Guest column
Opinion
by Rep. Pam Curtis, D-32nd Dist.
The Legislature was not in session on Monday and Tuesday of last week as we prepared to head into the second half of session.
On Wednesday, committees resumed meeting, holding informational briefings, hearings on Senate bills and blessed House bills.
There was no action taken on the floor by the House, but as we look into the next few weeks there are many controversial issues peeking over the horizon. These issues include medicinal marijuana, an education bill aimed at defunding public school education, a bill that would give tax cuts to giant multinational corporations, and even a bill that discriminates against transgender people.
It was a pleasure to join Gov. Laura Kelly on a tour of the newly opened COVID-19 vaccination site at the Kansas National Guard Armory, 100 South 20th Street, KCK. This added site is conveniently located for those that live in the eastern part of Wyandotte County and will add to the capacity to deliver vaccinations in our community.
The governor also met with members of the Health Equity Task Force to learn about strategies in implementing to ensure vaccine distribution is equitable for communities of color and people at highest risk of illness from COVID-19. People in Wyandotte County, 65 years or older, are now eligible to receive a vaccine without an appointment.
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and appreciate your input on issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 452-S, 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. You can also email me at [email protected].
In coming weeks…
Medical marijuana
Medicinal marijuana has been an issue that we have tried to pass for a while now. We do expect to see a medicinal marijuana bill before the end of session, and hope that we can gain enough support to pass it into law.
According to a poll 66% of Kansans–both Democrats and Republicans–have indicated that they support medical marijuana. Therefore, the passage of medicinal marijuana is not just important for Democrats, but also Republicans. Now, if not earlier, is the time to pass this important piece of legislation to provide Kansans with additional access to much-needed health options.
Sub HB 2119 (defunding public education)
Before the end of session, we expect to see Sub HB 2119 on the House floor. This is an extreme anti-education bill that will inevitably divert millions of taxpayer dollars from public schools to private schools. This bill uses the governor’s recommendations and bits of important educational enhancements as a thinly veiled disguise to shove through a Republican wish list of anti-public education bills, which includes school vouchers. This Frankenstein of a bill will ultimately defund education, force us back into the courts, and is a clear message from Republicans that they do not have our children in mind–rather, they prefer to play political games.
Brownback (2.0)
We are still waiting to see the Brownback 2.0 tax bill, whether that is SB 22 or the House Republican’s version of the bill. This bill is a revival of the Brownback tax experiment that almost bankrupted the state of Kansas. Like the original plan, this bill is aimed at giving tax relief to giant multinational corporations rather than working families. Just looking at this bill, it is clear that the only people that the Republicans care about are the wealthy. We should be focused on helping working Kansans rather than pushing a bill that only benefits those in the upper class.
WyCo COVID-19 vaccination sites
Important news for Wyandotte County seniors ages 65 plus – now you can get a COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment. Visit any of the Unified Government’s mass vaccination facilities Monday through Friday to get vaccinated. Those locations are:
• East Location (The Armory), 100 S. 20th St., KCK 66102
• West Location (Former Best Buy), 10500 Parallel Parkway, KCK 66109
• Central Location (Former Kmart), 7836 State Ave., KCK 66112
Please bring these items with you so you can get your vaccination:
• Proof of age, such as an ID or birth certificate, or similar.
• Proof that you live in Wyandotte County, such as a piece of mail addressed to you.
If you are not eligible to walk in but you want to be vaccinated, fill out the Vaccine Interest Form online or by telephone. Visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1 for assistance.
Resources
My Legislative Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PamCurtisKCK
My Twitter account, https://twitter.com/pcurtiskck
Kansas Legislature website, http://kslegislature.org/li/.