Once again, what many lawmakers say in support of limited government and the free market has failed to apply when the issue involves abortion. State Rep. Peter DeGraaf, R-Mulvane, proposed an amendment, which the Kansas House approved, prohibiting insurance companies from including abortion coverage in basic medical plans. Such coverage would have to be purchased separately (as if anyone plans to have an abortion). But unlike past debates, this wasn’t about the use of taxpayer money. This prohibition would have applied to private insurance companies offering plans to private businesses and individuals that are paid for entirely with private money. Fortunately, the absurdity and intrusiveness of the mandate became clear as other lawmakers proposed amendments prohibiting basic plans from covering smoking-related illnesses and erectile dysfunction medication, and the legislation was sent back to committee.
If lawmakers want to head down this path, there is no end to the moral mandates they could pass, such as prohibiting any basic plan from covering contraceptives or paying to treat HIV/AIDS. Or if they want to stick with tax dollars, how about prohibiting cities from maintaining roads in front of abortion clinics?
Many GOP lawmakers and business groups cheered the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last month allowing unlimited political spending by corporations. But nearly three-quarters of conservative Republicans oppose the decision, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll, and nearly two-thirds of them favor congressional efforts to limit spending. Overall, 8 in 10 Americans oppose the ruling, and 72 percent favor reinstating limits.
Good for the Kansas Senate for once again approving a primary seat-belt law. But as happened last year, the House could block the bill — which would be a costly mistake. A seat-belt law would save lives and qualify Kansas to receive $11.2 million in federal transportation money. House lawmakers need to stop being stubborn and approve this bill.
Gallup-Healthways ranked Kansas as No. 10 in its Well-Being Index 2009. The ranking is based on life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical health, healthy behaviors and access to basic necessities. Hawaii ranked No. 1. Interestingly, nine of the top 10 states are in the Midwest and West, and seven of the 11 lowest well-being states are in the South. Oklahoma was No. 48.
Two aspects of a legislative proposal to move Kansas municipal and school board elections from spring to autumn are appealing. “If we can save money and increase voter turnout, I think those are two winning propositions,” said House Elections Committee Chairman Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center. But it would be hard to see these important contests forced to share the spotlight with elections for the Legislature, Congress, president, and statewide and county offices. More important, ending the separation would put nonpartisan city and school elections on the same ballots with partisan contests — confusing voters and stripping away what is, admittedly, the last pretense of nonpartisanship in some races. There also doesn’t seem to be a good fix on how much money would be saved.
