week of the regular legislative session. This evening I will attend the Leavenworth/Lansing Chamber’s legislative forum from 4:30-5:30 at the Carnegie Arts Center. The weather look a little iffy this weekend, but I hope you are able to relax and spend time with family and friends.

And BTW – Rock Chalk Jayhawk…

Best,

Kelly

Legislative Update

Week 11

Senator Kelly Kultala

March 25, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

· Next Week Last on Floor

· District Happenings

· Women’s History Month

· Workers Compensation

· KPERS Contributions

· Emergency Response Fees

· Identity Theft

· Parole Board ERO

· Important State Phone Numbers

NEXT WEEK LAST ON FLOOR

Next Saturday April 2^nd is “drop dead” day for the 2011 session. After this date, bills that haven’t passed both chambers can no longer be debated. Certain bills, such as the budget, are exempt from this deadline.

After a short break, legislators will return for the wrap up session in late April. At this time, the budget bill, conference reports and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.

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

· Leavenworth’s Danny Zeck Ford has been nominated for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is presented each year to companies who show outstanding support to employees who serve in the National Guard or military reserves.

· The Fort Leavenworth Chapel Community will host its 10^th annual father-daughter banquet on April 10^th at the Riverfront Community Center. Dads and daughters of all ages are invited to attend. For more information, call 684-6820.

· Grinter Place Friends is now in the process of sending applications for growers, crafters and those who bake pies and make jams and jellies. The organization is identifying those who "grow it, bake it or make it" as a first step toward determining who will be accepted as a qualified vendor for the old-fashioned farmer's market. Interested vendors are encouraged to call 913-721-9735 and ask for Phil Noah, or call Lou Braswell at 913-220-8266. The e-mail addresses are pnoah1@kc.rr.com and grinterfriends@sbcglobal.net .The web site is up now at http://web.me.com/photographybynoah/GPF_Farmers_Market and will be updated regularly to tell viewers the names of vendors and any special events taking place at the market.

· A rummage sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16 at the PCEA Learning Center, 13651 Donahoo, Kansas City, Kansas. Proceeds will benefit the 21st Century Preschool and Childcare, a program sponsored by Piper Community Education Association. Donations are welcome. For more information go to www.pipercomunityed.com or call 913-721-2577.

· Administrative Office Professionals Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, April 15 at Lansing Middle School, Lansing, Kan. Cost of the conference is $30 for the public or $25 for the Leavenworth-Lansing Area chamber members. Reservations are due by Friday, April 8, to Karalin Alsdurf at 913-651-2111 or kalsdurf@kckcc.edu .

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

On Wednesday I had the pleasure of co-sponsoring a Senate Resolution recognizing March as National Women’s History Month. Approved by Congress in 1987, Women’s History Month honors the contributions of American women.

The stories of Kansas women are a large part of our state history as well, from Mabel Chase, the first woman sheriff, to Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, to Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to receive an academy award and to Kathryn O’Loughlin, who in 1932 was elected as the first Kansas Congresswoman.

As March comes to a close, I hope every Kansan will take time to learn more about our Kansas foremothers. Our state, our nation, and our world would have been much bleaker places without their tireless work.

WORKERS COMPENSATION

For the first time in more than two decades, the Senate has passed substantial changes to workers compensation law. The new mandates will increase outdated compensation caps to injured workers as follows:

· For permanent total disability, from $125,000 to $155,000

· For temporary total disability, from $100,000 to $130,000

· For permanent or temporary partial disability, from $100,000 to $130,000

· For death, from $250,000 to $300,000

Under the current caps, which have been in place since 1987, if you are permanently injured on the job at age 45 you will spend the rest of your life living off of $125,000. If you live to age 85, you’re left with just over $3,000 per year to support yourself and your family. And that doesn’t cover medical expenses that are a result of your injury.

These caps were woefully inadequate in today’s economy. By adjusting them, the Senate has recognized the dignity and worth of our state’s injured workers.

Because the Senate bill differs from the House, a conference committee will need to work out a compromise. The Senate will then have an up-or-down vote on that compromise report.

KPERS CONTRIBUTIONS

The Senate has passed a proposal to raise the state’s annual KPERS contributions to $23 million beginning in 2013. A similar plan introduced in the House would raise the contribution by $10 million.

