February 22, 2019
Kansas Farm Bureau Option for Medical Coverage resulted in an ardent senate floor debate. Senate Bill (SB) 32 would allow KS Farm Bureau to establish and offer medical coverage for KS Farm Bureau members. Healthcare costs are skyrocketing and not everyone can afford insurance. It has been reported that since Obama-care became law, insurance premium costs have increased an average of 12% each year for persons who are non-Medicaid eligible. SB 32 would provide another option for KS Farm Bureau members who cannot afford the rising cost of health insurance. The KS Farm Bureau program would not have all of the benefits of health-insurance, for example –a person would have to qualify for the coverage and not all health-care would be covered. The program is modeled after Tennessee Farm Bureau’s program, which has been in existence for approximately 70 years. The bill passed 28 Yes to 11 No. I voted Yes.
Stop the Fraud and Waste: In 2015, I offered an amendment on a bill to require an electronic identity check when a person applies for government assistance. It was signed into law. A couple of weeks ago I requested information on how the statute was implemented and what the results have been in stopping fraudulent applications. The response I got was that the electronic identity check has still not been implemented. It is things like this that result in little to no confidence in government.
Kansas sales tax and sales tax on food is some of the highest in the nation. According to the Tax Foundation, combining the average county and city sales tax with the state sales tax puts Kansas at the 8th highest sales tax rate in the nation. Kansas is 11th highest for state sales tax and 15th highest for average local sales tax which results in the 8th highest for combined sales tax. These tax rates result in Kansas having among some of the highest sales tax rates on food. Some Kansans can apply for a food sales tax credit when they file their KS income tax return. There are a few ways a person may qualify. One way is a person must be 55 years of age or older, have a federal adjusted gross income less than $30,615.01, and have a Kansas income tax liability to qualify.
The Senate Tax Committee had a hearing on SB 76. The bill is an attempt to decrease the State sales tax on food by 3% in the next three years (1% per year decrease). If passed, it would be a step in the right direction.
Seat belt violations: Current statute is ambiguous and has resulted in varied opinions as to rather a seat belt violation is a traffic infraction or a misdemeanor. SB 41 would make it clear that a seat belt violation is a traffic infraction. Fines would not change. A fine is $30 if age 18 or older, $60 for anyone 17 or younger and not properly fastened in the appropriate restraining system.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn