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Newsletter Jan. 29th, 2010
Newsletter Jan. 29th, 2010
January 29, 2010
The celebration of Kansas Day always seems to be when the legislative session picks up an even more hectic pace. By this time, committees have been meeting regularly for two weeks with some already kicking out bills for consideration on the House floor. I've included a few of the highlights so far, and always appreciate hearing from you.
Tax Legislation
Last week’s discussion of HB 2475 (the bill to raise sales tax 1%) sparked numerous e-mails. The information in the hearings has outlined well the task before the Legislature. First, the impact budget shortfalls are having on the ability to provide vital state services and second, the economic loss due to the increase. Chris Cartwright, Legislative Research Principal Economist, testified that a 1% increase in our state sales tax would cause a 16.67% slippage. To define, slippage is the loss due to consumers either spending less or making purchases out of state or on the internet. Dr. Art Hall, from the KU School of Business, added that an additional $41 million would be lost from income taxes as 3,936 jobs would be lost, also resulting in a $2.8 million reduction in private investment and $17.1 million less revenue for local governments. At hearing testimony on both sides of the issue, the bill was reported out of committee adversely. I appreciated Jo Ann and John Gangel , Louisburg, expressing strong concerns about the KDOR request to charge $25 for any individual that files by paper. They noted that many people would be unable to file over the internet. I agreed and plan to support an incentive to encourage those who file electronically rather than penalizing those who don’t.
Rescission Bill Passes the Senate
This year’s rescission bill, ensuring funding for the remainder of the FY 2010, passed the Senate on Thursday. Next week, the House will be debating the bill on the floor after the Appropriations Committee finishes hearings. One of the hot issues will be the 10% Medicaid cut which disqualifies the state for a 70% match from the Federal Government. In Miami County, nursing homes are being cut $637 thousand dollars. Staffing levels and care will be at risk and Denise German told me that assisted living homes could be forced to no longer accept Medicaid residents and that those residents would be redirected at a higher cost to our state.
Other Bills being
Considered
- HB 2130 requires wearing of seatbelts by
everyone in the car. Present law does not require adults in the back
seat to wear a belt.
- HB 2439 No texting while driving.
- HB 2040 Changes current law to authorize
the Kansas Parole Board to defer subsequent hearings for up to 20 years
for serious felons who have been denied parole.
- HB 2221 Prohibits smoking in all public
places, taxis, restrooms, lobbies and common areas in hotels, condos,
multiple-residential buildings, any place of employment, and access
points to businesses.
- HB 2011 requires the Kansas Dept. of Health
and Environment (KDHE) to amend the current reporting requirements for
late term abortions.
- SB 375 would eliminate the death
penalty.
-SB 401 would bring slot machines to state’s
pari-mutuel tracks and lower the minimum investment for a casino in
southeast Kansas
You can get copies of all bills and follow their progress by
going to the state website:
http://www.kslegislature.org/ or contact me at 785-296-6014.
Maureen Stinson, my Legislative Assistant always knows where I am. You may also e-mail :