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Category Archives: Government
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 22, 2019
There is a spending problem in government, especially Kansas State government. The Senate passed a budget according to the Chair of Ways and Means that, “is more than the Governor asked for.” Senate Bill (SB) 75 appropriates $17.2 billion all funds and $7.1 billion of State General Funds (SGF). Since 2013, State expenditures have increased over $3 billion – a 19% increase in less than 7 years for all funds. The SGF increased $1 billion in that same time-frame – a 14% increase. This is not sustainable! SB 75 had a few good things, but not enough to justify the out-of-control spending. The vote was 21 Yes to 18 No. I voted No.
The Senate Tax Committee, which I chair, passed SB 91, an attempt to lighten the tax burden for senior citizens, disabled veterans, and Kansas taxpayers. SB 91 would freeze property taxes on a home via a tax credit for people over 65 who make less than $30,000 a year, and for disabled veterans. The bill would also increase the standard deduction for an individual to $3,500, up from $3,000. Married filing jointly would increase to $8,500. After the massive spending increases passed in the budget, cutting taxes is an attempt to reel in government growth.
Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ): SB 125 would extend the ROZ five more years to 2026. The program is a state income tax credit for people moving into an approved rural county from out of state. The bill passed Yes 29 to No 11. SB 135 would increase the number of counties in the ROZ program by eight: Atchison, Cowley, Crawford, Dickinson, Ford, Franklin, Miami, and Pottawatomie. There are 73 counties in the program. If the bill becomes law, the entire Senate District 12 would be included in the ROZ. SB 135 passed Yes 30 to No 8. I voted Yes on both bills.
Kansas Closed Case Task Force would be established with SB 102. It creates a task force to create and implement a plan for uniform protocols for law enforcement to follow. The process does need to be identified. However, what makes legislators the experts in establishing the protocols and procedures relating to data hits in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). SB 102 would have two legislators co-chairing the task force. It’s just another layer of bureaucracy. The vote was 39 to 1. I voted No.
The Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Program would be updated by House Bill (HB) 2123, removing a requirement that eligible members of the Kansas National Guard have at least one year remaining on their enlistment contract to qualify for education assistance. HB 2123 would allow Air National Guard members to participate as they can only re-enlist 90 days prior to their end of service. The bill passed the Senate unanimously.
Kansas sales tax statutes name some exemptions for specific groups, like a Rotary club in Wichita, while all other Rotary clubs in Kansas do not enjoy the same sales tax exemption. In an attempt to create a fair tax code, SB 178 sets parameters for non-profit community care organizations so that if an organization qualifies they get the sales tax exemption and do not have to go through the legislature to get their name added to the statutes. During debate on the Senate floor, an amendment was added that would require one sales tax exemption of equal or higher dollar amount to be removed when one is added. Sales tax exemptions total over $3 billion. The bill passed unanimously.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Unclaimed Property Claims Speeded Up
New Technology from the Office of KS State Treasurer Jake LaTurner Speeds Up Unclaimed Property Claims for Hundreds of Kansans
Topeka—Kansas State Treasurer Jake LaTurner launched a new statewide effort making it easier and more convenient to connect Kansans with their unclaimed property and financial assets than ever before. Hundreds of Kansans were sent letters notifying them they have property in the state treasury waiting to be claimed and giving them an easier way to do it. Instructions on the letter allow the person to claim their property simply by entering a code from the letter in to a portal on the state treasurer’s website or by using their smartphone to scan a QR code also printed in the letter.
Treasurer LaTurner wants to make sure Kansans know these letters are a legitimate method for getting back their unclaimed property, and Kansans should feel secure going through the steps in the letter to claim their money.
“This is not a scam. If you received a letter from me with a link to kansascash.ks.gov, it means we have real money that belongs to you just waiting to be claimed,” said LaTurner. “We want to make sure no one throws these letters away by accident. Simply go to our website and enter the code in the letter or scan the QR square and get your money back.”
State Treasurer LaTurner has spent his last year and a half as treasurer using technology and efficient business practices to streamline the process for returning unclaimed property, including adding direct deposit as a way to receive payment. In 2018 a record $26.5-million in unclaimed property was returned to Kansans, and the office is on track to break that record in 2019.
Even without receiving a letter, all Kansans interested in finding out whether any of the $350-million in unclaimed property belongs to them can easily search by first and last name on kansascash.ks.gov.
