3-24-2010 Newsletter
3-24-10
Survey Results
I received a couple of e-mails this last week asking about the results of the survey. My mother-in- law, Oletta Ross, opens and counts the surveys, a responsibility she is serious about and takes her numerous hours to complete. We have had an amazing return rate of over 15 percent of those sent out. Surveys were sent to all voters by household, Republican, Democrat and Independent with a voting history in the 6th District and also included newly registered voters. To date, over 1700 constituents have taken their time to complete the survey. Additional completed surveys arrive daily. Around 49 percent of respondents have offered written comments. During the evenings, I am reading through those comments. The results are exactly as follows rounded up or down to nearest whole number:
· Repeal the Death Penalty? 76 percent said “no” and as of now, the issue has lost momentum in the session.
· Should the State adopt a statewide smoking ban? 59 percent said “yes” and that has passed and has been signed into law by Governor Parkinson. I had written a lengthy explanation how it passed the House which you can find on my web site:
www.JeneVickrey.org (look at the February 12th newsletter)
· Should Kansas opt out of the federal health care mandate? 74 precent believe we should (a related story follows in this newsletter).
· Should liquor products be sold in grocery stores? 60 percent agreed that the grocery stores should be able to sell them. The bill has not come out of committee but has had hearings in both the House and Senate.
· Should Kansans be required to show photo I D to vote? 94 percent said “yes.” I have always voted for the photo I D requirement and will again if it comes before us.
· Should Late Term Abortion be illegal in Kansas? 72 percent said “yes” (see a related story in this newsletter).
· Should taxes be raised to solve the state’s budget shortfall? Only 22 percent thought the solution should be an increase in taxes while 78 percent oppose tax increases.
· Are you willing to pay higher taxes for K-12 education? 63 percent said they do not support paying higher taxes for K-12 education.
· Should Cigarette Taxes be increased? 64 percent would be in favor of an increase in cigarette taxes.
· Should all budgets be cut to fix the budget? 67 percent thought that all budgets should be looked at for cuts.
· Only 14 percent of respondents would release people from prison to save money. The budget and tax issues will be debated now through the conclusion of this year’s session and will be explained in my newsletter as they happen.
I did my best to make sure that the survey questions were straight forward and not leading. As your representative, it is best for me to have as clear communication with my constituents as is possible. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to Oletta Ross for all the hours of work she has given to help with the surveys. I want to thank her for her diligence to keep accurate accounting with integrity.
Health Care Constitutional Amendment
The day after Congress passed the health care reform bill, the Kansas House took up HCR 5032 on the “Floor” of the House. The Constitutional Amendment proposed the following provisions for Kansans concerning health care: No law or rule could compel directly or indirectly any person, employer or health care provider to participate in any health care system or purchase of health care insurance. A person or employer may pay directly for lawful health care services without fines or penalties. A health care provider can receive direct payment from individuals or employers without penalties or fines. Subject to reasonable and necessary rules, the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems shall not be prohibited by law or rule. The amendment sought to preserve the rights of Kansans to choose their own health care services or health insurance. It called for the state to "preserve the freedom of Kansans to provide for their health care" without governmental interference or coercion. It rejected any requirement that would compel people, employers or health care providers to participate in a health care system or purchase health insurance, but it wouldn't affect laws or rules in place as of Aug. 1, 2009. I voted in favor of the bill but it failed to achieve the required 84 votes, receiving only 75 votes.
Late Term Abortion Change passes the House
Under current Kansas law, late term abortions are only allowed to save the life of the mother or if the woman faces a substantial and permanent impairment of a major bodily function to carry the pregnancy to full term. The law also requires a second diagnosis of a physician who has no business affiliation with the clinic who gave the first diagnosis. HB 2166 would remove what has been a questioned practice of allowing the use of mental health exceptions to obtain late abortions after the 22nd week of pregnancy. The bill passed 89-33 and I voted in favor.
Budget Stabilization Fund
In last week’s newsletter, I mentioned SCR 1614 which would establish a Budget Stabilization Fund in our state treasury. SCR 1614 was approved today in the House. Since it is a constitutional amendment it will require a vote in the general election in order for it to be adopted.
Budget Debate Next Week?
Most of us thought that the House would take up the Budget this week, especially with the amount of work it will be for the House and Senate to work in conference to agree on a budget plan that finds our priorities and that will pass to the Governor. It now puts us on a very tough time line. If the budget is debated Monday and passes Tuesday, then it would leave just Wednesday for the House and Senate to come to an agreement and for the budget to pass on Thursday. If we are not able to come to an agreement, only two days would be left to pass our first budget before “drop dead day” which is the last day for bills to be passed to the Governor. At that time, the Legislature will be scheduled to take a break and return at the end of the month for “Veto” session. During that time, Governor Parkinson will do his work reviewing bills passed to him and either signs or vetoes the bills. He also would work through the budget and make adjustments with line item veto.
How to Contact Me
You can call me with your thoughts and concerns at 785-296-6014. Maureen Stinson, my Legislative Assistant, does a great job helping me through a busy schedule and in keeping up with contacts from home. You may also e-mail me @ vickrey@jenevickrey.org or write to me at:
Statehouse-165W
Topeka, KS 66612