Monday Morning Update

Good morning!

Significant Events of the last week:

1- On Tuesday at 9:00 the House Taxation Committee discussed HB 2593, the bill which would have doubled the alcohol (gallonage) tax. Revenues received were earmarked for DD and Mental Health.

2- Committee member discussion points:
· "It’s a ‘feel good’ vote but not sure whether the Appropriations Committee would keep the revenue allocated to DD and Mental Health. They could do anything with the money.”
· "Kansas restaurants would lose business to Missouri restaurants.”
· "It’s a worthy cause, but I have my pet projects that needs money too, what about them?”

3- On Tuesday at 9:08 the House Taxation Committee ‘tabled’ HB 2593. ‘Table’ means they put it in their right bottom drawer to gather dust. The ‘alcohol-tax’ bottle was thrown against the fireplace, which broke into a thousand pieces.

4- If you wonder why it was dismissed—it’s still too early in the session for most Legislators to demonstrate that they are willing to raise taxes. There is potential that it may be back, but don’t hold your breath. Being the optimist that I am, I did buy some Superglue just in case!

5- Most Legislators agree that there will be some sort of tax increase, but claim that it will be done in the last days of the session.

6- Kate’s Law (SB 12) had hearings in the Senate Financial Institutions & Insurance Committee. This bill would mandate health coverage for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Committee worked the bill on Thursday but did not vote on it. That vote will come at a later date.

7- The Kansas Autism Coalition has been working tirelessly on this bill. Information can be found at: http://web.mac.com/wasmer_ms/KCAL/Kates_Law.html

8- The House Commerce and Labor Committee had hearings on HB 2669 a.k.a. the “Employment First” Bill. This bill would establish integrated, competitive employment as a first priority for Kansans with disabilities. The Committee will be working the bill towards the end of the month. I spoke to several Johnson County Legislators on the Committee, and all had encouraging comments. One positive thing for Legislators, is that the bill has no real cost attached to it, so they could pass a bill to help folks with disabilities, yet it wouldn’t cost the State any money. If this bill passes, be looking for that on their campaign posters.

9- A wonderful website created to help promote the concept of community employment can be found at: http://www.kansasemployability.com

I wanted to share an excerpt from Representative Mike Slattery’s latest newsletter. Representative Slattery understands the disastrous effects of putting Social Service funding on the chopping block. He writes:

“It is important to understand that these (Social Service) agency budgets don't grow due to wasteful spending. They grow because the services they are responsible for providing are received by persons who are entitled to funding by the federal government. As our economy lags, many Kansans turn to the government for help. This places additional pressure on our social services agencies, which then experience highly increased demands for assistance.
These cuts will make it even harder for hurting Kansans to address immediate needs in their lives. The primary function of state government is to address the needs of its citizens, especially the most vulnerable citizens among us. Vulnerable citizens will require our help eventually. If we fail to provide it now, we will pay for it later after conditions get even worse and the needs of citizens grow more serious due to delayed assistance.”

And with that, your TO DO list only has one task this week:
· Have a conversation with your Legislators to make sure they understand that the needs of citizens grow more serious due to delayed assistance. Spent a little money now, to save a little money in the future. Representative Slattery understands it, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that your Legislators understand it.

Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead