January 14, 2022
2022 Session Begins
You thought last year was a mess – well – here we go again. With the increased COVID-19 cases, variants, and major inflation, 2022 is going to be another challenge. I am confident that we can meet these challenges with perseverance and by remembering the words of our Founding Fathers, that our government is of “We the People” and that every decision we make as legislators must be in support of our Constitution.
Wildfires
December 16, 2021, several communities in Kansas were devastated by wildfires. The high winds, storms, and fires resulted in loss of life, homes, and livelihoods. There has been an outpouring of help, but more is needed. The Senate Tax Committee passed Senate Bill (SB) 318 out of committee. This Bill would allow a sales tax exemption on fencing material purchased as a result of losses from the wildfires. The legislature has passed similar legislation in the past. The difference in SB 318, is that it would not sunset so with any future fires the exemption would be available.
I offered an amendment to SB 318 that provides an option for County Commissioners to abate property taxes on agriculture or commercial property destroyed in a Governor declared disaster. It passed unanimously. Currently, County Commissioners have an option to abate property taxes on homes but they cannot abate property taxes on other property in a disaster. It was reported that a Senator was concerned about the optional abatement because it might decrease K-12 funding from the 20 mil property tax. Can you imagine losing almost all of your property and still having to pay property tax on it as if it wasn’t destroyed?
Personal Note
In less than a two-week period we lost several friends and family. Two of them died from COVID-19, but the rest died from other causes. We also have friends and family who are in the hospital and fighting to recover. It has been a difficult time, but with God’s grace we find strength.
Some media and now social media allow people to make false claims about me not taking COVID-19 seriously. This is fake news. I have and will continue to take precautions and hope that you do also. I will also continue to fight for your life, your liberty and your pursuit of happiness so that you may decide for yourself, not your government mandating and stripping you of your freedoms.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn