RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

 

Here it is the end of Week 5 of the Legislature already, with still very modest activity at the Senate Floor level and no particular sense of urgency about anything, despite our “Turnaround” or halfway point being just days away (Feb. 19). We had a total of only 18 votes in two sessions — and all but two of those on core measures were pretty much unanimous. One exception was confirmation of the nominee to head the Office of Childhood Development, which squeaked by with the minimum required, 21-19, since it would have failed on a tie. There was no problem with the candidate’s stellar leadership and experience credentials, just that she is a Missouri resident, causing concern over the precedent that would set. Her reason for not moving across the state line to become a Kansan was her husband’s job-required home of record, in that he is a police officer bomb-sniffing K-9 handler. I guess you could say I provided the deciding margin by ultimately coming down on the side of qualifications and commitment being paramount.

The other narrow roll-call, on which I was in the minority, was the 22-18 passage of the bill, SB 387, requiring school districts to verify the household gross incomes of students deemed eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Interestingly, nine of us (mostly rural) Republicans joined all nine Democrats in opposing the measure, primarily out of concern over the burden it would impose on our smaller districts which simply don’t have the resources to comply. The term “unfunded mandate” was used frequently during the debate and — though no credible figures were ever presented – estimates of more than an $18 million price tag were cited for hiring the necessary staff personnel. To my superintendents who had weighed-in on the proposal, I provided the cautious optimism that — given the close tally in the Senate and the strong push-back being heard in the House — it would have a hard time getting through this year,  especially with a certain veto looming. Just like so many other things around here, however, you never know, so stay tuned.

Because one of our premier Statehouse reporters — when asked on an elevator what the “issue of the week” was — replied “probably the hunting license thing,” I’m going to go with that and celebrate the passage of SB 364, creating discounted combined hunting and fishing licenses for senior residents (over 65), as well as decreasing the fees for kids. For the former it would become an eight of the current general charge of $962.50 and for the latter a third for under age five and half for ages 6-15. Does that appeal to anyone? Not that it’s related, but staying with that theme, we also cleared a measure (SB 403) authorizing both “Pheasants Forever” and “Quail Forever” license plates. There is further being contemplated an allowance of the use of drones in locating deer, but that is still in the “idea” phase. The REAL animal story of the week, though — surely of interest to all you pet lovers, was the approval of SB 344 to have shelters place “neonate” animals (less than 8 weeks old and dependent on a mother or caregiver) in foster homes as well as display photographs online or outside the facility. Yes, we’re all “soft touches” around here.

An update is in order for the two items continuing to get the most write-in and phone-call attention, the so-called “pill tax” proposal, SB 360, and the “stand with farmers” measure, HB 2476. The first one has cleared the Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, putting it “below the line” on general orders but has yet to be scheduled for floor consideration. The second is in my Agriculture Committee — after comfortably passing the House 81-36 — and will likely get a hearing and action after we resume meetings Feb. 24. The interest there is in eliminating confusion over pesticide labeling by standardizing/codifying EPA as the regulator, so not much opposition. SB 360, on the other hand, seeks to help small drug stores stay open by requiring that Pharmacy Benefits Managers pay them the same amount charged a health plan. Right now, many of them are actually filling prescriptions at cost or even a financial loss, so while always possible there could be a small increase to consumers, the alternative might be to have to drive 60 miles just to get a medication.

A personal highlight of the week for me was being visited by and interacting with so many TIAK or “Travel Industry Association of Kansas” folks from our area who were in Topeka to tout the economic impact of Southwest Tourism. I was pleased to learn from them that although accounting for only 5.4 percent of the state’s economic output and 6.1 percent of the workforce, we were tops in income growth at 4.9 percent and job growth at 1.9 percent. Also, Ford and Seward counties are among the top 15 for visitor spending. Can I hear a “shout out?” That would apply to Hodgeman County as well for its outstanding high school representation of four students and their teacher here for “RESIST-RISE-LEAD” Mental Health Advocacy Day. Not even the forthcoming “Friday the 13th” could deter their enthusiasm. Happy Valentine’s Day wishes out there to you and all your loved ones and a respectful Presidents’ Day observance  Monday. As always, I thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your “voice” in Topeka.

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