by State Rep. Pam Curtis, D-32nd Dist.
It was another busy week at the Capitol. Committees continue to meet and they are starting to hear and work more and more bills.
There were many familiar faces from home the past week as organizations held Legislative Action Days, attended hearings and provided testimony on important issues. I love seeing people from home and so appreciate the involvement from our community in matters before the Kansas Legislature – it is important and it does make a difference.
It remains an incredible honor to represent our community in the Kansas House of Representatives. While the Legislature is in session, I do my best to stay in touch and keep you informed by email, and I spend countless hours every week helping my constituents solve problems. If I can be of service to you or anyone you know please call my office at 785-296-7371 or email me at [email protected].
You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org
Campus carry bill: Dead in Senate Committee, House hears testimony
Tuesday, the Senate Federal and State Committee voted on Senate Bill 53, which would grant universities, hospitals, and other state buildings exemption from the concealed carry law set to take effect in July 2017. SB 53 died in the committee on a voice vote.
On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the House Federal and State Committee heard testimony regarding HB 2074, legislation very similar to SB 53. The House committee vote has not yet been scheduled. Here is a link to the bill: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/documents/hb2074_00_0000.pdf.
Kansas jobs report
Thursday, Feb. 2, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics released its jobs report. As of December 2016, Kansas had 9,300 fewer jobs than in December of 2015 – meaning that our state is experiencing negative job growth. Compared to the rest of the United States, Kansas has the fifth-worst job growth rate.
Bills on the House floor
Bills that hit the House floor this past week are as follows:
HB 2002: An act concerning the division of post audit; relating to purposes for which expenditures may be made by the division; exemption (Passed)
HB 2006: An act concerning counties; relating to the expansion of the board of county commissioners (Passed)
HB 2038: An act concerning business entities; relating to fees for certain filings with the Secretary of the State; exemption for certain veterans and current members of the armed forces (Passed by voice, failed on final action. The bill will now go back to committee.)
Native American legislators day
Wednesday, Feb. 1, was Native American Legislators Day. Rep. Ponka-We Victors helped to organize a celebration in the Capitol. Traditional music and dance was on display on the 2nd floor, featuring members of the Prairie Band Potawatomie Boys and Girls Club Dance Troupe. Other events throughout the day were sponsored by the Four Tribes of Kansas, which include Prairie Band Potawatomie, Kickapoo of Kansas, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and the Sac and Fox Nation of Kansas.
Medicaid expansion hearings scheduled
The House Health and Human Services Committee will hold hearings on HB 2064 KanCare Bridge to expand Medicaid. The hearings are open to the public and will be held at 1:30 p.m. in Statehouse Room 112-N. The schedule is as follows:
Feb 6th Hearing: HB 2064 – Neutral testimony from policy experts
Feb 8th Hearing: HB 2064 – Proponents testify
Feb 9th Hearing: HB 2064 – Opponents testify
Here is a link to the bill: http://kslegislature.org/li/b2017_18/measures/hb2064/.