RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator
With only two more to go after this, Week 9 of the 2025 Legislative session feels almost like a “wind down” mode, prompting many of us to wonder, “Where has the time gone?”
Don’t get me wrong, we still have some major issues out there — foremost among them the budget and tax cuts, but other than some probable veto overrides the truly “big” votes are pretty much behind us. I say that guardedly, mindful that as far apart as the House and Senate are on our constitutional amendment property tax proposals, we can still come together on something to place on the ballot.
A good example of surprises, though, came with the other side’s insertion of the bills HB 2290 and 2293 — aimed at preventing Chinese spying and drone purchases — into the Senate-passed SB 9 addressing totally separate subject matter, meaning a simple motion to concur will send it to the Governor.
Among the very modest 15 roll-call votes in the Senate this week was a Local Government Committee bill, HB 2145, dealing with the issue of County Fair Board composition and reduction in the membership thereof. It should probably have been on the Consent Calendar as totally non-objectionable, but instead was Floor-managed or “carried” by me as Vice-Chairman on General Orders. That was personally significant because, as many of you know — even as a former teacher and coach, I much prefer being a good listener and asking questions to leading a discussion. In fact, it was the first and only legislation I have handled in Chamber debate this year. I told everyone (jokingly) I must have done a good job explaining the measure because only three of my colleagues spoke, no questions were asked, and it was ultimately approved 39-0!
I sort of felt the same way after my Town Hall Meeting in Liberal Saturday, as everyone in attendance was respectful and appreciative, though maybe a bit frustrated that nothing seems to be coming together on promised property tax relief.
I got the same welcome reception at Wednesday’s Dodge City Night, always the best-attended, most popular event of the year, where those of us wearing just ordinary suits and ties seem “out of time!” Better out of time than out of pavement, however, which will be the case with a lane reduction on US 160 from the Highway 54 junction east to 283 for a resurfacing project starting Monday. Mobility improvement will also be the topic at KDOT listening sessions on March 25 at the School Admin Building in Dodge from 9 to 11 a.m. and the Activity Center in Liberal from 5 to 7 p.m.
As always, thanks for letting me be your “voice” at The Capitol — and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
