1.28.11 Newsletter
January 28, 2011
Happy Birthday Kansas! The State Capitol was full of activities this week celebrating the 150th anniversary of Kansas’ statehood. It served as a time to reflect on the proud history of our state which was created as a free state and known as Bleeding Kansas, the cradle of the Civil War. Kansans have always stood for what is right, even when standing alone. In 1954 the Kansas Supreme Court stood alone and forever changed the country with Brown vs. Board. While the challenges we face today are difference, the decisions are not any easier.
Our task this legislative session will be like those before, create a balanced budget. Even as the budget presents our state challenges, on this 150th birthday of Kansas we have much to be thankful for. It seems difficult to fill the 8% budget hole we have but many states are worse off in trying to reduce budgets by 50%. Our K-12 schools are ranked 7th best in the nation in performance while we benefit from a low cost of living and low crime rate. And how could we forget the four full seasons we enjoy every year. All things considered, even in this continued economic downturn, Kansas is the best place to live.
Finding 550 Million Dollars
Just as I had said in last week’s update, the overwhelming focus of this session will be finding the $550 million to fill the 8% state budget deficit while repairing the Kansas economy. House Bill 2014 is the first step in the Governor’s plan to freezing state spending for the remaining six months of the 2011 fiscal year ending June 30th. By freezing spending, the bill makes $120 million in cuts, orders several funding transfers, and would create a $35 million surplus in the State General Fund for this fiscal year.
The Appropriations Committee began work this week by offering amendments aimed at further reductions in state spending. Representative DeGraff offered several amendments for consideration including an eight page amendment which instructs each agency heads to cut 7.5% from their payroll. This amendment will give agency heads wide latitude in implementing the cuts, for example, furlough days or a temporary reduction in business hours. The bill will run on the House floor next week giving me the first opportunity to view and amend the final proposal. While this budget may seem difficult, the Legislature must work quickly to pass this freeze bill and begin work on the FY 12 budget. It is critical school districts and government agencies alike know how much money they will receive in a timely fashion. This is our responsibility as legislators.
The School Sports Head Injury Prevention Act
Identical bills have been introduced in both the House with HB 2095 and the Senate with SB 33. The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee will hold its first hearing on Monday, January 31st. The bill would require information concerning the nature of head injuries, specifically the risks of playing and practicing after a concussion or head injury has been suffered, be provided to school districts for distribution to coaches, school athletes and parents.
The bill would also require any athlete suspected of suffered a concussion or head injury be removed from competition or practice, not returning until cleared by appropriate medical staff. This is standard practice in college and professional sports and should extend to our young athletes as well. With more medical science regarding head injuries becoming available, we must continue to apply new science and safety techniques to ensure sports participants are as protected as possible.
Taxpayer Funding for the Arts Commission
The Governor has proposed restructuring of the Kansas Arts Commission (KAC) to become a public/private partnership which will result in long term savings to the state. It is true the arts are important and are a much appreciated part of our Kansas economy and lifestyle. However, we continue to face huge revenue declines and must ultimately determine which programs are core functions of state government. The amount saved by restructuring KAC, would equal the funding needed to remove 60 developmentally disabled children from waiting lists providing them much needed care. The Governor’s KAC reorganization is patterned after the State of Vermont who successfully adopted a non-profit structure for their arts commission. Kansas is not alone as several other states are following the same model.
Many questions have arisen regarding future funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) which provides federal funding for the KAC. The authorizing legislation for the NEA has been thoroughly reviewed and no requirement for state funding has been found.
The Governor’s restructuring would make the KAC a 501 (c) (3) known with the new name of Kansas Arts Council. He will also allocate $200,000 through the Kansas Historical Society to assist the transition from a state agency to a nonprofit private organization saving close to $600,000 in the 2012 budget. This transition is very similar to the one made by the Kansas Humanities Council, who currently continues to receive federal funds and has been recognized as a success.
Be Aware / New Scam
Attorney General Derek Schmidt alerted Kansans this week of an organization calling itself National Credit Solutions which has been scamming consumers in Kansas. This company has been contacting Kansans regarding fake late fees owed to Hollywood Video. If you, a friend or family member receives a call or mail from National Credit Solutions, please report it to the Consumer Protection Division in the Office of the Attorney General at 1(800)432-2310 or www.ksag.org.
As the legislature continues to work on the important issues of our state your suggestions and ideas make bills better. The best legislation is truly created when citizens and legislators work together to address all sides of an issue.
While the year will continue to get more hectic for everyone, assisting you is my top priority. If there is anything I can do to help please contact me through my office at 785.291.3500 or at jene.vickrey@house.ks.gov which I check regularly.
Have a great week.
Sincerely
Jene Vickrey