BILLS FOR THIS SESSION
So far this year I am personally working on a prescription monitoring bill, which will allow for tracking and early intervention of individuals who are addicted to medications such as pain medication and often doctor shop to obtain the drugs they need to fuel their addiction.

The second bill I am working on is a zero tolerance for supplying minors with alcohol. There is a growing concern in my district and throughout the state of early drinking leading to life long addictive behaviors, high fatalities on our highways, and dangerous lifestyle decisions.

The third bill is one that would increase the penalties for incest and validate the damage to young people who are victimized by their own relatives. I am also working on introducing a bill that would mandate a quicker response to background investigations for child care facilities.

INPUT PLEASE
There have been a couple of bills introduced that would establish English as the official language of the State of Kansas. One of these bills, HB 2140, is scheduled for a hearing on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 1:30 pm in the Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee in Room 241-N. I recognize this is an issue that affects my constituency; therefore, I would like to have input from my constituents to help me represent their interests. Also, if you would be interested in testifying at the hearing feel free to contact the Rep. Don Meyers office, Chair of the committee. His office is located in Room 448-N, and his email and phone number are: Meyers@house.state.ks.us and 785-296-7695.

EDUCATION: Promise Made, Promise Kept
Every year education has been one of the last issues to be addressed by the Legislature; however, that is not the case this session. The House began floor debate on Tuesday and one of the bills debated was SB 30. The debate was good, the vote was solid and on Wednesday, January 24, the House saw its first Final Action votes.

Promise made:
Republican House members have pledged to ensure our public school and universities maintain their high standards of education and to encourage our children to attend college in Kansas. The following bill addresses state funding for K-12 and Regents schools.

Promise kept:
SB 30 – Passing the House 105-17, the measure pre-funds year 2 and 3 of the school finance plan and addresses the Regent’s crumbling classrooms bond issue. It was amended on the House floor to include a 40 million a year debt reduction fund. This was the #1 issue on the Republican Agenda and was one of the first bills debated on the House Floor. The Republican caucus has taken the lead in demonstrating that our students are a top priority and that we back our commitments.

NEWSLETTER IN EMAIL FORM
In an effort to save on postage and make receiving the newsletter more efficient, we are going to start offering the newsletter in email form. If you would be interested in receiving the newsletter by email, please send your name and email address to CyndieR@house.state.ks.us.