VETERAN’S BILL

I was so very proud of the individuals in my District that offered testimony and their presence for the Veteran’s Holiday bill. Tanner Burenheide did an excellent job of testifying and stole the hearts of the committee. Frank Lowrey also gave great testimony and Frank Nichols offered written testimony that was very good. The presence of the Civil Air Patrol from Emporia was a wonderful sight to see as well. I am in strong hopes that they will stay engaged and that perhaps they will be able to testify on the bill when it gets to the Senate.

LIBRARY PORN ACCESS

One Wednesday, a bill came to the floor that did not have a lot of impact on library districts, but by the time it left the floor, it had changed drastically. The bill now reads that libraries are not to allow underage individuals access to internet adult sites. If filters are not available, then the youth would have to be monitored or be accompanied by the watchful eye of a parent when in the library. It also stipulates that underage students can not check out movies that are not considered age appropriate.

BOOSTER SEATS

We debated a bill that would mandate booster seat use for children up to 7 years of age or 80 lbs this week. This bill is heavily endorsed by the Kansas Highway Patrol and child advocacy groups. I understand their concern for the safety of our young people. I voted to support the bill.

UNATTENDED YOUTH

Another issue that took much time to debate this week is the one that places a penalty on leaving a child unattended in a car. Again, I understand that young people have died because parents have gone shopping, or out

partying while leaving their child locked in a car. That is a very dangerous thing to do and I guess that we need to have a penalty for it. The danger of this bill is that it will make lawbreakers out of parents who run into the gas station to pay for their gas while the child is asleep in the car. This bill would pertain to unattended youth whether on private or public property.

BE CAREFUL LITTLE MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY

A colleague of mine received a lot of press for making an off handed joke in Health Committee this week. The response of the press has everyone standing up and taking notice. I am thankful that the people who usually interview me are people who have no intention of taking my words and twisting them.

CHILD PROTECTION

The Jessica’s Law bill should be moving through the Judiciary Committee soon. It will also include some provisions that have been suggested by the Alliance to Recognize and End Abuse. One provision will raise the penalty for incest to that of rape and the other issue will call for restitution and payment toward the rehabilitation and recovery of the victim.

JUST THE FACTS MA’AM

Kansas debt as a percent of personal income is higher than all surrounding states and higher than the U.S. average.

“We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.” Thomas Jefferson