Sunflower Republican Club “Eggs and Issues” meeting on February 16, 2008 had a full house with about fifty people in attendance. After a great breakfast the legislators in attendance informed us of the important issues being considered in this session of the Legislature.

Majority Leader Ray Merrick reported that as week six begins on February 18, 2008, the top issues to date are the Budget, Immigration and Budget Transparency and Energy. Legislators are keeping a close eye on the budget and are striving to keep it at a 5% increase. The budget transparency act will cost $4000, not $40,000 as reported. The Transparency Act will allow everyone to keep tract of the budget on-line. The Senate Immigration Bill will be heard on February 27th. The House will also introduce immigration legislation. Ray surmised that after six years in the Legislature, it appears "the squeaky wheel gets the grease” and the interest of the people is not being heard.

Senator Julia Lynn stated that she would be supporting the energy bill. This is a $3.6 billion investment in the state of Kansas. Many businesses have contacted her in regard to the statewide smoking ban stating it will harm their business. She prefers this issue be handled locally. Julia stated that she supports the bill that will forbid tax money being used for lobbyists. Now taxpayer money funds lobbyists who then lobby the Legislature for more tax money. Julia commented that she received many emails from Democrats blaming the Legislature for not funding a primary.

Senator Karin Brownlee stated that the resulting chaos in the Democratic Caucuses became evident when it shows they could not count and were ill prepared. Karin supports the Energy Bill as it will be a huge investment and will result in revenue when the energy is sold out of state. Karin related that it appears regulators are not upholding state law in regards to Credit Union issues. Disaster Relief has requested funding, but the bills will be combined so the whole issue can be addressed more efficiently. Senator Susan Wagle from Wichita and Karin will address the ineptness of the Board of Healing Arts in the Commerce Committee.

Representative Mike Kiegerl recognized the hard work and leadership of Ray Merrick. Mike is co-sponsoring Lance Kinzer’s Right to Life bill. Mike has concerns about the Parole Board doing their duty correctly and will address that issue. Mike supports the Transparency Bill and the Energy Bill in support of the Holcomb Plant. Wind power and other alternative sources are inefficient and expensive. It appears France has it right by creating 80% of their energy from nuclear sources.

Representative Lance Kinzer announced his bill to address the lack of adherence to Federal Law by holding closed hearings unnecessarily. This encourages corruption when access to information is denied to the public. Kansas is the only state whose appointments to the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are largely controlled by the Kansas Bar Association. Lance is purposing a bill that will allow the nominees be subjected to approval by the Senate and the House. Lance reported his concerns about immigration and how the issue must be addressed with regard to rule of law. Kansas can now try to address this issue. Lance related a story that reflects political/government mindset. Government seems to repeat actions over and over again rather than correct mistakes and periodically review laws to see if they are needed and are doing as initially intended.

A lively question and answer period followed the remarks by the Legislators.

The Sunflower Republican Club thanks all the legislators who attended as they covered the issues that were of interest and concern to all. Unfortunately some legislators were not in attendance because of illness or last minute conflicts that precluded their presence.