Politics

Kansas House Committee Approves More NBAF Bonds

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 10 May 2013 11:32:31 +0000

On Thursday, The House Appropriations Committee approved an amended version of Governor Brownback's proposal to issue more bonds for a federal lab.

Earlier, they'd delayed a decision on whether to approve an extra $200 million for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to be built in Manhattan, KS.

Some state lawmakers like Mark Hutton of Wichita, believe the deal between the federal and state government wasn't clearly defined.

Kansas House Considers Allowing Religious Symbols In Public Lands And Schools

Associated Press — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 20:45:57 +0000

The Kansas House is considering a bill that would allow religious symbols on public land.

According to the bill, religious symbols would be allowed if they are part of the community's history or heritage. This bill was introduced in response to an incident last summer when the community of Buhler was threatened with a lawsuit because its city symbol contained a cross.

More Than 1,000 Rally At KS Statehouse Against Abortion

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:54:58 +0000

More than 1,000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at the Statehouse to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the country. The event is one of the largest yearly rallies held on the capitol grounds.

Some Lawmakers May Pursue Cuts During Budget Talks

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 12:39:29 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback has proposed more income tax cuts in Kansas over the coming years. And to help pay for that, he wants to make permanent part of a temporary sales tax increase that is set to expire later this year.

He's also suggested eliminating some tax deductions, like the home mortgage deduction. Though, some lawmakers may try to alter that plan.

There is now a conservative majority in both the House and Senate, and some lawmakers may try to find additional cuts to state spending instead of using the sales tax and tax deductions to help pay for an income tax cut.

Legislators May Consider Changing Corporate Farming Rules

Kate Clause and Associated Press — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 19:02:30 +0000

Gov. Sam Brownback's administration may ask state legislators to repeal laws that restrict corporate involvement in farming.

State Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman told freshmen legislators Tuesday that the state's anti-corporate farming laws need to be repealed. He added later that the state can't expand agriculture as much as it could because of those restrictions.

Education Funding Ruling May Prompt Constitutional Change

Stephen Koranda — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:08:26 +0000

Education funding took center stage on the first day of the 2013 Kansas legislative session.

Lawmakers returned to Topeka just days after a district court ruled that the state needs to increase school funding. Some lawmakers may try to change the Kansas Constitution in response to the ruling.

Community Leaders Set Priorities For Legislative Session

Carla Eckels — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:04:07 +0000

The South Central Delegation heard from business, government and community leaders Thursday during their annual meeting in Wichita.

More than 30 Kansas lawmakers who are part of the delegation heard presentations on the budget, the need to fund transportation projects, the Equus Beds Aquifer, preserving Wichita's workforce, and the importance of funding education.

During a break, Kansas Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau said education remains a top priority.

Community Leaders To Share Hopes, Concerns For State Legislative Session

Carla Eckels — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:57:16 +0000

The South Central Delegation will hold its annual meeting Thursday at the Wichita State University Metroplex. Wichita leaders will share their agenda with state lawmakers before the 2013 legislative session starts Monday.

Fifty state representatives and senators make up the South Central Delegation and more than half are expected to be in attendance.

Brownback Expects Lawmakers to Take on Taxes

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:47:44 +0000

A large tax overhaul takes effect in Kansas now that the New Year has begun, but it may not remain "as-is" for long.

Governor Sam Brownback believes there's a good chance lawmakers could again look at taxes. And the governor himself may address taxes in his budget plans.

Jenkins: Not Easy For KS To Regain Ag Committee Seat

Stephen Koranda — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:40:50 +0000

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins says it may not be easy to get a Kansan back on the Agriculture Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kansas congressman Tim Huelskamp lost his seat on the committee last week.

Jenkins says the three remaining members of the Kansas House delegation already serve on high-profile committees, like Appropriations or Ways and Means. House rules say if you serve on one of those powerful committees, you can't serve on a second.

She says it would take a waiver for one of them to be allowed to take Huelskamp's place.