After a grueling end of the session, Majority Whip Rob Olson, District 26, Judy Morrison, District 23, Arlen Seigfreid, District 15, and Jeff Colyer, District 48 came to the Sunflower Republican Club meeting on April 10, 2008. The representatives all were in agreement that this was a difficult session especially with the budget outlook that any increase had to be less than 5%. As the Legislature recessed, this was on track toward that goal.

Judy Morrison carried HB 5033, the resolution that requests the State of Kansas withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership. The SPP has huge consequences, not only for Kansas, but for all the states all along the corridor into Canada. The products from China would be transported to Mexico. The products would be loaded onto Mexican trucks that would travel on a new, widened highway from Mexico to Canada. The United States would not have control of this highway. This highway would be an adjunct to the inter-modal ports already planned in Kansas and other states. The House of Representatives passed this concurrent resolution.

Majority Whip Rob Olson discussed the Energy bill. Rob explained the Holcomb plant was extremely important to the growth and development in Kansas. One of the important purposes of the Legislature is to craft sound public policy that creates a stable business climate and promotes economic development across all of Kansas. Twice this session the Legislature sent the governor sound energy policy that she chose to veto. The latest energy bill, House Substitute for Senate Bill 148, moved Kansas toward a balanced energy policy with regulatory certainty including all fuel sources and ensured Kansas would continue to have reliable, inexpensive, and clean energy for years to come.

The future energy needs of the entire state and $3.6 billion of economic development for western Kansas that required no taxpayer-backed funding needs a veto-proof vote from the House. Kansas utility companies are well on their way to meeting the President's new energy goals of reducing production of greenhouse gases. And House Sub for SB 148 would assist in those efforts by requiring:

• Net metering for solar in statute;
• A renewable portfolio standard for renewable energy production from wind;
• Energy conservation by state government;
• "Best available control technology'' for CO2 reduction in coal fired power plants.

Arlen Siegfreid reported that he was Chairman of the State and Federal Affairs Committee. Many bills were considered by the committee. The most controversial was the Immigration Reform Bill. There were extensive hearings and debate. Legal immigrants are welcome in Kansas. It is unfair to burden Kansas taxpayers with the mandated costs of illegal immigration. The only avenue allowed by Federal Law is through licenses for business. However, the reform should not unfairly put businesses in a position of undue risk. The bill that passed the House includes penalties for any business to have knowingly employed an illegal alien or failed to comply with federal law. The measure also increases penalties against those who deal in False ID Documentation, and other features as well. The bill is in Conference Committee.

Jeff Colyer reported that a great many hours had been spent to develop Health Care Reform. The committee worked over the summer to implement the goals from the Kansas Health Policy Authority. The legislation approved by the House makes health insurance more affordable and accessible and protects Kansans who lose coverage because of job loss or illness. While it meets 15 of the 21 goals set by the Kansas Health Policy Authority, it does not mandate a statewide smoking ban or increase cigarette taxes to pay for the reform. Quality care is available to all Kansans and that the government avoids involving itself in socialized medicine. Kansas can make their own decisions when it comes to their health, not government bureaucrats.

Each of the representatives reported on just one main issue before the Legislature. Each member works on several committees and have a wide range of duties.

A question and answer period followed the presentations over a range of other topics.