Guest columnLegislative newsletter from Rep. Stan Frownfelter
Written by Stan Frownfelter Friday, 03 February 2012 17:55
Guest column
State Rep. Stan Frownfelter
31st District, Wyandotte County
Committees:
House Energy and Utilities
House Commerce and Economic Development
House Taxation
Week 4 - Jan. 30 - Feb. 3, 2012
In this issue:
This week at the Statehouse
House Taxation Committee considers sales tax holiday
Kansas Arts Commission checkoff fund passes out of committee
Kansas agriculture secretary seeks illegal immigrant waiver
Gov. Brownback proposes online teacher evaluations
“Uncork Kansas” revives debate over liquor sales in grocery stores
KU Medical Center continues effort to attain National Cancer Institute designation
Concealed carry measure introduced
Keep in touch
This week at the Statehouse
The session is in full swing now as we have officially completed four weeks of the 12-week session. Monday was the last day that legislators could request bill drafts, and next Wednesday will be the last day that legislators can introduce new bills. We have yet to hit on the extremely high profile issues on the House floor, although we are now casting votes regularly.
Committees had a full schedule this week. The House Appropriations Committee continues work on the FY2013 budget and spent most of this week focusing on the budgets of fee-funded agencies. Gov. Brownback’s tax plan was introduced in both the House and Senate, although we yet to have a hearing on the proposal. Redistricting is well under way and I anticipate to see some significant movement on that next week.
Below, I included updates on several issues we discussed in committee. Overall, I am pleased to report that it was a busy and productive week in the Statehouse.
House Taxation Committee considers sales tax holiday
The House Taxation Committee considered House Bill 2287, which would give Kansas a tax-free holiday during the first weekend in August, when kids head back to school. Under the proposal, clothing, computer devices, and school supplies would be tax free, up to a certain amount spent on each transaction. The estimated fiscal note is $6 million in lost tax revenue for the weekend.
Proponents of the bill suggested that many residents cross over to Missouri and Oklahoma during their tax-free holidays, causing Kansas to lose revenue. They also suggest that the holiday may increase revenue for local business, due to the fact that consumers often buy items not covered by the holiday, such as gas and food. This claim was supported by other states who saw a 35 - 45 percent increase in sales during the holiday.
Opponents of the bill alleged that the bill will cause uncertainty for local budgets due to the estimated loss of tax revenue. Instead of reducing resources to the state, they suggested restoring funding to some educational programs and services that have been drastically cut in recent years. Other opponents also suggest that a tax holiday will merely shift the timing of consumer purchases and not increase revenue.
The committee has not taken action on the bill.
Kansas Arts Commission checkoff fund passes out of committee
The House Committee on Taxation also discussed House Bill 2454, a bill that would establish a Kansas Arts Commission checkoff fund. The fund would be included on individual state income tax forms.
Last year there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding Gov. Brownback’s decision to line-item veto funding for the Kansas Arts Commission. His action made Kansas the only state in the nation that offered no public funding for the arts. Although the governor’s veto was only about $700,000, his action cost Kansas nearly $2 million in arts funding due to matching grants from the federal government. It is highly unlikely that this checkoff could compensate for the loss. There are four income tax checkoff funds currently and last year revenue for all four totaled $415,000.
Also, the Kansas Department of Revenue told the committee that already-existing checkoffs (such as Meals on Wheels and Breast Cancer Relief) usually lose revenue when new checkoffs are added. The checkoff would cost almost $88,000 to implement. No other groups testified for or against the bill.
The bill has been moved out of committee and awaits a floor vote.
Kansas agriculture secretary seeks illegal immigrant waiver
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman announced this week that he is seeking a federal waiver to allow illegal immigrants to work in the state. The state-sponsored network would match illegal immigrants with companies wishing to participate in the program. Essentially, this would ensure that businesses have a never-ending pool of low-wage workers from which to call upon in order to meet the bottom line while ignoring the effect of an influx of undocumented workers on Kansas’ labor force.
We hear a lot about cracking down on illegal immigration in campaign rhetoric. This is a federal issue, but there are some things we can do at the state level to address the problem. I have long argued that illegal immigrants come to Kansas for jobs, which is why I have supported measures that crack down on corrupt employers who knowingly higher undocumented workers. Businesses who hire undocumented workers do so for cheap labor and to avoid paying benefits and insurance. And, ultimately, illegal immigrants are here illegally. Why should we encourage unscrupulous behavior on both sides of the issue? Instead, I believe we should help Kansas workers and businesses who play by the rules.
In addition, just last week Gov. Brownback reinforced their support for a new policy at the Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services that abolished food stamps for hundreds of children of illegal immigrants. Kansas officials need to be consistent with their policies regarding immigration. I think it is shameful to condone illegal immigration when it is helpful to business interests, but to condemn illegal immigrants when they wish to feed their children.
