A full month into the session and the Kansas Legislature is in high gear. Kansas’ bleak financial picture is at the forefront of discussion for both budget and policy committees. Many bills either offer solutions through increasing the state’s revenue or look for ways to stretch a buck or to streamline state services. Several of these ideas have the potential to offer long-term solutions to the way the state collects and spends your tax dollars.

2010 Rescission Bill Debated
On Wednesday the House debated it’s version of the budget cutting bill needed to fill the hole for the current 2010 fiscal year. Sub for HB 2222 included a number of the Governor’s recommended adjustments. Due to the nationwide recession and increased unemployment, the state general fund budget needed trimmed by nearly $161 million dollars, though most of that money was cut in July and November of last year by the Governor. After light debate, the House amended the bill to include a 5% pay cut for every official elected or appointed. The bill passed the House 113-7 on Thursday. Work continues on the 2011 budget and more cuts and adjustments are likely forthcoming.

House Adjusts 911 Service Fee
The House passed a bill Tuesday that will level the 911 service fee collected on every landline and mobile telephone billed or sold in Kansas. House Substitute for Senate Bill 48 is a compromise between all parties involved in making sure our 911 emergency centers receive your calls for help.

Currently, those with landline telephones pay 75-cents a month to help fund the infrastructure of 911 emergency centers. Mobile phone users pay 50-cents a month. Under SB 48 both landlines and mobile phone users will now pay the same monthly fee.

Businesses who sell popular prepaid phones will collect a 1.1% fee. The bill is now in conference.

School Bus Replacement
The House Transportation Committee passed out a bill this week to help Kansas schools stretch their transportation budgets.

HB 2486 extends how long districts can own a school bus. Right now, districts must replace a bus once it is 20 years old. The legislation would extend the replacement program to every 25 years.

Courts to Rule on School Lawsuit
The Kansas Supreme Court will decide Friday whether or not to reopen a lawsuit on state funding of public education.

A coalition of more than 60 school districts requested the high court permit Montoy v. State of Kansas to be reopened in response to recent cuts in state aid to K-12 schools. The school suit is at the center of the current budget debate since the state is facing overwhelming debt.

It is an honor to serve you in the House of Representatives. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff.