Healthcare

After working on healthcare through this session, the bill passed out of committee and onto the floor. At that point, changes began occurring outside of the committee process. When the bill came onto the House floor for debate, an amendment had been prepared by a coalition of individuals that was intended to promote the priorities of the Kansas Health Policy Authority. I have been opposed to many of those proposals because they move Kansas closer to socialized medicine and actually raise the cost of health care for most individuals. I agree with Senator Barnett that premium assistance is a better way to go to help those who need help with health care costs. The current bill adds more individuals to the entitlements and any oversight for their accountability for those on entitlement programs was stricken. The original bill instructed the Kansas Health Policy Authority to work with individuals who have substance abuse problems and practice unhealthy behaviors yet get free healthcare to modify their behaviors.

Funeral Picketing

A bill passed through the legislature that is similar to one recently overturned by the Kansas Supreme Court. It will reinforce limitations on those who picket funerals. This action by a group of activists in Topeka has created heartache for everyone in this state that reveres the service of our military and the sacrifices made by them and their families.

Kansas Healthy Families

A bill passed out of the House that would help keep families intact. The bill will use 1% of federal dollars earmarked for temporary aid to needy families. It will allow awards of $50,000 grants that can be used by many organizations for education and counsel of individuals to preserve marriages and families.

Immigration

An issue that has generated more interest than any other this year was finally debated in the House this week. A big part of the heartburn seems to center on the E-Verify system that has been voluntary for some time. It looks very likely to be mandatory in the future. The work on this bill has gone on for months and there were several attempts to reach agreements between the business community and others with concerns. The business folks that contacted me agreed we need to address this problem and the bill seems to be reasonable to me. Over 80% of the people in Kansas want to see tougher sanctions.

Right out of the chute, an amendment was offered that would never hold up in Federal court, but would give cover to those who do not want to support this controversial issue. The amendment drew over 80 votes of support. That is when the debate began yet the battle had already been lost. The debate on illegal immigration was a four hour long battle.

Prescription Integrity

A bill passed the House this week that will help prevent those who are addicted to pain medication or want to "peddle" controlled substances from doctor shopping. It will require the Board of Pharmacy to keep records of those medications, who is getting them, and who issued them.

Two New Illegal Drugs

If the Governor signs SB481 Salvia and Gypson weed will be illegal to use as a drug in Kansas. They are both very hallucinogenic.

Quote of the Week

"We have the best Congress money can buy" (regarding why illegal immigration has not been taken seriously at the Federal level). A fellow legislator