March 18, 2022
Wrapping up committee work was our main goal last week. While that means the end of regular meetings for most committees, it does not mean that the work is finished. The final days of session will be floor debate, and no or minimal committee work.
Election Security is critical. During debate last week on the Senate floor, a compelling argument was given by a Senator, former county commissioner, that he would not certify an election because the vote count could not be reconciled. The other two commissioners did certify the election, so the issue was dropped at that time. (There should have been a complete investigation.) Senate Bill (SB) 389 and SB 390 should help prevent that situation from occurring again. SB 389 would require a distinctive watermark for paper ballots and a sample hand-count audit of paper ballots that are counted with electronic tabulating equipment. The bill would also prohibit use of poll books that do not require a hand-written voter signature. The bill passed 27 to 11. SB 390 would require each person working with ballots to sign an affidavit in the tracking of ballots handled. It passed 27 to 10. I voted Yes on both measures.
Out-of-control spending continues in this year’s budget, SB 444. As with most budget bills, there was some good and some bad. Paying down debt and long overdue pay increases are some of the good. Increased spending on programs that are not being held accountable or proven effective is some of the bad. The budget also “puts away” $600 million in a rainy-day fund and has a $360 million ending balance. That $600 million could be used to remove sales tax on food, not socked away for government to spend at a later date. The bill passed the Senate 23 to 14. I voted No in defense of the taxpayer and slowing government growth.
Senate redistricting map passed on a vote of 28 to 8. I did not support the map. It would take the city of Ottawa and Bourbon County out of the 12th Senate district and include Coffee, Woodson, and Wilson Counties. The 12th district could have easily increased population in Miami County and kept all of Franklin in the 12th district.
We also worked on the following:
- Energy Independence is the strong message the Kansas Senate sent to the President of the United States. STOP importing oil and gas from Russia and RESTORE energy independence in the United States. SCR 1623 passed unanimously.
- Non-driver identification cards could be renewed online if SB 529 becomes law. It passed the Senate unanimously.
- Gold Star families could be recognized and honored on the State Capitol grounds. Gold Star families are families who have lost family member in the line of military service. House Bill 2540 passed the Senate unanimously.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
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