Anyone hired before July 1, 2009 (Tier 1) will have their contribution rates increased to 6% by January 2015. A 1% increase would be enacted on January 1, 2014 and another 1% increasd on January 1, 2015.

Anyone hired on or after July 1, 2009 (Tier 2) will be given an option to have their contribution rate increase from 6% to 8%. Those opting in to the increase will maintain their COLA. Those opting out will forfeit their COLA, but maintain their current 6% contribution rate.

All state employees hired after July 1, 2013 will contribute a mandatory 6%.

Our KPERS system 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.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE FEES

The Senate passed a bill on Monday prohibiting municipalities from charging a “service fee” when EMT’s, fire or police respond to an emergency but their services are not used. Under current law emergency responders may charge an accident response fee, even if their employees or equipment are not needed once on the scene. This can happen when several emergency vehicles show up during an emergency, but only one or two are needed to control the situation.

I supported this bill. Service fees can get extremely expensive; this bill helps control costs for those involved in an emergency.

IDENTITY THEFT

In a bipartisan effort to protect Kansans from identity theft, members of the Kansas Senate have strengthened penalties for convicted offenders. Under HB2008, identity theft will result in mandatory prison time if a person has been previously convicted of a similar crime.

Identity theft is a highly-personal crime that can permanently damage a victim’s good name and credit record. By making prison time mandatory, we’re sending a message that identity theft will not be taken lightly by Kansas courts.

To learn more about deterring, detecting, and defending against ID theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

PAROLE BOARD ERO

The Senate has upheld an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) eliminating the Parole Board and moving its functions into the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC). Under the Kansas Constitution, the Senate is able to override a gubernatorial ERO if a 21-member majority votes to do so. Wednesday’s effort failed 20-19.

I voted to keep the Parole Board in place. While some ERO’s will help maximize efficiency, I believe the Parole Board needs to be an independent entity free from outside influence.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Week 10 Legislative Update: March 18, 2011

Good Morning All:

Senate Standing Committees have completed their meeting schedules for this legislative session. Next week we will meet Monday thru Wednesday working bills on the Senate floor all day, coming back March 28 for the final week of the regular session. The Legislature then goes on break till April 27, when we will return for the Veto Session to work the final budget bills. Tensions are running high in the hallways of the capitol as legislation is debated in the House and the Senate.

I had several visitors stop by from back home to say hello, which is always a welcome. Leavenworth County Republican Party Chair John Bradford and Leavenworth County Clerk Janet Klasinski came to the capitol to testify in opposition to a bill that would change the election dates for city and county elections. Melissa Bynum, her children Lauren and Ted, and her sister Janis Camerlink stopped by my office while they were in the capitol. And Dr. William Reed, Chairman of the Department of Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Kansas Hospital spent time over lunch with the members of the Wyandotte and Leavenworth Legislative Delegation.

I hope you all had a great St. Patrick’s Day and GOOOOOO JAYHAWKS and WILDCATS in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. My brackets are still alive, even though I picked Bucknell to beat Connecticut. What can I say, it was my upset pick for Round 1. :)

Kelly

Legislative Update

Week 9

Senator Kelly Kultala

March 18, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

· Floor Schedule Changes

· District Happenings

· Arts Commission Saved

· Allotments Affect Public Schools

· KPERS Proposal

· Vietnam War Medallion Program

· Keeping Families Together

· Legislation Passes Regarding Motorcycle and Bicycle Riders

· Breach of Privacy Legislation Moves Forward

· Synthetic Marijuana, Bath Salts Banned

· Voter ID Moves Out of Committee

· Office of the Repealer Now Taking Recommendations Online

· Important State Phone Numbers

FLOOR SCHEDULE CHANGES

The 2011 Legislative Session is inching closer to adjournment. Today was the last day for committees to meet. Next week senators will work all day on the floor to push through important legislation.

In future weeks, Senators will continue meeting with conference committees. These committees differ from Senate and Joint Committees, as they include three members from both chambers. These members are appointed to iron out any differences between House and Senate versions of bills. Their compromises are then sent to both chambers for approval.

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

· Congratulations to Leavenworth County native Justin Smith and Wyandotte County natives Caleb Christianson, Anthony Johnson, and Joshua Williams, who have received Spring 2011 Undergraduate Research Awards by the University of Kansas. The awards support original, independent research such as music composition, design, and development.

