by State Rep. Pam Curtis, D-32nd Dist.
The Kansas Legislature reconvened for the veto session on Monday, May 1. There are three major issues that remain to be addressed and resolved: a fair tax plan, an adequate school finance formula, and a structurally balanced budget. Medicaid expansion is high on the list, as well as gun safety laws (particularly on college campuses and in state hospitals).
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I both value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 452-S, Kansas Statehouse, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66612. You can reach me at 785-296-7430 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. Additionally, you can email me at [email protected].
You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
Taxes
A lot of the week consisted of debates and negotiations as the legislature attempts to find a fair tax plan. While there was much discussion of the topic, no actual bills came to fruition, and no votes were held. Kansas House Democrats believe that before a solid tax plan can be formed and passed, school funding must be addressed.
Medicaid expansion rally
On Tuesday, a rally was held outside of the Capitol building for Medicaid expansion. Several of our own Democratic House representatives spoke at the rally, which was attended by a crowd of people in favor of expansion.
The Kansas House and Senate both passed Medicaid expansion in their separate chambers, but the governor vetoed the bill. It went back to the House floor for a veto override vote. To override a veto, the House requires 84 votes. The vote fell short by just three, but Kansas Democrats will continue to fight for expansion and exploring ways to get it done during veto session.
Bills passed through the House
HB 2184: An act concerning economic development; relating to the STAR bonds financing act; historic theater project costs; establishment of district; adverse effects on county or school district; certain notices; approval for transient guest tax funding; sunset date of the act.
SB 201: An act concerning the Kansas consumer protection act; relating to the definition of protected consumer.