Capitol Comments
March 13, 2001
The end of this legislative session is drawing near. However, there are still many issues that need to be addressed before we close business for the year.
Slot Machines
The words slot machines have been uttered quite a bit this session. Senate Bill 156 would limit the slot machines to the three counties that already have dog and horse racing. It would allow those counties to take a vote and decide if they are going to allow slot machines in addition to the dog/horse racing. This sounds like a fair solution to the growing debate about slot machines. However, we do have to ask this question, is it really fair? We have to take in consideration the counties that surround those who will have gambling. Will those counties who don't want the negative effects of gambling be subjected to those negative effects? Also the argument that Kansas is losing millions of dollars in revenue, isn't as effective here in south central Kansas as it might be in Kansas City. Another concern is the state being involved in the operating of slot machines, do you really want Kansas to be operating a casino? Constituents are making it loud and clear to me that they do not want Kansas to expand gambling. There may be a budget short fall, but surely there are other solutions to funding the state than running a casino operation. The Senate has never voted on the issue. If a vote does occur it will most likely happen towards the end of session.
Election Reforms
The 2000 elections have come and gone, now hopefully come some solutions for solving problems that surfaced during the elections. Senate Bill 128 is an attempt to protect voters. It will penalize people who fail to send in a signed voter registration, or obstruct someone from sending in registration. The bill also expands upon the law on voter intimidation and electioneering. Although Kansas may not have a perfect election plan, it is leaps and bounds above other states like Florida, which have several reforms that may take place. This past election has given us the chance to look at our current system and upgrade or change it so we can make it as fair as possible.
Funding For Heating Bills
The Kansas Corporation Commission has over $37 million in natural gas refunds, but is having a tough time deciding what to do with it. The House and Senate have told the KCC that the refunds should be used to help those who are having a hard time paying their heating bills. Some of the states largest corporations, however, say that they overpaid and they deserve the refund. The $37 million is not a guaranteed source to help Kansans with their heating bills. The Senate Democrats have a plan to use excess severance tax revenues that would be guaranteed to help Kansans. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 144 is still locked up in committee.
Reapportionment
Reapportionment committees have met earlier in the week in a joint session, discussing with staff about the process of re-drawing the district boundaries for the Senate and House. Also the four congressional districts, and the ten State Board of Education districts must be realigned. The Constitution requires all states to realign districts after the federal census which takes place every ten years.
Senate Floor Action
The Senate took a significant step toward easing the case load in courts with the passage of SB 14 which allows judges to order certain cases to mediation. The intent of mediation is to have plaintiffs and defendants work out their problems with help of an impartial mediator. Often the result of parties solving their own disputes is that both parties are much more satisfied with the outcome. With this legislation, judges could significantly reduce the case load on their dockets, and lower the burden for taxpayers.
SB 118, a bill that establishes a diagnostic and prevention network pilot program to study fetal alcohol syndrome has also passed the Senate with a vote of 40-0.
Also passing the full Senate 40-0 was SB 332, a bill designed to help handicapped people and families of handicapped individuals purchase assistive technology. The program would be under the direction of the Department of SRS.
In Conclusion
I was pleased to have Katie Hedges, Treva Ventle and Brogan Hiatt, Burden, assist the Senate with paging. These students are to be commended for their interest in state government.
I appreciate the constituents who have contacted me by telephone, e-mail, or written letters with suggestions and concerns. Your input allows me to work effectively for you. Please continue to let me know your views on the wide array of subjects to be resolved during these final weeks. Should you have concerns or issues of a legislative nature, you can reach me via E-mail at ggoodwin@ink.org.. OR Goodwin@senate.state.ks.us.. My address is State Capitol , Room 403-N, Topeka, KS 66612, telephone (785) 296-7381or l-800-432-3924. You can visit my web page at https://members.tripod.com/~Ggoodwin.
Copyright © February, 2001 by Jamiebro Web Publications. All rights reserved.