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Weekly Update Feb. 2-6, 2009


This update is from the Office of the House Majority Leader, summarizing the work of the legislature and the key issues being discussed in Topeka. These updates give you good insight and should be a helpful way for citizens of the 39th District to follow the developments of issues and legislation that affect all Kansans.

Message from the House Majority Leader:

As things continue to ramp up in the 2009 Legislative session, I wanted to highlight a couple areas that we are beginning to address.

Our budget bill prioritized K-12 funding and Kansans in the most need of services for the remainder of the year while trimming the rest of the statewide government by four percent.
Budget:

The Kansas House of Representatives passed a budget measure on Feb. 5 that makes more than $300 million in revenue and expenditure adjustments for the remainder of the 2009 Fiscal Year. The bill passed the House on a 74-48 vote.

House Sub. For Sub SB 23 prioritized K-12 funding and Kansans in the most need of services for the remainder of the year while trimming the rest of the statewide government by four percent.

Here are some quick facts about the bill:

  • The House plan makes $114 million in revenue adjustments and nearly $200 million in expenditure adjustments for the 2009 Fiscal Year.
  • The House amended the bill to restore $22 dollars per pupil to the base-state-aid formula for K-12 Education.
  • Provides $50 million in aid to local units of government to prevent the need for local tax increases, $10 million of which flows directly to public schools.
  • The House plan also provides a total of $16.4 million in additional funding for the physically and developmentally disabled waivers.
  • The funding for the physically disabled waiver eliminates the waiting list for services.
  • Repayment for the special city county highway fund will be paid instead of the Governor’s plan to stop payment.

    • The House & Senate Conference Committee will take up the bill this weekend. The House Appropriations committee will begin reviewing the Fiscal Year 2010 budget next week.


    State of the Judiciary:

    House Concurrent Resolution 5007 passed the House today allowing a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives for the purpose of hearing a message from the Supreme Court. It has been nearly two decades since the last time the Judicial branch has presented its official address in a joint session. New Chief Justice, the Honorable Robert E. Davis, will make his presentation to the legislature on Tuesday, February 10 at 11:30am.

    It is an honor to serve as your Representative. If you have any questions or concerns, budget or otherwise, please contact me.


    Copyright © 2009 Owen Donohoe Campaign, Rebecca K. Chapman, Treasurer.