Dear Subscriber:

In the News

The recent LOB and bond election is a testament to Johnson County taxpayers’ understanding of the connection between excellence in our public schools and the terrific quality of life we enjoy here.  EVERY bond and LOB question in Johnson County passed with support that is noteworthy:

• Shawnee Mission: 83-17 (LOB), 80-20 (bond issue)
• Blue Valley: 80-20 (LOB)
• Olathe: 79-21 (LOB)
• DeSoto: 81-19 (LOB)
• Gardner-Edgerton: 60-40 (LOB)
• Kansas City Star article

That being said, this year’s SB 71, which is schedule for a hearing on Tuesday, would erase nearly every dollar gained by the election. The bill would cut nearly $40 million from K-12 schools between now and June 30. Johnson County schools would be hit hard - $11 million to our schools, with $4,189,594 from SMSD alone. Public pressure is high to kill this bill – keep up your efforts!

A few of my comments were included in a Kansas City Star article, KCUR recorded an extensive interview, and I’ve provided district-by-district runs of how much each district stands to lose:

• KS Department of Education’s bill explanation
• KSDE district-by-district spreadsheet of cuts
• Kansas City Star article
• KCUR interview

January revenues were released Friday, showing revenues were down another $47 million in January.

Our total shortfall for fiscal year 2015 is currently $326 million, and  June 30 is still 5 months away. 

While the administration keeps blaming federal policies, Obama, the weightings for vulnerable school children, and university economists, they came closest to the truth when the governor blamed the 2012 legislature for passing a flawed tax plan. He’s right – it was a terrible plan! However, the inconvenient truth is that it takes 21 Senate votes, 63 House votes AND the signature of the governor for a bill to become the law. It’s high time we address the structural imbalance and stabilize our income tax code to provide sufficient revenues to fund core functions of government.  

• Topeka Capital-Journal: High stakes tax maneuvering in 2012 haunts deliberations on deficit

HB 2133 is the governor’s rescission bill that cuts from this year’s budget to fill the revenue hole. House Appropriations began working on the bill last week, however the revenue figures released Friday complicate the process. As discussed already, that hole just got $47 million deeper so additional cuts are likely before this bill is put forth for a vote. Key cuts in the rescission plan include (the full list is here):

• Delay of $40 million KPERS payment
• $1 million sweep from Highway Patrol
• 4% cuts across most state agencies
• $100 million sweep from KDOT

Education Issues

Common Core standards are back in the news. SB 67 would outlaw the teaching of anything but Kansas based standards, and prevent schools from using any textbooks, supplemental materials, or tests aligned to Common Core.  Additionally, it would prevent our students from taking AP classes or pursuing the International Baccalaureate program because both align to standards developed outside Kansas (which is the point of both programs!).  I am quoted here:

• Topeka Capital-Journal: Senate bill could be obstacle for AP classes
• Topeka Capital-Journal: Senator says Common Core bill would protect schools

On the Floor

At the beginning of every session, we vote on the rules which govern our proceedings. I voted for a number of common-sense changes:

• Record all votes in the House (failed 51-67)
• No more than two bills may be bundled in conference committee (passed 82-35)
• No votes taken between midnight and 8am (passed 69-49)
• Appropriations bills must be in print 48 hours before a vote (failed 52-66)

Although we failed to pass all the proposed changes, I am proud that we took several steps to improve transparency in the process. These efforts were spearheaded by Rep. John Rubin of Shawnee and have become known as “Rubin’s Rules” in recent years. He is to be congratulated on his perseverance and success!