Gov. Brownback proposes online teacher evaluations
As many are already aware, Gov. Sam Brownback has proposed a sweeping public education overhaul. Initially, we thought this plan was focused on the funding formula, but as it turns out there are components unrelated to school finance that were not discussed until the Legislature began to review the proposal.
In particular, Gov. Brownback proposes allowing evaluations of teachers online. Fifty percent of a teacher’s evaluation will come from the achievement of their students on grades and standard testing, 40 percent will be from supervisors, peers, parents and students, and the last 10 percent will be based on the employee’s contribution to the profession. Teachers will receive rankings that will be accessible to parents on a public website.
For those teachers who receive a “highly effective” status, Gov. Brownback’s proposal recommends a $5,000 bonus. For those who receive an “ineffective” ranking, the governor’s proposes professional development help. For those who receive an “ineffective” rating two years in a row, Gov. Brownback recommends dismissal of the teacher. The plan also states that the dismissed teacher should be not allowed to teach students.
Gov. Brownback argued that input from parents and families in the evaluation process will encourage more meaningful engagement between educators and students’ families. He said that it is important for parents to have confidence their child is receiving a quality education, and public evaluations will be a good incentive for teachers to do all they can to perform well.
There were many concerns about this proposal from both Republicans and Democrats. First, this is viewed by many as an attempt to blame all student performance outcomes on teachers, which is terribly unfair. Teachers work with kids from many different backgrounds and levels of preparation. There is no “one size fits all” way to teach, which means there cannot be a “one size fits all” method to evaluate teaching. Also, there were concerns about local control. Opponents noted that it should be up to local school boards and administrators to fire bad teachers, not an online symposium.
There has been no action on this proposal yet, but I anticipate that it will be highly controversial.
KU Medical Center continues effort to attain National Cancer Institute designation
Every year 13,000 Kansans are diagnosed with cancer. While we are grateful for the outstanding cancer care available in our state, it is unfortunate that many of our citizens still must travel great distances to access cutting edge clinical trials.
The University of Kansas Medical Center has been working to remedy this in its effort to obtain a National Cancer Institute designation. Last week, Kansas Legislators were given an update on the state's efforts to attain a National Cancer Institute facility at the KU Medical Center. KU Cancer Center director, Dr. Roy Jensen, told lawmakers there have been huge advances in Kansas cancer care with nearly 400 patients enrolled in clinical trials in the state today. Several years ago there were only 36. Nearly 9,000 patients are treated each year at the KU Cancer Center and just this month a new clinical trials facility saw its first patients.
Dr. Jensen said the state's application for NCI designation will be thoroughly reviewed by federal officials in the coming months. And while few applications are approved on the first submission, Dr. Jensen noted that the Kansas effort is exceptionally strong and has unparalleled support from many areas including local tax sources, the nationally acclaimed KU School of Pharmacy and organizations like the Kansas Masons, the Kansas Bioscience Authority and the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.
“Uncork Kansas” revives debate over liquor sales in grocery stores
A coalition of chamber, grocery, and convenience stores have unveiled a campaign called “Uncork Kansas,” reviving a debate about allowing liquor and wine to be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Under current law, liquor and full strength beer is only sold in liquor stores. This proposal - which was also considered last year - would remove that restriction. It would also remove the “liquor only” sales restriction that now apply to liquor stores, so that liquor stores could also expand their sales (presumably to include mixers, ice, etc.).
The bill is in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee. It includes last session’s provision for liquor stores to sell their licenses to grocery-convenience stores before the law takes effect at presumably premium prices.
There is not really a partisan line on this issue. Proponents include grocery stores and convenience stores that would like to expand their sales to include alcohol. They argue that the current law is antiquated and limits consumer choice. Opponents of the proposal primarily include neighborhood liquor stores that fear that they would be driven out of business. There are also concerns that this measure would lead to an easier path for minors to obtain liquor.
Concealed Carry measure introduced
Under current law, public and private buildings may prohibit entry of concealed carry permit holders with signs posted at every entrance. House Bill 2352 would allow concealed carry permit holders to bring firearms into state and municipality facilities. The new bill will prevent state and municipality facilities (such as college campuses) from being able to prohibit firearms by licensed carriers unless it offered adequate security measures. Examples of “adequate security measures” include armed security guards and metal detectors at all public entrances.
Proponents of House Bill 2353 contend that security can no longer be taken for granted, and gun free zones are an invitation for violent behavior. They believe that guns on campuses will improve personal safety and would prevent incidents such as the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, in which 32 individuals were killed. It has been suggested that the shooting would have been stopped more quickly if someone had been carrying a concealed weapon.
