Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! The 2010 Legislative Session is underway in Topeka. I am excited once again to have the honor of serving you and our neighbors in the 119th House District.
2010 Session Begins
The top issue facing the Legislature and the Governor this session will be to address the state’s $400 budget shortfall. Governor Mark Parkinson presented his State of the State address to the Legislature last week. It was a well-delivered speech. He gave it without any notes or teleprompter to help him – something I haven’t seen previous governors do.
During his speech, Gov. Parkinson said no more could be cut from state spending without harming essential state services and programs. He recommended a 1-cent state sales tax increase and increasing taxes all on tobacco products to cover the budget shortfall. During these tough economic times we will need to look at all options. Though I firmly believe that we are taxed enough and must live within our means, this extraordinary period in our history requires us to review all state agencies’ budgets to find additional savings and work together to find solutions to our state’s financial challenges.
You also can expect more debate on a new transportation plan, a statewide smoking ban and other issues from our across state.
Committee Work
The committees I serve on will undertake a number of important issues and I am looking forward to working on all of them. I will continue my work as a member and Chairman of the State Employee Pay Plan Oversight Committee. My other committees are:
- House Committee on Taxation
- House Vision 2020 Committee (I will serve as its Vice-Chairman)
- House Committee on Veterans, Military and Homeland Security
- House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
- Joint Committee on Economic Development
Delaying School Bus Purchases
As mentioned earlier, I am working to find ways to save money. State law requires school districts to replace their school buses every 20 years, even if the buses have been well-maintained and are in fine mechanical shape. A number of school superintendents have told me if they were allowed to delay those purchases another five years, they could save a significant amount of money.
I have spoken with House Transportation Committee Chairman Gary Hayzlett about the proposal. He has agreed to have his committee introduce a bill allowing the delay at my request. I will keep you posted on the measure’s progress.
K2 Ban
Lawmakers will consider legislation that will make synthetic marijuana illegal in Kansas. The man-made chemicals known as JWH-018 and JWH-073 have been found in an herbal mixture called K2. Scientific testing and users report smoking K2 produces a high very similar to marijuana.
Supporters of the bill are concerned because not much is known about the short or long-term side effects the synthetic cannabinoids found in the K2 because they have not been tested on humans. Those against the bill are asking the Legislature to have more research done on the mixture before making any decisions on whether to ban it.
Kansas is the first state in the nation to attempt to ban the man-made chemicals. House Bill 2411 would make possession, use, sale and possession with intent to sell K2 and other products containing synthetic cannabinoids illegal in Kansas.
Legislative Events
By far, my favorite event of the legislative session is hosting the annual Dodge City Night. Many members of the Dodge City Chamber and Ford County Development Corp join me in sharing a good Dodge City steak with my colleagues from the House and Senate. This year’s night is set for March 8th.
How to contact me
I also am in a new office this year. You will find me back at the Capitol in Room 168-W. I would love for you to stop by for a visit any time you are in Topeka. Just call my secretary, Diane Threadgold, at 785/296-7655 and she will explain how to get to the office.
Also feel free to send me an email when you have a question or concern about legislation before the Legislature: pat.george@house.ks.gov or check out my website at www.patgeorge.org.
Haiti
I would ask that you continue to pray and support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. I have been working with several groups of medical professionals to them get to Haiti to help the injured. It is times like this that America shines and in particular, Kansans. I am privileged to count so many good, honest, caring people as my friends and supporters.
As always, it is an honor to serve you. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
Pat
Rep. Pat George
119th House District
Rep. Pat George
119th House District
785/296-7655
