Date for the governor's State of the State address is set; Koch Industries announces large expansion; Fire safety reminders during the holiday season.
Brownback To Deliver State Of The State Jan. 15
Governor Sam Brownback has chosen January 15 as the date to deliver his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature. Brownback will outline his legislative agenda for 2013 one day after lawmakers begin the annual session.
The governor goes into the new year with sizeable GOP majorities in both chambers. Republicans outnumber Democrats 92-33 in the House and 32-8 in the Senate.
Koch Industries To Expand Wichita Campus, Create More Jobs
Wichita based Koch industries yesterday announced plans to expand its northeast campus on 37th Street between Hillside and Oliver.
KS Senate Could Boost New President's Power
Top Republicans in the Kansas Senate are considering a proposal to concentrate the power over committee assignments in the chamber's president. And the idea has bipartisan support.
Incoming Majority Leader Terry Bruce of Hutchinson said Thursday that some fellow Republicans view the Senate's current method of handling committee assignments as cumbersome. A nine-member, all-GOP panel makes the assignments.
Meanwhile, the House gives its speaker control over committee assignments. Bruce and Senate President Susan Wagle take over when lawmakers convene their 2013 session January 14.
Abolishing the all-GOP appointments group has the support of Senate Democratic Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka.
Tips For Keeping Safe During Holiday Fire Season
The Wichita Fire Department reminds residents to be aware of potential fire hazards with Christmas trees and decorative lighting during this holiday season. Recently, a fire in south Wichita damaged a home and claimed the life of a family pet.
Fiscal Cliff Deal May Be Crucial In Saving KS Jobs
An economic consulting firm predicts Kansas would lose nearly 40,400 jobs next year if no deal is struck on the fiscal cliff.
The analysis says the private sector in Kansas would take the biggest hit, with nearly 35,000 jobs at risk. Retailers would suffer the most as consumers cut spending.
For Kansas, the model projects a loss of $2.75 billion to $3 billion in gross domestic product unless an agreement is reached in Washington.
