It is a great day to be an American and especially good to be a Kansan. Of course the country, state and all of us have challenges, but “together we can overcome.” It is indeed an honor and a privilege to serve as your Representative in the Kansas House of Representatives. This year I will work on the House Taxation Committee, Transportation Committee, Environment Committee, and Financial Institutions Committee.

The Legislature recently announced the 2006 session agenda. It includes a broad scope of issues important to the well being of Kansas, such as public safety, harsher penalties for sexual predators who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens, as well as a new DNA database to help solve violent crime cold cases. Like every year, economic prosperity and job creation are top priorities. We hope to create a machinery and equipment property tax phase-out, halt the double tax currently levied on small and large business franchises, limit the scope of frivolous lawsuits and prevent double recovery of damages. Another major component of the agenda is home and family protection. We hope to reform current eminent domain statutes, provide sound education without jeopardizing the economic future of our children, reform the estate tax structure, provide a three day sales tax ‘holiday’ on clothing and back-to-school supplies and seek solutions to limit escalation of seniors’ property taxes. These are only a few of the many issues that will come before the Legislature, however they are some of the more vital issues that we hope to prioritize this session.

The first pieces of legislation for 2006 reached the House floor this week. Votes were taken to eliminate discriminating covenants in homeowners’ associations, extend the reporting period for city treasurers to publish their quarterly reports and assess certain enhanced 911 (E911) fees for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers. Committee members have also been busy listening to testimony on bills and reporting their recommendations to the Speaker of the House.

Several members of the House participated in a press conference this week announcing their support of an amendment to the Kansas Constitution reinforcing the Article Two power stating, “No money shall be drawn from the treasury except in pursuance of a specific appropriation made by law.” When the Kansas Supreme Court demanded more money, and went even further by specifying exactly how much would be allocated, it is the feeling of many that the Court overstepped their authority. This amendment would prevent a repeat of similar rulings by the Court in the future.

The House Judiciary Committee heard favorable testimony on HB2612 this week, which would establish a system for evaluation of judges. The bill received support from everyone who testified, including several judges. The only question appeared to be how to fund such a system. An increase in docket fees was originally suggested, but met with some resistance considering the fees have increased each year for the past several years. Other funding sources will be considered. Proponents would like to see the evaluations available online and in voters’ guides to ensure easy access to the information.

Several proposals have been suggested to rework the government’s power of eminent domain. First and foremost it is our aim to protect personal property rights. With protection of rights as the focus, we also recognize that eminent domain is an important tool for a government entity to acquire property for the good of the public. However, acquisition of personal property must be fairly compensated and acquired only for an overriding public need. The right of citizens to own personal property is one of the foundations of our society and must not be compromised.

In my work on the House Tax Committee, we recognize that one major barrier for new and existing businesses in the state of Kansas is the personal property tax of state of the art machinery and manufacturing equipment. This tax burden becomes a significant financial deterrent for establishing new businesses and growing an existing one. In order to promote and establish economic development and prosperity in the state of Kansas, the House Tax Committee will introduce legislation containing two related elements. The first element exempts from property taxes all commercial and industrial machinery and equipment that is newly purchased or leased after January 1, 2007. The legislation also introduces a proposal to raise the de minimus exemption from the current $400 to $1000. The committee made it a priority to look after the property taxpayers and local government, making sure there is no immediate substantial shift in property taxes to homeowners, farmers and ranchers, or a large tax loss to cities and counties. With the introduction of this new legislation, the House Tax Committee hopes to enhance opportunities for economic revitalization, as well as making Kansas an attractive place for relocating or starting a new business.

I look forward to a production session and encourage you to contact me by phone (785) 296-7696, fax (785) 296-2028, or email at george@house.state.ks.us.

Sincerely yours,

Pat George
Representative for the 119th District
State of Kansas
House of Representatives