· Col. Sharon H. Baker has been selected as keynote speaker for the Women’s History Month Luncheon. Baker is the first woman to command the Combined Arms Training Support Center and the first female commander of the 838^th Transportation Battalion. The luncheon will be held March 24^th at the Heritage Center in downtown Leavenworth.

· The GM Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City, Kansas will serve as host to the 12^th Annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, March 26 benefiting Cub Scouts. The actual race will be held from 8 am to 2 pm in the GM Auditorium.

· Jenna Bush-Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, will be the guest speaker at the March 24 Women’s Leadership Luncheon at the Reardon Center, 5^th & Minnesota, in Kansas City, Kansas from 11:30 am – 1 pm. The luncheon benefits the Kansas City, Kansas School Foundation for Excellence. Tickets are $70 each. For more information call 913-279-2091.

ARTS COMMISSION SAVED

After a short debate, the Kansas Senate approved a resolution on Wednesday preventing the Kansas Arts Commission from being abolished. If you’ll remember, the governor introduced an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) last month, eliminating the commission.

According to the Kansas Constitution, a majority of votes in either chamber can overturn an ERO. If an ERO is not overridden within 60 days, it automatically becomes law.

During debate, I stood in support of the Kansas Arts Commission. The arts are a powerful economic development tool. Our local government, local chamber of commerce and visitors’ center all use the arts to recruit businesses and tourists. Many nonprofits also use the arts programs to help troubled youth find opportunities to create, to express themselves in non-violent ways and possibly to find their own voice through writing, painting, drawing or photography.

ALLOTMENTS AFFECT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In an unprecedented action last Friday, Governor Sam Brownback cut $56.5 million from our current state budget. These cuts, called allotments, will affect a number of state agencies including the Kansas Arts Commission, the Department of Wildlife and Parks, and social services.

No group, however, was hit harder than K-12 public education. Kansas public schools will be forced to cut $50 million dollars from their budgets – in the next two school months. That means every Kansas school will lose $75 per student by the end of the school year.

The governor’s cuts will also put Kansas at risk of falling out of compliance with federal maintenance of effort guidelines for special education funding. If we fail to fund these mandates, Kansas will forfeit more than $100 million in federal funds that could be used in future budget years. Those funds won’t ever be replaced, even if we maintain funding in the future.

VIETNAM WAR MEDALLION PROGRAM

In 2009, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill creating the Vietnam War Medallion program. The state would provide a medallion to all eligible veterans in recognition of their service to our country. Unfortunately, we did not make a specific appropriation for the program. As a result, over 750 Vietnam era veterans have applied for the medallion which does not exist yet.

Working with the Kansas Veterans Affairs Commission budget staff, we were able to find enough monies to get the medallions cast and delivered to the veterans by the end of this June. It is well past time.

KPERS PROPOSAL

A proposal working its way through committee aims to solve long-term funding for the KPERS system. The plan would raise the state’s annual contribution to KPERS by $23 million beginning in 2013. A similar plan introduced in the House would raise the contribution by $10 million.

Although I’m still waiting to see details of the plan, I agree that something needs to be done to secure KPERS for the long haul. Like other state retirement funds, KPERS was hit hard by the stock market drop three years ago. The market has rebounded, but the KPERS fund is still alarmingly underfunded. The system now faces a $7.7 billion gap between anticipated revenues and benefits promised.

More than 150,000 Kansans are impacted by KPERS funding. These Kansans depend on KPERS to survive, yet none have had a cost of living adjustment since the early 1990s. It is the Legislature’s responsibility to adequately fund our KPERS system so hard working state employees can retire in dignity.

KEEPING FAMILIES TOGETHER

The senate has approved a bill aiming to keep more Kansas families together. HB 2105 prohibits the state from removing a child from custody, simply because the family is homeless. Under the new rule, additional reasons must be shown before a child is placed in state care.

I supported this bill. Just because a family has hit hard times does not mean the love and care of a child goes away. This bill helps keep loving families intact.

