March 6, 2026

Budget Overspending continues.  As with any budget, there seems to always be good, bad, and just downright ugly.  This budget wasn’t as bad as we have seen in the past, but it still spends more than is projected to be collected in taxes.  The legislature must pass a budget, and doing so responsibly means confronting an uncomfortable truth: there is a pattern of spending increases that outpaced taxes to be collected, especially in discretionary programs that lack clear performance metrics.  Some of this spending is a result of the billions of federal COVID dollars that we were assured were one time spends and would not burden Kansas taxpayers.  The budget passed the Senate 21 to 19.  I voted no on this government growth.  The Senate and House budget committee leaders will now meet to work out differences for a final budget.

Welfare benefits were established to help those in need.  The fraud and abuse of these programs is occurring at a staggering rate.  Just look at Minnesota, where billions of dollars were fraudulently stolen.  Kansas is acting to stop fraud and abuse by strengthening the eligibility rules and work requirements of programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF and other programs.  Another provision in SB 363 makes it so people who are permanently disabled would only have to file once, not annually as they do now.  Kansans support safety net programs to be preserved for those who truly need them, and SB 363 does that.  It passed the Senate 25 to 13.  I voted yes.

An Emergency Declaration for the wildfires in south central and southwestern Kansas.  There were some counties in the 12^th Senate district also included in HCR 5033, allowing for exemptions on weight limits and other such restrictions to transport hay and items needed because of the fires.  It passed the Senate unanimously.

Elections would be more secure by verifying signatures of mail-in ballots.  While it may seem obvious that such a safeguard should already be standard practice, legislation is needed to codify it.  SB 394 would also allow another individual to sign a voter’s ballot envelope when the voter is unable to sign personally.  It passed 26 to 11.  I voted yes.

Electronic devices would be prohibited in Kansas schools by requiring each district to adopt a policy that removes cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and other personal communication devices from classroom use.  Senate Substitute for HB 2299 would also require district policies governing social‑media platforms. Limited exceptions would be permitted.  For example, when a student needs a device to remind them to take medication or when a school‑issued device is required for instructional purposes.  Research consistently shows that reading on paper yields better comprehension and retention than reading on most electronic devices.  The legislation was drafted to avoid excessive bureaucracy while delivering safety benefits by restricting non‑educational electronic devices use at school.  Parents, school administrators, and other stakeholders can help refine the policy at the local level.  It passed 32 to 4.  I voted yes.

Federal Law Enforcement and their vehicles would be treated as Kansas law‑enforcement officers if SB 452 becomes law. The bill also creates a new misdemeanor that prohibits anyone from approaching within 25 feet of a police officer, EMT, or firefighter after being given a visual or audible signal to stay back.  Proponents say the measure closes gaps between state and federal policing authority, while critics argue it could impinge on civil liberties because it criminalizes proximity to officers who are performing their duties. Although individuals may still be present in the vicinity and may record the activity, they must remain at least 25 feet away once an officer signals them to do so.  The bill passed 31 to 7.  I voted yes.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

Thie week started out somber in the Kansas Statehouse with the unexpected death of a friend and colleague,  Representative John Resman of Olathe. I sat next to John on the House floor during my freshman term an got to know him well. He didn’t speak up much but when he did I knew that what he had to say was worth listening to. Condolences to his family

Benny’s Bill (HB 2412) has been passed favorably by the Senate Judiciary Committee so it will soon be voted on by the whole Senate. They did make one technical amendment changing the effective date after the Governor’s approval but I believe that was done so it would go to a conference committee to be bundled with other related legislation. For those who don’t know the background behind this legislation it strengthens the penalties for child endangerment and aggravated child endangerment when the victim is under the age of six. For those who might not be familiar with the bill I am sponsoring it because of the case of Benny Cannon who suffered lifelong disabilities after a daycare incident when he was four months old. Two daycare workers were found responsible after pleading guilty in court but received light sentences in my opinion considering the damage that was inflicted.

In my last update I mentioned HB 2368 which allows for the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants in Kansas, As I mentioned before the bill was voted down but it has been brought up again and could possibly be voted on again this year. I voted against it the last time and I intend to vote that way again because I believe that it is a model that doesn’t work well for healthcare in Kansas.

HB 360 deals with PBM reform. PBMs or Pharmacy Benefit Managers are the middlemen between drug manufacturers and retail pharmacies. Currently many of the big drug chains and the PBMs are owned by the same companies which creates an unfair advantage to locally owned pharmacies like Richey’s in Erie, Mathis in Girard or Cardinal in Chanute. The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the House where I will be voting in favor.

That is it for now. I’m hoping the best for everyone as we approach Spring even though it has been a mild Winter. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns that you might have. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

February 27, 2026

The Property Tax Cap Assessment Protection (CAP) Amendment (SCR 1616) would limit annual assessment increases to 3% or less, a measure that cleared the Senate 30 to 10 and now moves to the House. Today there’s no cap, so rising county appraisals can dramatically raise tax bills even when mill levies stay flat.  Residential values have jumped over an average of 40% in four years, with Linn County up 91%.  The amendment would limit the assessment value used to calculate taxes to 3% or less growth, transfer that cap when a property changes owners, and year 2022 is the baseline because of the recent surge in values.

In 1989, the Kansas Constitution was amended to protect agriculture by moving to the current use-value system, instead of market value.  This helps ensure farmers aren’t taxed off their land.  SCR 1616 simply provides protection and predictability to homeowners, businesses, and agriculture.  If approved by the House, voters will decide if the CAP Amendment becomes law at the ballot box on August 4, 2026.  I voted yes.

Seniors In Need and Disabled Veterans property tax relief is expanded in SB 402.  It passed the Senate 39‑1.  I voted yes.  The bill consolidates the Homestead I and II (Property Tax Freeze for seniors and disabled vets) applications into a single form. It raises the maximum home value from $350,000 to $375,000 for both programs.  SB 402 updates the Homestead I household income definition to match Homestead II, Kansas Adjusted Gross Income (KAGI), which excludes Social Security so more people will qualify.  The bill also makes changes to the SAFESR program, another Kansas property tax refund program.  To qualify for SAFESR, taxpayers must have an income below $25,380 (adjusted each year for inflation) and be born before January 1, 1961.  The bill also ensures that once a taxpayer qualifies, they cannot be kicked off the program if the homes valuation should exceed the programs’ limit.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12^th District State Senator.

Caryn