While the 2010 session officially kicked off last week, the true work began in earnest this week as committees started hearing bills and holding formal hearings. Early in the year, most of the legislature’s work is confined to committees which hold hearing to learn from stakeholders about the issues, and deciding which measures warrant full consideration. Budget deliberations will loom for months, but there’s also work taking place on a host of other topics.
As your representative, I understand the importance of leading by example. It’s unfair to ask the people of Kansas to tighten their belts if legislators are not willing to do the same. In that spirit, we’ll be taking self-imposed furloughs. While the dates are not yet determined, it appears we’ll cut at least 9 days of our legislative pay—in addition to an across the board pay cut of 5% or more. Functionally, the savings will have a minimal impact on the overall budget, but I assure you this is a reduction that will genuinely affect legislators, and highlights our commitment to a comprehensive budget solution.
Discussion on capital punishment was the public highlight of the week. A bill concerning the death penalty was unable to pass late last session, and now a second bill is under review. The revised law requires current death row inmates to fulfill their death sentences; those guilty of capital murder after July 1 would be subject to the maximum of life in prison. Although there have been no executions in Kansas for 44 years, this will always be an emotional issue, and one that I’ll continue to pay close attention to.
Every year it seems the legislature discovers an unexpected issue that results in widespread public input. This year, debate over an unregulated drug being used by our youth has taken center stage early in the session. The drug, called K2, is a synthetic marijuana which is currently legal, and being used in our high schools. This product may be unfamiliar to many of you, as it was for many legislators, but is being marketed as incense and can also be used to evade drug testing. Kansas would be the first state to create restrictions, and I think it’s an important step in protecting our communities, however like so many off the issues we face—the solution starts at home.
Kansas, like many of our neighbors introduced a bill this week to outlaw texting or emailing while driving; classifying these actions as a “primary” offense. Currently, drivers may be pulled over only if they are violating other traffic laws, not solely for appearing inattentive to their surroundings. While I believe this would make our roads safer, it also creates more government control. That’s a difficult decision, and one I hope to hear your opinion on.
As I mentioned, the budget will dominate the headlines—but there’s clearly important issues before us involving your personal rights and community safety. It’s a difficult balance in determining how to best address the issues that will directly affect the quality of life for all Kansans. I hope you’ll continue to work with me in finding the right ideas for our community. I always appreciate your interest, and hope you’ll remain involved in our work here in Topeka
