UPDATES – The Senate eventually rejected a bill changing the state’s gaming law late Friday night.
Earlier, the Senate rejected two amendments that would have impacted gaming’s future in south central Kansas.
The first amendment, offered by Sen. Ty Masterson, R-Andover, would have eliminated the South Central Gaming Zone. That would have killed any future casino development in Sumner County. He called the amendment “a move to protect the people of Sedgwick County” who had rejected a casino.
Masterson said that Sumner County’s mail in ballot was “not a vote it was more of a mail in survey.”
The Senate also rejected an amendment offered by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, that would have allowed Sedgwick County to vote for a second time on whether or not to allow slot machines at the Wichita Grayhound Park.
“I cannot believe that a senator in this chamber would take it upon himself to try to meddle in Sedgwick County’s business when we’ve already voted the voters have had their say,” said Sen. Les Donovan, R-Wichita.
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A coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans hijacked the Kansas House this morning, successfully gutting the budget favored by House GOP leaders and replacing it with their own plan.
The new proposal spends more than the earlier one, and will require a tax increase to balance. It’s similar to the budget proposal passed earlier by the Senate. Both give schools more money to offset the loss of federal stimulus funds set to expire next year, and both attempt to restore some social service funds cut last year.
The vote to remove the budget proposal favored by House leadership was 71-49.
Judging from the votes, the coalition has the numbers to pass a tax increase to fund their budget. Last night the Senate passed a 1-cent sales tax hike, and it’s likely the House will consider that plan soon.
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TOPEKA – The Senate is scheduled to debate a transportation plan that will encompass the next 10 years.
The plan will deal with roads, air and rail travel, expanding transportation capacity and road maintenance throughout the state.
Senate substitute for Senate substitute for House Bill 2650 (yes that really is the official name) that up for debate will replace the state’s second 10-year Comprehensive Transportation Plan which just expired.
The Kansas Department of Transportation will, obviously, be watching the debate closely and tweeting the process. Those interested can follow the debate via @KDOTHQ.
The proceedings are also being broadcast over the internet at this link.
The Eagle will also be blogging about the debate.
TOPEKA – The Senate gave approval to three new specialty plates on Friday that drivers can use to show off the affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, experience as a Vietnam Veteran or love of pets. Read More »
Is a tax increase inevitable in Kansas?
Some anti-tax lawmakers seem to think so.
“We know the die is cast this morning,” said Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, an Olathe Republican. “We know the votes are there.”
Last night the state Senate passed a 1-cent sales tax hike, a package that will raise $314 million in annual revenue to balance the state budget. It would cost the average Kansas family $266 a year.
The legislation now moves to the House. Passage would solve the budget crisis (for a few months anyway) and likely end the session. Read More »