Contact: Peggy Mast 620-343-2465
The Legislature sent a bill to the Governor that would allow for a life sentence without parole. The current alternative to execution in Kansas is only 50 years until parole is available. It is estimated that a death penalty case in Kansas can cost an average of $1.2 million, and a life without parole option would save the state $400,000 to $500,000 per trial. Since capitol punishment was reinstated in the state of Kansas, only 7 people have been put to death.
Governor Sebelius and Republican leadership are at odds with one another on a bill that will grant in-state tuition to children of undocumented illegal immigrants. The proposal would allow students who are in the country illegally, but have lived in Kansas at least five years to be charged the lower, resident tuition rate at public universities, community colleges and vocation colleges. The students would also have to prove that they are seeking citizenship or legal resident status. The Governor has stated that the House needs to “step up to the plate and approve the bill”, and went on to say the “more accessible education is a benefit to the entire state”.
Members of the House and Senate agreed Tuesday on the details of a conceal and carry bill. Some of the changes included the Senate putting the Attorney General in charge of issuing the permit instead of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Other changes include not allowing weapons in any “structure used for student education and attendance” as well as allowing handguns in restaurants and where alcohol is served. The requirements to obtain a permit would require a permit to be issued only to Kansas/US citizens above 21 years of age, with no mental illness or drug addiction who completes eight hours of training and pays a $150 fee. The Governor still states that she will veto this legislation.
The Legislature has approved a “compromised” budged that was nearly identical to the plan set forth by the Governor. The compromise called for a .3% decrease in what the Governor recommended, which came out to a total of $10.2 billion. The new budget would be effective July 1st, and include a 3% pay raise to state employees. What this budget fails to address though, is the issues of education. This will be dealt with in early May before the end of veto session.
With a strong desire to finish the session without missing any votes, I entered the Capitol feeling ready to take on the world, but within a few minutes, I was lying down and hoping to get to feeling better quick. I had to leave the Capitol in an ambulance and get checked out on a day when we were deciding some important issues. I apologize to my constituents for missing such an important day of work and will try to do better next year.
Abraham Lincoln
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