The 2025 session has ended.  There were several veto overrides, and more legislation sent to the Governor.  Below are some of the vetoed bills and the results of the override.

Nutrition In Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SB 79, directed the Secretary for Children and Families to request a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to exclude candy and soft drinks from the definition of eligible foods for the food assistance program, SNAP. The Senate voted to override the veto 29 to 11, but the House did not vote on it so the veto was sustained.  I voted for the legislation and for the override.  It didn’t stop people from purchasing these items.  They just would not have been able to use taxpayer funded SNAP money to buy those products.  It was reported before the veto override that the Governor’s office had sent a letter requesting the waiver and then withdrew it before she vetoed the bill.

Income Tax reductions will occur when income taxes collected exceeds inflation and there is 15% or more in the rainy-day fund because SB 269 will be law.  SB 269 will help reign in the out-of-control state government growth.  In 2023, all funds spending increased over 10%, $2.3 billion – in one year.  State government spending has increased approximately 50% since Governor Kelly took office.  Last year, we were able to reduce state income taxes by exempting Social Security, increasing personal exemptions, and reducing the tax brackets.  Even with these cuts, the state continues to collect more in income taxes.  SB 269 will keep us on the path started last year of limiting government growth.  The Governor’s veto was overridden 30 to 10 in the Senate, 87 to 37 in the House.  I voted Yes.

State Welfare programs will be audited as result of the veto override of HB 2217.  We must ensure that state assistance is getting to those in need and stop the waste, fraud, and abuse of these programs.  HB 2217 will give the inspector general the authority to audit.  It’s disappointing we must pass laws to audit fraud.  It doesn’t make sense.  However, it is now law.  The Senate voted 30 to 10 on the override.  I voted Yes.

Budget Continuous Funding is ensured in SB 14.  Looking forward, there could be a time when the budget is used as leverage to force legislators’ hands.  SB 14 would put the previous year’s budget in place if there is a year that a budget doesn’t pass, preventing a government shutdown.  It passed the Senate 31 to 9 and the House 85 to 39.  I voted Yes on the override.

“Bidenbucks” No More in Kansas as SB 5 becomes law.  Election officials can no longer accept federal funds unless approved by law.  A couple of years ago we passed into law an amendment that I had ran to stop financial influences such as “Zuckerbucks” on Kansas elections.  It became law.  Since them, federal money has been used to influence how we execute Kansas elections.  That will no longer be the case.  The override passed the Senate 31 to 9 and 86 to 37 in the House.  I voted Yes.

There were several other items passed into law, too many to cover in this week’s report.  I’ll write more next week.  In the meantime, all legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.

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

Caryn