KDOT hosts webinar on agriculture and drones
The Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) Division of Aviation will host a webinar, “Drones in Ag: Harvesting Drone Data to Improve Performance,” on Tuesday, March 26, at 10:30 a.m.
The webinar is co-hosted by Kansas Farm Bureau and will feature two presentations – the first from Microsoft FarmBeats hardware researcher Zerina Kapetanovic detailing the FarmBeats system and the artificial intelligence challenges associated with agriculture, and the second from Kansas State University associate professor Ignacio Ciampitti on applications of UAVs in precision agriculture. It will also include a brief overview of the Kansas Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) from KDOT Director of Aviation Bob Brock.
Individuals or teams interested in participating should RSVP at www.ippkansas.org/events. Space is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Participants will receive a link to the webinar upon registration.
The Kansas UAS IPP is led by KDOT Aviation as one of 10 national leaders conducting advanced UAS operations to guide future rule-making that will result in access to new technologies for the nation. IPP will help tackle the most significant challenges to integrating drones into the national airspace and will reduce risks to public safety and security. The Kansas team is focused on efforts in Long Line Linear Infrastructure Inspection (i.e. highways, railroads, energy distribution lines, etc.) and Precision Agriculture.
Governor Applauds Medicaid Expansion
Governor Laura Kelly applauds the passage of Medicaid expansion in the Kansas House
The following statement is from Governor Laura Kelly regarding the passage of Medicaid expansion by the Kansas House of Representatives:
“Today a bipartisan coalition in the Kansas House put politics aside and came together to pass Medicaid expansion. I’m proud of their work – and the work of so many advocates and citizens who worked tirelessly to make their voices heard on this issue.
“Medicaid expansion is one of the most critical issues impacting our state’s future. It will allow up to 150,000 more Kansans access to affordable healthcare, support local hospitals and clinics, and impact our economy for the better.
“Over 70 percent of Kansans support Medicaid expansion. I encourage the Kansas Senate to join me, this bipartisan coalition, business leaders and the overwhelming majority of Kansans in support of Medicaid expansion. The time for blocking progress has long since passed. Now is the time to expand Medicaid.”
Governor Tours Kansas Flood Areas
Governor Kelly tours flood-affected areas with the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management and the Kansas Water Office
Governor Laura Kelly today toured counties damaged by flooding in Kansas and Nebraska with Maj. General Lee Tafanelli from the Kansas National Guard, Deputy Director Angee Morgan from the Kansas Department of Emergency Management and Acting Director Earl Lewis from the Kansas Water Office. They flew by helicopter to Leavenworth and then up the Missouri River Basin surveying the damage and relief efforts.
Kelly signed an executive order yesterday easing motor carrier regulations to expedite emergency relief and restoration. Last week, the governor issued a state of disaster emergency declaration for several counties affected by flooding. Local, state and federal partners will continue to work together to address the needs of communities and rural areas.
Governor Eases Regs To Assist Flood Relief
Governor signs Executive Order easing motor carrier regulations to assist with flood relief
To expedite emergency relief and restoration efforts associated with recent flooding in Kansas and neighboring states, Governor Laura Kelly has issued an executive order.
The order temporarily exempts commercial motor carriers and operators from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Regulations while traveling in Kansas and directly participating in disaster operations.
“Yesterday, I signed an executive order waiving fees and easing regulation on motor carriers to assist with transporting relief to flood affected areas,” Kelly said. “I’m grateful for the work of our emergency management team and the Kansas National Guard during this critical time. It’s important communities in both states receive the aide they need immediately.”
The regulation exemptions include licensing, certification and permitting; fuel tax permits, and other rules that will allow motor carriers to more quickly bring in necessary supplies and equipment to aid in relief efforts.
Heavy rains and spring snow melts are causing moderate flood conditions along the Missouri River in several states, including Kansas, and is expected to increase to major flooding in the next few days. Doniphan, Marshall and Jefferson Counties have issued local disaster declarations and Gov. Kelly signed a state declaration for Doniphan County on March 15. Currently, potential flooding in the state would primarily affect farmland and not residential areas.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Topeka has been activated to a 24/7 level to monitor weather conditions and support local emergency management operations. The governor will tour the area impacted by flooding today with the Kansas National Guard, the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, and the Kansas Water Office.
Bourbon County Attorney’s New Space
The Bourbon County County Attorney’s Office has moved.
The move took place following the departure of the old jail to the new jail facility last year. The Bourbon County Commissioners then reconfigured the courthouse, 210 S. National, moving most of the offices to the first floor of the facility.
The second floor was then designated as the county attorney’s office and the staff moved in October 2018.
Security is the main reason for the move.
“The second-floor office is for security,” said Judy Hood, senior legal secretary for Bourbon County Attorney Jacqui Spradling. “We had a KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigation) agent come and talk with the county attorney. He jumped over the counter, to show how vulnerable they were.”
Both the second and third floor of the courthouse have restricted access since the reconfiguration of the building.
In addition, there is faster access to the district courtrooms on the third floor of the Bourbon County Courthouse for the attorneys, Hood said.
There are three attorneys and three secretaries in the Bourbon County Attorney’s Office.
Jacqie Spradling is the Bourbon County Attorney, Tiana McElroy and Steve Stockard are the assistant county attorneys.
The three secretaries are Hood, Angel Wilson, and Staci Haynes.
Bourbon County Commission Agenda for March 19
Agenda
Bourbon County Commission Room
1st Floor, County Courthouse
210 S. National Avenue
Fort Scott, KS 66701
Tuesdays starting at 9:00
Date: March 19th, 2019
1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________
2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________
3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________
County Clerk-Kendell Mason
9:00-9:45-Jim Harris
Consider request from City of Fort Scott to waive landfill fee for the demolition of Stout Building
9:45-10:15-Jeremiah Hill-Hard surface roads
10:30-11:00-Juvenile Placement
11:00-12:00-Justin Meeks
Executive Session- Attorney Client Privilege-15 min.
Executive Session-Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-15 min.
11:45-12:00-Ritters-Valuation notices
12:00-COMMISSIONER’S GONE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY
Legislative Update By State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 15, 2019
K-12 School Funding, Senate Bill (SB) 142, was a point of controversy on the Senate floor. The bill is an attempt to satisfy the Kansas Supreme Court in the Gannon lawsuit. You may ask, “another K-12 funding increase”? Remember, over one billion dollars has been added to K-12 funding in the past two years. SB 142 would be another increase of over $90 million. At first, the plaintiffs agreed to the bill. Then they decided it wasn’t enough. They want a $360 million increase, the $90 million plus $270 million more. According to an article in the Wichita Eagle, John Robb, lead attorney for the school districts, said, “I agree the optics are terrible, but I can’t look the other way on the $270 million for schools because the optics may look bad.” The optics look terrible and the facts look even worse.
In the past ten years, K-12 funding has increased $1.7 billion! In the past twenty-five years, the number of full-time students has increased approximately 10%, the number of classroom teachers increased approximately 15%, while the number of managers increased approximate 36%, and other non-teacher positions increased approximately 40%. We must start looking at how the money is being spent and managed. Is the money getting to the classroom and the teachers? With the amount of money we pay for our schools, there should NOT be any teacher paying for supplies.
SB 142 allows the Court to continue appropriating from the bench without concern for our property taxpayers, infrastructure, prisons, and other obligations. The Kansas Constitution puts sole responsibility of appropriations with the Legislature and I will continue to stand against the Court’s Constitutional overreach. It was disappointing that more Senators chose to cave to the Court’s overreach. One Senator said, “this is my final offer”, as he voted Yes. I’ve heard that before and the schools and Court just keep coming back for more. The bill passed 32 to 8. I voted No.
Tax: SB 22 addresses the state tax increase that is a result of the 2017 the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Many states, including Kansas, should change their tax laws in order to avoid a state tax increase. The Senate passed SB 22 and sent it to the House. The House added additional tax legislation. The Senate voted 24 Yes and 16 No to accept the House changes. I voted Yes. The House additions to SB 22 lowered state sales tax on food by 1% and added an internet sales tax that requires out-of-state vendors to pay Kansas sales tax. SB 22 is now on the Governor’s desk. If the bill does not become law, individual taxpayers will have an estimated $50 million increase because they may not be able to itemize deductions and businesses will have an estimated $137 million tax increase if they bring overseas money to Kansas. Several other states have passed legislation avoiding a state tax increase, including our neighbors to the east – Missouri.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Senator Hilderbrand’s Weekly Communication
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Notice of Fort Scott Land Bank Meeting for March 19
There will be a meeting of the Fort Scott Land Bank held on Tuesday, March 19th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission meeting room at 123 S. Main Street. This meeting will be held to continue the discussion on the policies of the Land Bank. There will be a majority of the City Commissioners present, but no City Commission business will be conducted.