SENATE PASSES BILL REGARDING MOTORCYCLE AND BICYCLE RIDERS

HB 2192 would allow the driver of a motorcycle or the rider of a bicycle to proceed through a steady red signal, subject to other traffic rules governing right of way, if the red light has failed to change to green within a reasonable period of time because the signal has malfunctioned or has failed to detect the vehicle. The driver or rider must yield the right of way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching so as to constitute an immediate hazard, to any pedestrian lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk, and to any other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

The bill also would require the driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle to pass that bicycle on the left no less than three feet away from the bicycle. It would allow the vehicle to pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so.

This bill will now go to the Transportation Conference Committee, where differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill will be discussed.

BREACH OF PRIVACY LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD

This week the Senate passed HB 2151, which expands the definition of the crime of "breach of privacy" to include:

· Installing or using a device inside a private place to hear, record, amplify, or broadcast sounds originating from such place that would not ordinarily be audible or comprehensible without the use of such device;

· Installing or using a device or equipment for the interception of wireless communication;

· Using means other than electronic means to secretly videotape, film, photograph, or record an identifiable person who is nude or in a state of undress;

· Looking into any hole or opening or otherwise viewing by means of instrumentality any person with the intent to invade the privacy of the person being viewed ("instrumentality" is defined in the bill); and

· Disseminating or permitting the dissemination of any videotape, photograph, film, or image obtained in violation of the restriction explained above on installing or using a concealed device.

The bill also amends the definition for the crime of blackmail, by adding threats to disseminate materials obtained using electronic or other means to secretly videotape, film, photograph, or record an identifiable person who is nude or in a state of undress. That act would be a severity level 4, person felony.

This bill will now go to the Judiciary Conference Committee, where differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill will be discussed.

SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA, BATH SALTS BANNED

The Senate has added new substances to the state’s list of illegal drugs. Bath salts and K3, a type of synthetic marijuana, will be included in a new section of cannibinoids. Using, producing or distributing these substances will be considered a level 3 drug felony for first-time offenders.

If you recall, last year the Kansas Legislature banned a synthetic type of marijuana called K2. Since its outlaw, producers of K2 have slightly altered ingredients to produce a similar product with the same hallucinogenic effect.

Bath salts, when smoked, have effects similar to methamphetamines. The salts are extremely dangerous and have led to reported deaths.

VOTER ID MOVES OUT OF COMMITTEE

The Senate Elections Committee has approved a voter ID bill that would change the way Kansans register to vote and prove citizenship at the polls. If passed, the bill would require Kansans registering to vote to present a birth certificate or other designated proof of citizenship document when they register for the first time in Kansas. Voters would be required to present a valid photo identification every time they vote.

During committee discussion, two amendments were passed making it easier for Kansans to comply with the proposed mandates.

One amendment makes the county responsible for helping Kansans obtain their birth certificate. The second pushes implementation of the citizenship requirement of this bill back until January 1, 2013, allowing Kansans more time to learn what they will need to successfully vote on election day and it would allow the Division of Motor Vehicles to get their new driver’s license renewal database up and going, which by the end of 2012 will be collecting citizenship information when people renew their driver’s license. Having this information in a centralized database will make it easier for the election officers to access citizenship information for new registered voters.

HB 2067 now awaits debate on the Senate floor, which is likely to happen next week.

OFFICE OF THE REPEALER NOW TAKING RECOMMENDATIONS ONLINE

Governor Sam Brownback announced today the launching of a new website that allows Kansans to submit their ideas on laws or regulations they believe should be considered for repeal.

Governor Brownback named Kansas Department of Administration Secretary Dennis Taylor as the state’s Repealer. Secy. Taylor and his staff will send a status update within 30 days of receiving a recommendation. To view the new site or to submit a rule or regulation for review, please visit http://repealer.ks.gov.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Week 9 Legislative Update: March 11, 2011

Good Afternoon Everyone:

I hope you are all outside enjoying this beautiful weather. The pace around the capitol has really picked up. Bills are supposed to be out of committee by March 18, to be considered on the floor. Next week will be our last week of regular committee meetings, then we will be on the Senate floor debating bills and having conference committee meetings, if possible.

BREAKING NEWS – Gov. Sam Brownback said this morning he will make $56.5 million in budget cuts by the end of business today to secure a break-even ending balance on June 30. Senate and House Budget Conference Committee members have been meeting for several weeks trying reach a compromise on the Recission Bill, which would make changes to our current year’s budget. The House members accepted the Senate’s position yesterday, but then stated that they would not support the bill when it came to the House floor for a vote. The Senate rejected the offer.

