RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator
Week 7 of the Legislature — especially when contrasted with the week before — truly epitomized the metaphor “running hot and cold.” That’s because just seven days after we had feverishly worked through 61 bills while the temperature was zero degrees outside we took final action on just three measures while it had warmed up externally to 70 degrees.
Ultimately, it’s all about deadlines and timing, I suppose, as this initial period after so-called “Turnaround” is almost like beginning a new session. It reminded me of a funny anecdote from a guest speaker at the Dole Institute in Lawrence years ago when he was asked how he made the transition from being a political speechwriter in our nation’s capital to becoming a producer of the hit TV series “The West Wing” in Hollywood. “Oh, it was very difficult,” he responded, “because in D.C. it was all ‘dog eat dog,’ but in L.A. it was just the opposite!”
“Just the opposite” was, indeed, the result of Senate action on the proposed Convention of States resolution, as after multiple failed attempts over the past 10 years it finally cleared our body by the necessary two-thirds margin. If SCR 1604 is also approved by the House, that would make Kansas the 20th state to support a so-called “Article 5” assembly for addressing constitutional changes in the specified areas of balanced budgets, term limits, and restrictive government.
Lots of folks in our area have weighed in on this idea — most all in favor, though some with concerns about a potential “runaway” gathering that could re-write the entire Constitution. In reality, though, established safeguards would still apply and any changes would require approval of three fourths of the state legislatures. Then, too, Congress would undoubtedly “get its act together” quickly — especially on spending — if the prospect of a Convention became imminent.
Not quite “on the horizon” just yet, but interesting presentations took place in the House this past week on the potential use of drones that could “revolutionize” the agriculture industry. Supposedly, we’re behind other states in advancing the technology but can catch up quickly with the help of FAA platforms and safety measures.
Another hot topic that has captured a lot of interest is improvements in FLEX accounts for water rights and management purposes. The bill addressing that subject, SB 58, passed the Senate last week 40-0, so should clearly have smooth sailing. We will undoubtedly be hearing more about the matter next Monday in our Ag Committee when we begin the budget hearing process with the Kansas Water Office.
We switch to Wildlife and Parks on Tuesday, but my mind (and appetite) will surely be on Liberal’s March 4 International Pancake Day!
I truly enjoyed my first “home” Town Hall meeting of the year at the library in Meade last week because everyone was so personable and grateful for the chance to hear directly what is going on in Topeka.
They seemed to find interesting as well a little two-page handout I distributed to kind of highlight what we have been doing at the Capitol. I took advantage, too, of the opportunity to brag a little bit about the Jetmore, Cimarron, and Ashland Kansas Livestock Association youth members with whom I had gotten to interact at their big steak-fest three days earlier. What impressively bright, respectful, and well-attired future ranchers they are – and how proud I am to be able to represent them.
I thank all of you for that same honor and privilege, mindful that it carries with it a responsibility to make good decisions on your behalf. Welcome to March.
