Kansas State Representative Owen Donohoe in the House Chamber

The Kansas Legislature worked diligently this year to address the budget shortfalls in Fiscal Years 2009 and 2010. We recently addressed the nearly $1 billion deficit projected for FY 2010, and finished the session with a balanced budget.

But huge challenges remain. The state currently has dangerously low cash reserves, and revenue projections may still need to be adjusted for FY2011. The state has significant obligations to fund, and we must consider further reductions in many areas for FY2011.

Two areas we must address in preparation for the next legislative session are funding for the developmentally disabled and for KPERS (Kansas Public Employee Retirement System). The FY10 reductions that affect the developmentally disabled were most unfortunate. I will continue to work on behalf of the most needy in our state to provide critical support for their programs. The state budget also faces massive unfunded liabilities with KPERS. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I'll work continuously to evaluate options and recommend priority actions.

More detail on the budget and other legislative issues will be posted shortly.
Read the latest legislative report >>

Here are other key issues from the session:

A closer look at the education budget
Education accounts for more than 50% of the state budget, and in the past four years, education spending in Kansas has increased 42%. In FY2010, Kansas taxpayers will devote $3.7 billion to education, while other critical programs have taken deep cuts. We must be fair with all areas of the budget, and education will have to fall in line with other reductions in the FY11 budget. Learn more about education spending.

Energy project brings jobs, revenue and power
After legislators approved a comprehensive energy bill, Gov. Parkinson signed a similar bill that will bring desperately needed jobs and revenues to Kansas with a clean coal technology plant. The bill also contains renewable energy measures and meets national fuel standards.

Standing firm to protect property rights
Citizens in our 39th District were very vocal about annexation issues this session, and I studied both sides carefully. My colleagues in the legislature joined me in support of strengthening landowners’ rights in city annexations. Learn more about this issue.

Committee Assignments
I am on four House committees this year, Appropriations, General Budgetary, Economic Development/Tourism (Vice Chair) and Aging. These are areas I gave much attention to during my campaign, and they are now of critical importance in Kansas. I am pleased that I have had an expanded role on these committees. As your voice in Topeka, I'll continue to report on these and other key issues you want to hear about. Learn more about the work of these committees here.

Staying in Touch
You'll find my legislative web page here, with links to many resources of the Kansas State Legislature. On this site, you'll find more information in the weeks ahead about legislation we're considering.

I hope you'll sign up for email updates and stay informed about important issues and activities.
It's a great way to be a part of the legislative process.

Sincerely,

Owen Donohoe                                                             

785-296-7682                                                                

donohoe@house.state.ks.us                                                        Sign up for email updates >>