The Infamous Utility Bill

The most controversial bill that has come before us so far this year has given me an opportunity for a great learning experience. What makes CO2 emissions so controversial? Government Technology Feb.2008 states it best in its article "Climate change: A new Religion?" The article states that Christianity teaches the sinful nature of man will be his undoing, so Climate Change tells us man’s mistreatment of the environment will spell our doom. It goes on to say that many who oppose religion do so based on science. Ironically, the science – or dogma if you wish – that drives the Climate Change movement is anything but agreed upon.

Much of this new religion is coming from places like Hollywood, and just as hypocrisy is not well respected in other religious circles, an article from Newsmax January 2008 points out that "a UCLA study found that the motion picture industry creates 130,000 metric tons of pollutants each year in Los Angeles alone; emits 8 million metric tons of greenhouse gases; and about 2,000,000 metric tons of hazardous waste. And Kansas is worried about 11 tons of CO2 in a remote area of the state? All of that being said, California is one of only two states that has actually reached 10% renewable energy. Does that make it a clean state? The other state is Maine. Since they are coastline states, they have the advantage of more wind consistency. We just need to move the state to achieve that!

The Utilities bill has passed both House and Senate with strong support from my district and is in conference. My biggest reason for supporting this bill is to ensure regulatory certainty in this state. The arbitrary nature of the denial in Holcomb has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for potential developers and financiers. The state forfeits billions in revenue to surrounding states and all businesses become subject to the political persuasions of the KDHE. The bill also prohibits state officials from superseding federal guidelines and eliminates other discretionary authority in the air permitting process.

Domestic Partnership???

Another controversial bill of this session was debated this week regarding recognition of domestic partnerships in Lawrence. Many were uncomfortable with a recorded vote on the issue and a majority of votes were successful at sending it back to a committee to kill it.

Bills In Committee

I will take the time now to update you on the latest happenings of bills I am either sponsoring or authoring.

The Street Rod Bill, HB 2875, is in Transportation Committee and not yet scheduled for hearing. I still have a lot to learn about cars with this bill.

Resolution 6013 condemning gangsta rap music will soon be coming out to the floor. I am looking forward to presenting this to Sonny Scroggins once it is ready. Sonny is the gentleman who inspires many to stand up for what they believe in. I realize how important it is to stay true to yourself and never let your values and beliefs be pushed to the wayside. This place sometimes makes that type of compromise much too easy.

The Salvia Bill, HB 2570, is in the Judiciary Committee. I am expecting it to be amended onto another bill and passed this session.

Finally, the Adoption Tax Credit and the Health Parody Bill are in the Tax Committee.

Quote of the Week

"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." Henry Ford