RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator

We did it.  As of 1:30 a.m. Friday night/Saturday morning of Week 12, the 2026 Kansas Legislature has officially adjourned “sine die.”  While that Latin term technically means “without a date” set for return, the formal Motion actually states that we will reconvene for 2027 at 2:00 p.m. on the second Monday in January (the 11th).  This “Veto Session” was true to its intent and purpose, with our having overridden 19 of the 28 bill rejections by the Governor and another 15 of the 33 line items that were stricken from the Budget.   She did manage to prevail on two measures that were not addressed because of a shortage of votes in the House -- as well as four of the spending sections that could not muster a 2/3 margin for approval notwithstanding her lack of signature, but overall it was not a good two days for our Chief Executive.  I heard someone comment on the elevator, “Isn’t it incredible that in a government with three co-equal branches, she should try to veto the entire Legislative Budget?”

That was not the only unusual happening this past week, as -- in maybe a first -- the Leadership of both bodies appointed themselves as conferees of a Tax Committee to try to put together a relief package that could gain approval in each of their Chambers.  Initial attempts did not succeed, but they finally got one through at the last hour that would at least in theory serve to limit property taxes to an annual 3% (or the rate of inflation, whichever is less) increase before a protest petition by 10% of eligible voters would kick-in.  I have to tell you I am not a big fan of the concept, but did support HB 2043 in its final form, which excluded school districts, new growth, and bond payments.  Of course, the Governor now has free rein to veto it with no chance of an override, but it’s at least the basis for a claim that the Legislature has provided something workable. 

In addition to the tax bill, we quite uncharacteristically (for a Veto Session) sent eight other Conference Committee Reports to the Governor for action, with no chance -- because we have adjourned -- to respond to any disapproval.  Not that there would EVER be any political considerations in decisions on legislation (.), but my guess is the tax measure and three of those eight will get zapped in order to help the Democratic candidates (who voted against them) running to succeed her.  So, likely to be rejected are HB 2111, Suburban Agritourism Protections; HB 2515, the Kansas Legal Tender Act; and HB 2763, School Recess Requirements.  Probable approvals or enactments without signature (because all passed near unanimously):  HB 2044, Veterans Tax Relief; HB 2029, Reconciliation Amendments; SB 430, Kratom Ban Corrections; SB 300, Alcohol Tax Updates; and SB 82, Miscellaneous Tax Credits.  We'll see.

Representative Francis and I (joined by Rep. Marty Long) got a lot of feedback on the tax drama when the subject came up at our Liberal Town Hall meeting earlier today (Monday, April 13), finding ourselves mostly nodding in agreement at the frustration and disappointment of those who have made it pretty clear that is their number one issue.  That was offset just a bit by the news of no override attempt on the veto of SB 254, which would have terminated in-state tuition for non-citizen residents.  The Attorney General had actually visited our Caucus in the Capitol to try to change some minds on that, warning of a possible federal lawsuit, but none seem to be swayed so as to prompt another vote.  I am still puzzled -- even “dismayed” -- at how we can turn our backs on DACA kids who have lived most of their lives here and graduated from our local schools, but maybe the recent Court decision in Minnesota will make a difference.

“Making a difference” is certainly the terminology that would apply to any High School student interested in attending either Boys or Girls State in Manhattan or Lawrence later this spring.  The dates for the former at KSU are May 31-June 6 and the latter at KU May 31-June 5, with April 30 and May 1 being the respective deadlines for application.  In most cases, sponsored participants will only need to pay $50 or $25, but contact your local American Legion Post or go to ksbstate.org or kugirlsstate.org for more information. In closing, let me just tell you as an “honest politician” (if there is such a thing.) my favorite “Floor” experience of the past week was not that of the Kansas Senate but rather the Lucas Oil Arena in Indianapolis, where I was blessed to be able to watch (with my son and grandsons) my beloved Michigan Wolverines win the National Basketball Championship.  May the next 8 months provide similar memorable moments for you, as I say “thanks” again for the honor and privilege of being your “voice” in Topeka.