CLEAN FARM ACT
With another week disappearing this session, I look back and reflect on the accomplishments that have been made. It was so nice to have Kenneth and Carlene Fuller here to testify on the Clean Farm Act that will allow farmers to carry their own waste from their farms. They did an excellent job testifying and took the fact that there was opposition to the bill much better than I. They willingly met with a representative of the Motor Carriers Association after the hearing and were willing to compromise in order to move the bill forward. It is so refreshing to meet people who are willing to stand up for positive change. I feel that this couple represents the farmers across the state that should have the right to use their farm trucks in this way.

LEGISLATIVE POST AUDIT
It never ceases to amaze me that when you ask for an investigation into a bureaucracy up here, you may see change before the investigation even takes place. I asked for a post audit study to be done on the Board of Healing Arts because of their lack of action on investigations as well as the composition of the board itself. They have no representation on the board for physical therapists or physician assistants, yet they regulate them. The physical therapists had a hearing scheduled on a bill that would give them more autonomy and when the post audit was granted, they came back and said that the board now wants to work to resolve any problems. Well, that is a start and I hope that more will be done.

WORK ON THE FLOOR
As the bills begin to pass out of committee, we are seeing bills come onto the House floor for votes. So far, none have been controversial enough to be voted down. It is early enough in the session, but things are bound to get more difficult as the session progresses.

HIGHER PENALTIES AND RESTITUION FOR INCEST RAPE
After working with a group of interested individuals on improving laws that deal with rape, incest, and molestation, I have had a bill placed in the Judiciary Committee that would insure restitution be paid to compensate the victim for the costs of counseling and rehabilitation after being victimized. It would also elevate the crime of incest to the same penalty as rape. The chair of Judiciary came to me today and said that he will try to work this into the Jessica's law that is now drawing a great deal of attention in the state.

FARM BUREAU
It was good to see some great friends from Farm Bureau this week. I enjoyed the visit with them and heard a great speech about the family farm in Kansas on Wednesday evening. It is true, the people who live and work on a family farm usually give the other members of our society very little trouble. I'm for doing all I can to help preserve their way of life.