Critics of the bill claim this would lead to chaos in emergency situations. Well-trained officers would have a delayed response to an emergency situation, because they would have to take time to distinguish the shooter from someone who was legally permitted to carry a gun. Furthermore, allowing weapons on campus would increase the numbers of risks and hazards. They are reluctant to accept that persons with limited training who are licensed to carry will be able to react in a safe, reasonable manner in a dangerous situation.
The bill has received a hearing, but the committee has not yet taken action.
Keep in touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 725, Docking State Office, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, Kan., 66612. You can reach me at 785-296-7648 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. Additionally, you can email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
Useful numbers and resources:
The following is a list of the numbers I receive the most requests for during the legislative session. You can find these as well as many others online at http://da.state.ks.us/phonebook. I hope you will find this information helpful.
Adjutant General:
785.274.1001
Department on Aging:
800.432.3535
Attorney General:
785.296.2215
Better Business Bureau:
785.232.0454
Child/Adult Abuse Hotline:
800.922.5330
Child and Family Services
785.296.4653
Commerce:
785.296.3481
Consumer Protection:
800.432.2310
Crime Tip Hotline:
800.572.7463
Crime Victim Assistance:
800.828.9745
Driver’s License Bureau:
785.296.3963
Gov. Brownback:
800.748.4408
Kansas Health Wave:
800.792.4884
Highway Road Conditions:
800.585.7623
Housing Hotline:
800.752.4422
Insurance Hotline:
800.432.2484
Kansas Lottery:
785.296.5700
Legislative Hotline:
800.432.3924
Mental Health Services:
888.582.3759
Department of Revenue:
877.526.7738
School Safety Hotline:
877.626.8203
Social Security:
800.772.1213
State Capitol Tours:
785.296.3966
Taxpayer Assistance:
800.259.2829
Tax Refund Status:
800.894.0318
Teacher Certification:
785.296.2283
Unclaimed Property:
800.432.0386
Unemployment:
785.296.5074
Vital Statistics:
785.296.1405
Voter Registration:
785.296.4561
Welfare Fraud Hotline:
800.432.3913
Workers’ Comp:
800.332.0353
Workforce Center:
785.235.5627
Black history is American history
Written by Karen Hernandez Friday, 03 February 2012 16:49
Every Feb. 1, I wake up and think, “It’s Black History Month.” And then I think what a shame that black history is still relegated to a mere month out of the year.
Face it, people -- black history is American history and should be part of our students’ -- if not our own everyday curriculum for lifelong learning. We have so much to learn about each other’s stories -- for that is what history is -- that an excellent well-rounded education demands that we widen our focus, step out of our comfort zones and explore the world of knowledge that is out there and easily accessible due to the internet. Not to mention the programs that are available to light the fires of our interest and imagination each and every day if we just take the time to look for them.
So I am going to suggest some ideas and action-oriented opportunities with you. I challenge you to devote just one hour a day for the next 29 days learning what you never knew about black history in America.
1. Pick up an issue of the Kansas City Call newspaper. They are available at Hen House for 70 cents. There is a wealth of information about black history programs that will be taking place this month, as well as news articles, editorials and features that you will never find in most newspapers. This and other black newspapers are also available to read at your local library.
2. Speaking of the library there are some excellent books that delve deeply into diverse subjects related to black history. Check out just one and you may decide to go back for more.
3. The library also carries many free DVD titles that depict Black History and stories about what life used to be like for Black Americans. In many cases those stories are still relevant and making people sit up and take notice -- like the new movie that came out last year -- “The Help.” The book is even better than the movie, by the way. And the West Wyandotte Library will have a Black History program of PBS documentaries at 6:30 p.m. every Wed. in February. In addition they will have a KCKCC Jazz Concert at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7; Black History Jeopardy at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21; and an African-American Read-In Open Mic on Monday, Feb. 27, from 7-8 p.m. in the auditorium. Visit the library nearest you to pick up a flier about all the other Black History learning opportunities available at our local libraries.
4. Those of us who saw the mini-series “Roots” that came out in 1977 remember well the impact it had on our American psyches as we sat mesmerized in front of our TV sets with our families and friends -- watching the life of Kunta Kinte and his descendents unfold before our eyes. It’s time to show this mini-series again to all those Americans who missed that experience. How about it PBS? Or OWN? Or BET? Or ABC again? Why wait? You can check out the entire series at the library.
5. Check out Politics Nation with Al Sharpton at 5 p.m. on MSNBC. You may discover new perspectives on the current remaining Republican candidates for President, who represent the party that has been hell-bent on removing our nation’s first black president since the day he took office.
