Legislative Update January 18-22, 2010

As things continue to ramp up in the 2010 Legislative session, I wanted to highlight a few areas that the Legislature is beginning to address:

Legislative Furloughs:

House Leadership announced that regardless of the Senate refusing to adjourn in order to allow for unpaid legislative days, it will move forward with its plan to reduce the legislative budget by seeking legislative furloughs.

Last week House and Senate Republican leadership agreed to adjourn each of the next three (3) Thursdays with the intent of saving three (3) days' legislative salary. After the agreement last week, the Senate has changed course and plans to come in on Friday. Under longstanding House and Senate joint rules, neither chamber may adjourn without the other chamber adjourning.

The House plan will capture savings in legislative salary by including the cuts in the Governor’s rescission bill currently in the House Appropriations committee.

Education Funding:

Concerns have been raised that any potential budget cuts will affect the classroom dollars allocated to our children’s education. I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that we are not targeting classroom dollars. One can reasonably assess that the education budget is roughly divided 65%-35% with 65% going to the classroom and 35% being allocated to expenses that don’t directly impact the classroom.

There is a big misconception that every dollar cut from K-12 funding directly affects a child’s education.

The Legislature is confident that legislators will make prudent cuts consistent with the education community’s own distinction between the 65% classroom figure and the remaining 35%.

The Legislature needs to focus on long-term budget solutions. To apply any sort of quick fix on the 2010 budget would be irresponsible; it would only increase the burden in later years. The budget situation is probably worse than it currently appears. That being said, it is important to shore up the 2010 budget quickly. Any reasonable solution requires that education and the 51% of its share of the budget are considered in any long-term plan.

K-2 Ban:

Bills have been introduced in both chambers to prohibit sale or use of synthetic cannabinoids such as K-2. These products, currently sold at incense shops, are laced with chemicals designed to mimic the affects of marijuana. Because of the synthetic nature, the products are not currently prohibited under any Kansas law banning marijuana. These products, first used by parolees as in an attempt to circumvent drug testing, are now showing up in Kansas high schools. A ban on these substances is an important step to ensure the safety of our children.

Although I am recovering from surgery at home, I am aware of proceedings in the Legislature and welcome your input. Please feel free to email me to discuss your individual issues and concerns, and I will respond as quickly as I am able. Meanwhile, I plan to keep constituents informed through my email newsletter, so please sign up to receive this publication directly and keep informed about important legislative matters.

Thank you for your continued support and good wishes.

Sincerely,

Rep. Owen Donohoe

39th District Kansas