RYCKMAN’S RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator
Unsurprisingly, Week 2 of the 2026 Legislature turned out to be one of continued information-gathering, as we completed listening to reports from multiple State agencies and spent considerable time at the committee level putting together budget recommendations.
In my Ag Committee alone, we had to meet twice on two consecutive days (even giving up a lunch hour) just to get through all the number-crunching, especially on Water Office issues. That emphasis and shifting of priorities was offset by lighter-than-normal Floor activity, however, as we took only 21 roll-call votes — all of them unanimous (40-0) confirmations of appointments to positions like the Board of Regents; Hospital and Finance Authorities; Gaming Commission; and KPERS Board. An example of the required “schedule juggling” with which we often have to deal was my changing an appointment with the Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society three times — then still having to make her wait! That was followed by needing to choose from among four dinner invitations the same night — sort of like your high school son or daughter making decisions about going to the Prom!
Although on the Senate side we have yet to engage in any formal “debate,” our House colleagues actually had a rather animated one when the Democrats seized on what was supposed to be a simple proposal preventing international entities like the World Health Organization and Economic Forum — along with the United Nations – from exercising any jurisdiction or power in the state into an attempt to ban Immigration and Customs Enforcement “(ICE)” from the same. Never mind that ICE is a U.S. agency with federal preemption powers, for which reason the amendment was found to be non-germane (out of order). I still shake my head in amazement every time I see or hear or read about this effort to demonize Homeland Security and keep them from doing their job of going after the bad guys, even wondering what Wyatt Earp or Bat Masterson – in their capacities as Assistant U.S. Marshals – would have thought about local Sheriffs not only refusing to assist, but actively working against them. Sure is different now from 150 years ago, huh? Could you imagine either today telling ICE to “Get the heck out of Dodge?!”
Probably the biggest news of the week was the House’s finally approving the Article 5 “Convention of States” Resolution, making Kansas the 20th state of the 35 required to do so. Those of you who have been advocating for this over the past dozen or so years will consider that quite worthy of a celebration, which is what I attended on Thursday afternoon to congratulate those who have been so relentless and persevering in working to make it happen. The 80-42 vote wasn’t close or remarkable in any way except that it came on the heels of a recent federal court ruling that Kansas’ requirement for a 2/3 margin was unconstitutional. For its part, the Senate had already met that when it adopted SCR 1604 last Session 29-11, but our counterparts on the other side continued to fall just short. Symbolically, reaching the new threshold will likely serve as an impetus for other states to follow, with approval in Ohio, North Carolina, and South Dakota expected to come soon. Who knows? Maybe such an initiative envisioned by our Founders may actually come to fruition, leading to things like term limits and balanced budgets.
Whenever we receive information in a committee that I think may be of interest to Southwest Kansans, I always like to share it. That is especially true when the subject matter is something to which everyone can relate. My attention was pulled in that direction this past Thursday when — in Local Government — we were briefed on a Legislative Post-Audit (LPA) study of the 18 core county-level services required by the State. Most of us have never really thought about it that much, but they include everything from law enforcement to flood control to weed eradication to elections to motor vehicle registration to tax collection to roads and bridges to public health and solid waste planning. I was fascinated to learn that in their look at just three counties, LPA found that of the $28.8 million spent on three randomly-selected services only $9.7 million of it was offset by state, federal, and user-fee funding. Now you know why I have such an appreciation for and deference to local responsibility and decision-making.
Besides all the “educating” that occurs during the early days of a Legislature, there is true enjoyment in seeing so many folks from “back home” who take the time and make the effort to come to Topeka to express their views on pending issues. For Kansas City or Wichita Senators, perhaps, it is not such a big deal, but for me there is a definite admiration in knowing those with whom I meet have driven at least five hours to get here. I haven’t kept an exact count with all the large receptions and such, but I must have shaken hands and personally spoken with at least 50 constituents this week from Liberal, Meade, Dodge, Jetmore, Fowler, Bucklin, Spearville, and Minneola. That first-hand insight into what those I represent are thinking is absolutely invaluable in making eventual decisions on their behalf. Even if we might disagree, there is something very satisfying about being a good, attentive listener. Who knows? I might just change my mind!
It just doesn’t seem right not having the Chiefs still playing this time of year, but maybe the “Sunflower Showdown” — or should we call it “SNOWDOWN?” — will help offset that a bit. Can anyone do a Google search to see whether a basketball game has ever been canceled due to the weather? One thing that is definitely NOT being affected is my request for Senate Page recommendations for the dates of next Thursday, Jan. 29, Wednesday, Feb. 18; and Thursday, Feb. 26. Even with 24 hours’ notice, we can probably make it happen, so give us a call at 785-296-7359 or email,
As always, I thank everyone for the high honor and privilege that is brought by serving in that capacity as your “voice” in Topeka.