Remember this weekend is Daylight Savings Time. Set your clocks back an hour at 2 am on Sunday.

Kelly

Legislative Update

Week 9

Senator Kelly Kultala

March 11, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

· Slow Start to the Week

· District Happenings

· Unemployment Information Released

· Voter ID Bills Have Hearings in the Senate

· Synthetic Marijuana, Bath Salts

· Breach of Privacy Statute

· Highway Advisory Commission Abolished

· Oversize Truck Loads

· Important State Phone Numbers

SLOW START TO THE WEEK

We were off to a slow start this week. Without any floor votes taking place until Wednesday, Senators spent most of their time in committees. With only three weeks left in the regular session, please feel free to contact me with any concerns you have about legislation or committee meetings.

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

· According to statistics released by the US Census Bureau last week, Leavenworth County’s population increased by 11 percent since 2000. More than 7,000 new residents moved into the county in the past decade. Leavenworth County remains the sixth largest Kansas county. Population of the cities in the Senate 5^th District are; Bonner Springs at 7,314 or 8.1% increase; Kansas City at 145,786 or 0.7% decrease; Lansing at 11,265 or 22.5% increase; and Leavenworth at 35,251 or 0.5% decrease.

· Congratulations to Christina Payne-Montague, a Leavenworth High School senior, for being named the 2011 Youth of the Year for Fort Leavenworth.

· Meeting to hear proposals regarding Happy Foods Grocery Store scheduled for Sunday, March 13 at 7 pm at the store at 55^th & Leavenworth Rd. in Kansas City, KS.

· Leavenworth Road Association (LRA) is taking application from their residents for the Christmas in October Group. If you or someone you know needs some home repair or yard work done let LRA know at 913-788-3988. There are eligibility requirements.

· Veteran’s Resource Fair scheduled for Saturday, March 19 at the American Legion, 3029 NW U.S. Hwy 24, Topeka, KS from 10 am – 1 pm. The Resource Fair is free, open to the public and open to any organization that is currently offering assistance to Veterans.

UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION RELEASED

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) released a report on Thursday, indicating a small bump in unemployment over last month. The state’s January 2011 unemployment rate was 7.4 percent. That’s up from 6.4 percent in December 2010, but down more than a point from this time last year.

As good news, 5 of Kansas’s 11 major industries saw job growth in January. These include business services, education, health services, mining, hospitality and government sectors.

It’s reassuring to see the unemployment rate continues to decrease over last year. As we move out of this recession, it’s important that legislators look for ways to grow jobs and continue to protect those workers who have been laid off.

VOTER ID BILLS HAVE HEARINGS IN SENATE COMMITTEE

The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee had three days of hearings regarding HB 2067 and SB 222, both concerning Voter ID requirements. HB 2067 was sponsored by the Secretary of State and the bill includes voter identification requirements, proof of citizenship requirements when registering to vote for the first time, enhanced penalties for election crimes raising the penalty from a misdemeanor to a nonperson felony and adding prosecutorial powers to the Secretary of State’s Office. The Committee will consider these bills for action next Wednesday.

SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA, BATH SALTS

The bill working its way through the Senate would add new substances to the state’s list of illegal drugs. Bath salts and K3, a type of synthetic marijuana, will be included in a new section of cannibinoids. Using, producing or distributing these substances will be considered a level 3 drug felony for first-time offenders.

Also at issue is the continued sale of bath salts containing cathinones. These salts, when smoked, have effects similar to methamphetamines. The bill would render such bath salts a controlled substance.

Law enforcement testified in support of both measures, stating that there has been a recent surge in cathinone-use across the state. Stopping the use of bath salts and K2 will help keep dangerous chemicals off the streets.

BREACH OF PRIVACY STATUTE

The state’s breach of privacy statutes will be up for debate in the Senate next week. House Bill 2151 was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and sent to the full Senate for debate on Monday.

The bill makes it unlawful for a person to secretly video tape, photograph, or film a person with the intent of blackmail. Additionally, the bill makes blackmail a severity level 4 personal felony.

KANSAS HIGHWAY COMMISSION ABOLISHED

The 35-year-old State Highway Commission has been abolished by the Kansas Legislature. The motion was introduced on behalf of the Kansas Department of Transportation, which has overseen the commission since 1975.

