4.1.11 Newsletter

4/1/11

Friday marked the end of the regular session of the 2012 Legislature. Like usual the week was packed with many memorable events including the success of Wichita State, the confirmation of a cabinet secretary, and disappointing tax revenues. But the most important action taken this week was the passage of a budget.

Budget

The Legislature is required by the Kansas Constitution to produce a budget each year and this week the primary focus of the Legislature was taking a step to fulfill that responsibility by passing a budget for the upcoming 2012 fiscal year which begins on July 1. On Tuesday, the Senate passed their version of the budget which provides for an $8.1 million ending balance at the end of the fiscal year. Action on the House budget followed on Thursday.

There was a wide range of feelings on the House budget but at the end of the day 69 legislators, regardless of their concerns, understood passing the Governor’s recommended House budget was the first step in reforming state government and trusting Governor Brownback to lead us to a new era of small, responsive and responsible government. The House budget has an approximate $80 million ending balance, nearly 10 times the amount saved for future shortages in tax revenue. This budget also controls spending and is the first balanced budget produced by the Kansas House of Representatives in three years. For the first time since 1972 total state spending has decreased -- by nearly $900 million. This all funds number is an important measuring point on the size of state government. Governor Brownback said in his State of the State address in January “the days of big government are over.” His budget is the first step in this commitment and is evident in the reduction of state spending by $900 million as compared to last year.

The ending balance is also an important number to remember. This week we received revenue numbers from Legislative Research Department indicating a drop in revenue by about $20 million for the month of March. This is why the ending balance number is so critical in insolating the budget from further cuts.

The next step in the budget process is negotiations between the House and Senate on the differences between the two budgets. Over the next few weeks those differences will be hammered out and a consensus between the two budgets will go back to each house for approval or disapproval.

Wichita State

On Friday the House congratulated Wichita State University on their victory in the championship game of the NIT Basketball Tournament. Congratulations to Gregg Marshall and the WSU Shockers in their 66-57 victory over Alabama in Madison Square Garden.

Secretary of Social and Rehabilitative Services

The Senate approved the nomination of Rob Siedlecki as the Secretary of Social and Rehabilitative Services. Dr. Siedlecki is the former director of SRS in Florida and fundamentally reformed the distribution of state dollars improving efficiency and efficacy of state services. The Senate agreed with Governor Brownback that Dr. Siedlecki’s is the right man for the job with a 34-1 confirmation vote on Wednesday.

SB 210 / Funding for the Lakemary Center

From time to time there are bills which are referred to two committees where there is additional scrutiny and review of bills. This process was used for SB 210 which would use a provider assessment to pull down additional federal dollars to provide additional funding for CDDO’s like Lakemary Center in Paola who provide services for those with a developmental disability. This is a way to provide more funding without additional cost to our state.  We are very proud of the nationally recognized work and dedication that the Lakemary Center offers to those that they serve.  Procedurally, since this bill was double referred, it must pass out of both committees to be considered on the floor of the House.  Considering the importance of the much needed funding, for Developmental Disability CDDO’s like Lakemary, I was proud to work as a member of one of the two committees to achieve passage of the SB 210.  I made the motion in the meeting of the two committees and after brisk debate we passed the bill.  Since Kansas is contributor state to the Federal Government we receive less money back from the Federal Government than Kansas Taxpayers pay.  But in this case it is just right to do all we can to support the great work that is done at the Lakemary Center.

Because of the passage of the bill from the House with a strong majority, it will go to a conference committee and this is expected to be a quick process with such broad support from both the House and Senate. The bill will then go to Governor Brownback who has already indicated that he will sign it.

KAN-ED

KAN-ED is an administrative agency within the state which assists schools, local government, health care providers and public libraries with high speed internet connections through a grant writing process.  Each year the budget has allocated $10 million for the board to assist in this process, potentially pulling down millions more in grants for these high speed connections.

During the budgeting process, the Appropriations committee asked for the director to explain the details of how the board has spent these tax dollars. After the testimony, the committee was left with doubt of how the money has been spent and if there is appropriate oversight. HB 2390 passed out of committee without a single dissenting vote from any member in either party.  The bill would allow the important functions of KAN-ED to continue till the end of next year. That will provide over a year for the Legislature to make sure that this very important service remains available and there will be no affect to the network which currently exists, only how KAN-ED is administered.

Contact Information
I hope you are following the legislature’s work in Topeka and, if possible, perhaps visit during the remaining Veto Session which starts on April 27th. If you would like an individual meeting, I’d be happy to arrange one. In the meantime, I’m always anxious to hear your thoughts on how the issues discussed in Topeka affect you.   Please feel free to call me at 785.291.3500 or email me at jene.vickrey@house.ks.gov. Thank you for the honor of serving you.

Sincerely,

Jene Vickrey