This week in Topeka we kicked off our own version of “March Madness” with deadlines rapidly approaching and committees working hard to shut down for the 2009 session. Committees had to wrap up deliberations by the end of the week, so while much of the work going on was behind the scenes our rush to the finish is officially underway. Action next week will be focused entirely on the floor of the House and much of that work will be dealing with the major issues of the session—which are typically reserved for this latter part of the session.
One of the most encouraging developments this week was the appropriations committee’s passage of our House budget proposal for the 2010 fiscal year. The committee spent weeks listening to constituents and budget experts to determine how the federal stimulus package will affect Kansas and how to best approach our budget shortfall not only for this year, but future years as well. I was very pleased to see the committee find a way to use every federal dollar, without encumbering future budgets as a result of the “strings” attached to those dollars.
Most of the focus on this issue will revolve around the funding for K-12 education. When we began debate on the budget forecasters were predicting shortfalls that would have dictated cuts of up to 10% to all state programs including schools. Luckily, as a result of stimulus funding and the dedicated work of the House committee, cuts from 2009 funding levels are only a fraction of a percent (.6%) and still remain far above 2008 funding. In the midst of such a difficult economic situation, it appears we’ve averted a major crisis. Floor debate on this measure will take place early next week and I’m looking forward to having this discussion.
In addition to our budget debate next week we still have yet to determine the status of bills concerning energy and the Holcomb power plants, minimum wage, abortion, and a host of other well-publicized issues. As always, your opinion on these is an important part of my decision making process. In many instances I have a good indication of what will impact our district most favorably, but any input from home means a great deal to me and is always very helpful.
After wrapping up in the next couple weeks I’ll be back home for a break before we begin our veto session in which we consider final measures before adjourning for the year. During this time, I’m always looking for activities in the district. If you have an event or gathering that you would like to have me attend, please don’t hesitate to ask. In addition to learning about your thoughts and opinions I want to be able to explain more about the work we’ve done this year so far. As always you can reach me at (insert info) and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