In recent years the commission has remained intact as an advisory committee, determining where new highways should be constructed. During committee, commission members testified that the group’s functions were no longer necessary, as the state’s T-LINK Task Force also oversees highway preservation and expansion.

I appreciate the hard work and dedication of Commission members during the last three decades. Following their advice, the Senate easily approved a bill abolishing the commission.

OVERSIZE TRUCK LOADS

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) recently announced a new system for handling oversize truck loads.

The Kansas Truck Routing and Intelligent Permitting System (K-TRIPS) will help route overweight loads using a web-based software routing system. More than 70,000 oversize permits are granted annually in Kansas, with demand increasing each year. Currently, each permit is made on paper.

The new system will be in operation in about two years. An increase in permit fees passed by the 2009 Legislature will cover all costs.

It’s important that we have an accurate and time-sensitive program in place. Heavy truck routing preserves our highways, helps keep Kansas roads safe and congestion free.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Week 8 Legislative Update: March 4, 2011

Good Morning All:

We have had a short week here at the capitol because of the Turnaround deadline. Staff needed Monday and Tuesday this week to get caught up processing all of the legislation that passed out of both houses last week. We actually only have about two weeks left of committee work, then all of our time will be spent on the senate floor working bills or in conference committees negotiating the House or Senate positions on bills. It was wonderful to talk with people from back home representing the Parents As Teachers Programs in Kansas City, Kansas and Leavenworth and to talk with clients and staff from The Wyandot Center on Mental Health Advocacy Day. I really appreciate all of you taking your time to come to capitol to visit.

The weather has certainly taken a turn for the better, although I understand that the temperatures could drop later today and over the weekend. We may even have a chance of rain or snow, however, it’s still better than the snowstorms of a few weeks ago. I hope everyone has a safe, relaxed and happy weekend.

Best,

Kelly

Legislative Update

Week 8

Senator Kelly Kultala

March 4, 2011

IN THIS ISSUE:

· Work Continues Following Turnaround

· District Happenings

· Census Data Released

· Kansas Arts Commission Update

· Kansas Statewide Job Fair

· Kansas Ranked Top 10 Business Friendly State

· Kansas Legislators Support NBAF

· Mental Health Advocacy Day

· Important State Phone Numbers

WORK CONTINUES FOLLOWING TURNAOURND

Senators were back on the floor this Wednesday, following a four-day unpaid recess. We worked through a number of bills that have flooded in from the House of Representatives, as well as conference committee reports.

My time will continue to be split between committees and floor debate for the next few weeks. At the end of March, we hit the deadline for House bills to be considered. With little time left in the session, I encourage you to contact me with any concerns or questions you have about bills or committee meetings.

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

· KCK Community College will hold an open forum for Board of Trustees candidates on Wednesday, March 9^th. All 10 candidates will be available to answer questions from the public.

· The Leavenworth County Appraiser released his annual report this Monday, indicating that the county’s real estate values fell slightly in 2011. Real estate valuation is down by .03 percent over last year.

· Lansing city officials are asking the public for help to identify city street potholes created during winter’s freezing weather. To report potholes, call the Public Works Department at 913-727-2400.

· The St. Patrick Catholic Church general fund will benefit from the Fat Saturday dinner-dance to be held Saturday, March 5, at St. Patrick Parish Center, 94th and State. A dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 7:45 p.m. Rudy Amato will perform contemporary and big band music. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 5-12. Reservations may be made to 913-788-8780.

· Wyandotte United Methodist Church, 7901 Oakland, will have a taco salad dinner and homemade desserts from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 19.

· Opening day at Wyandotte County Lake will be March 5, depending on the lake conditions. State and county permits are required for fishing. An opening day biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. March 5 will be sponsored by Leavenworth Road Association at the Davis Hall at the lake. The breakfast costs $5 for adults and $2.50 for children. Call 913-573-8303, #5, for lake conditions if there is inclement weather.

· “A Bird in Hand” will be presented from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 12, at the Schlagle Public Library at Wyandotte County Lake Park. Craig Hensley, lead education specialist, will present the program about birds’ natural histories and bird band.