6. Attend a black church that will welcome you as a visitor and invite you to join their church, if the Spirit moves you. I have not entered any black church across America and not felt welcome. May I suggest my home church, St. Monica’s Catholic Church at 1616 The Paseo, whose motto is: “A Church Alive is Worth the Drive!” It has a wonderful Inspirational Gospel Choir that will have you rising up out of your seat and clapping along, if not singing along. Because the hymns are of a “Call and Response” nature, anybody can sing. Even you, my brothers and sisters! See you at 10 a.m. this coming Sunday as we celebrate the diversity in our beloved community.
7. Bethel SDA Church at 6910 Riverview Ave. in KCK will have a black history program on Friday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. for an “Ole Time Gospel Choir and Preachin’” and Praise and Worship all day Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. It’s a great way to spend a weekend.
8. Faith Lutheran Church will have a play about Harriet Tubman on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Our KCK resident historian, Chester Owens, will be speaking at this program.
9. On Feb. 10 and Feb. 17 the movie “Night Catches Us” will be shown from 12-1:30 p.m. at the KCKCC Intercultural Center.
10. On Feb. 14 the KCKCC Book Club will discuss the book “The Help” from 12-1 p.m. in the KCKCC Intercultural Center.
11. On Feb. 22 the program “Tanzania: Past, Present, Future” will be held at KCKCC in Room 2325 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
12. On Feb. 29 the program “Slavery, Migration, Exodusters and Kansas Black Towns” will be held at KCKCC in Room 2325 from 10-11 a.m.
13. The next KCK NAACP meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Bethany Plaza, 21 No. 12th. St. in KCK in the 2nd. floor meeting room. They welcome visitors and new members who are interested in working toward justice and peace in our community.
14. Have you visited the Old Quindaro Museum yet? There is a treasure trove of American history right here in our own community. It is located at 3432 N. 29th St. in KCK. You may call 913-244-8207 to find more information about when you can visit.
15. Did you know there is a huge mural at KCKCC depicting the story of Old Quindaro? It is worth a trip to campus just to view this piece of art depicting our own local diverse history. This is a great educational field trip for schools and families.
16. The KCKCC Intercultural Center is also a great place to find educational exhibits about all cultures. The display window outside of it is always a conversation starter, and the 2012 black history display will be available for viewing soon.
17. Read stories to your children and grandchildren that will inspire them to search for more information about famous black leaders in the fields of education, medicine, invention, visual arts, music, dance, entertainment, literature, sports, journalism. Children who have such knowledge will have an advantage over peers who missed out on these opportunities. I was one of those poor souls whose eyes were opened at KCKCC about all that I had missed.
18. Teach your children and grandchildren by example that we are all members of the same human family and each and every person deserves respect, regardless of any differences in skin color, beliefs, or culture.
19. “Be the change you wish to see in the world” – Gandhi. You can do that simply by practicing “The Golden Rule” with everyone you meet. Children learn by watching adults first -- then their peers.
20. Practice “agape love.” Martin Luther King Jr. did -- and he now has a national holiday in his honor every January. Did you attend the MLK celebration at the Reardon Center in 2012? It was astounding how many people showed up this year, due to the wonderful weather. Remember…this day is a day for everyone to celebrate.
21. Smile and greet people you meet at the store. Making friends with people you have never met before can be an exhilarating experience.
22. Look for opportunities to serve others. As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Anyone can be great, because anyone can serve.” Could you be a mentor for an at-risk youth?
23. Try a soul food restaurant in your neighborhood or community. Step out of your gastronomic comfort zone and be pleasantly surprised.
24. Support all of our local small businesses. Everybody needs help to keep afloat during this economic crisis we are currently experiencing.
25. “Reduce…Recycle…Re-use” -- and try to influence others to do the same. The world we create now is the one our beloved grandchildren will inherit. Protect them by reducing your own carbon footprint. This is a way to help all our neighborhoods survive and thrive.
26. If you have a lot -- whether it be of time, talent, or treasure --be generous with those who have little or nothing. This is a way to create a beloved community of people who care about one another’s well-being, a Christian principle that Jesus demonstrated throughout his life.
27. Be compassionate and forgiving to those who hurt your feelings or rub you the wrong way. Realize that no one is perfect and anyone can have an occasional bad day.
28. Don’t call people names -- like “Food Stamp President.” Show good home training and class, no matter who chooses to take the low road. Take the high road and people will follow.
29. I just gave you 28 suggestions you can put into practice this month as we celebrate black American history. I leave it to you to come up with an idea for day 29. What will you do, my brothers and sisters---to create a “beloved community?” And if these ideas have inspired you--- make this a daily practice during 2012 and see how much your life will change. You will be blessed!