· The Yale University Redhot and Blue Vocal Jazz Ensemble will perform at 2 p.m. Monday, March 14, at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Performing Arts Center, 7250 State.

CENSUS DATA RELEASED

The U.S. Census Bureau released new findings to state officials on Thursday morning. Below are some figures you might find interesting:

· Kansas City, Kansas is the third largest city in Kansas with a population of 145,786, which is a decrease of 0.7%, behind Wichita at #1 with a population of 382,368 and Overland Park at #2 with a population of 173,372.

· Kansas’ population grew by about 6 percent over the decade, to 2.85 million residents. That’s up from 2.7 million in 2000.

· Kansas’ Hispanic population has grown by 59 percent in the last decade. More than 300,000 Kansas residents indicated they were of Hispanic descent. That’s up from 188,000 in 2000.

· More than half of Kansas’ 105 counties have experienced a decrease in population since 2000. The decrease is most evident in rural areas of the state.

· Leavenworth County’s population has increased from 68,691 in 2000 to 76,227 in 2010 an increase of 10.97%. Wyandotte County decreased from 157,882 in 2000 to 157,505 in 2010 a decrease of 0.24%.

KANSAS ARTS COMMISSION UPDATE

Two weeks after Governor Brownback signed an Executive Reorganization Order abolishing the Kansas Arts Commission, there is hope that the KAC can be saved. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee officially rejected the order Thursday morning.

The order will now be sent to the full Senate for a vote.

According to the Kansas Constitution, a majority of votes in either the Senate or House of Representatives can overturn a Governor’s ERO. If the ERO is not overturned within 60 days, it will automatically become law on July 1^st.

KANSAS STATEWIDE JOB FAIR

A statewide job fair will be held in Salina on Tuesday, March 8 from 2:30-6:30 pm at the Bicentennial Center, 800 The Midway. There will be over 80 employers represented at the job fair. If you cannot make it to the March 8 job fair, you can access additional information and dates for other job fairs on the KansasWorks.com website, click on Job Fairs on the left side of the screen.

KANSAS RANKED TOP-10 BUSINESS FRIENDLY STATE

For the third year in a row, Kansas has been ranked as a Top 10 Pro-Business state by Pollina Corporate Real Estate. This year, Kansas ranked #7 behind states Virginia, Utah, Wyoming, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Nebraska.

The ranking system looks at factors controlled by state governments including taxation, economic incentive programs, economic development efforts and infrastructure. They say states that score well are usually successful in attracting business and keeping it in the state.

Kansas has a great deal of economic and business potential, as evidenced by this ranking. We need to continue to support efforts that will make Kansas a great place to work and raise a family.

KANSAS LEGISLATORS SUPPORT NBAF

Kansas Legislators and Congressional Leaders met in DC this week to encourage full federal funding for Manhattan’s National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). Initial construction of the facility is scheduled for FY 2012.

This is the third year legislators have met with representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and Congressional Committees to reiterate Kansas’ support for the project.

When constructed, the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility will be a highly secure bio-security level 3 and 4 facility on K-State’s campus. Top government scientists and researchers will study foreign animal, emerging and animal-transmitted diseases that threaten animal agriculture and public health.

NBAF will be a major economic driver for the State of Kansas. Construction of the $650 million facility will create construction jobs and permanently employ a highly-educated workforce. The economic impact on Kansas will be significant, estimated at up to $3.5 billion in the first 20 years of the facility’s use.

Additionally, the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility will serve as a magnet for private industry. It will attract new jobs to Kansas as private biotechnology companies, professionals, and support infrastructure capitalize on new health and science assets.

To learn more about NBAF, visit www.nbafinkansas.org

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY DAY

More than 300 supporters of mental health services descended upon the capitol Thursday. The group rallied during its annual Mental Health Advocacy Day.

Mental Health consumers, family members, and community health providers met with legislators and Governor Brownback to discuss budget cuts to mental health services. As you may recall, Governor Brownback’s proposed budget would eliminate $10 million for treatment to uninsured mental health patients and $5 million for children’s mental health care. Governor Brownback has also proposed closing Topeka’s KNI, which houses more than 150 severely disabled Kansans.

Mental health services are essential to our local community. I appreciated having the opportunity to meet with about 25 local advocates from the Wyandot Center in Kansas City, KS to discuss these important issues.