The Net #7
Kansas Legislative Network News
March 15, 2008
Tom Thompson
Legislative Coordinator
Sierra Club Kansas Chapter
5001 Rock Creek Lane, Mission, KS 66205
Phone: 913-236-9161; cell: 913-687-2405;
email: tomnthompson@sbcglobal.net

We Will Win

At this writing, House Substitute for Senate Bill 327 is sitting on the Governor's desk waiting for her to veto it. While this is happening, those wanting the bill, mostly paid lobbyists and other legislators, are putting pressure on those voting against the bill to change their minds. I know it seems to be a never-ending task but continued communications are needed and important.

The legislative session has but 3 more weeks, plus the veto session, plus sine die (the fancy name for the last day of the session which usually comes in late May and can be used for veto over-rides). Legislators are getting tired and the hours are getting longer. They would like this issue to go away. They need to be thanked for their votes in as many ways possible. They also need encouragement to tough it out. Every argument conceivable is being used to change minds including guilt, loyalty, favorite issues (giving or taking) and anything else one might think of.

There are others who might consider supporting a veto by changing from a yes on the bill to a no on an over-ride attempt. Don't give up on any of them. Keep asking for their support.

By the way, the 250 people who came to the Capitol on Tuesday made a big impact. It was a great shot in the arm for legislators who voted "no" and for me. I am sorry I missed the rally with Governor Sebelius and Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson. Their leadership is essential for working on issues to decrease the carbon footprint of Kansas . I was at a hearing for another bill.

Rep. Svaty and Sec. Bremby to Washington

Rep. Josh Svaty and KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby participated on a panel before The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming chaired by Congressman Edward Markey (D-Massachusetts) on Thursday. The panel also included David Bookbinder, Chief Climate Counsel for the Sierra Club. You can find the agenda for the meeting at:
http://globalwarming.house.gov/mediacenter/pressreleases?id=0185

and their testimonies at:
http://www.saljournal.com/Print/Bremby---talks---3-13-08

http://www.saljournal.com/rdnews/story/Josh---3-13-08

Last Weeks Activity

Starting on Tuesday, the day of the Rally, hearings on HB 2949 began. Many of those who came to the Capital that day attended the hearing before going to hear the Governor and Lt. Governor. This is the bill that, as written, set goals for base load of 40% nuclear and 60% coal. Most of those testifying, whether for or against this bill, suggested making changes. It looked like the committee might stop meeting without working the bill. On Friday, a new committee calendar was revealed along with new information about the bill. It has been resubmitted as HCR 5038 with almost the same wording. As a resolution, if passed it won't change statute but will have influence. I worked with Rep. Rardin, Rep. Flora and legislative revisers on amendments that if passed will make 5038 more renewably oriented.

SB 580 was also heard last week but in the House Utilities Committee. This bill was to provide $2 million dollars for low- to moderate-income homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient. This money was taken out but now takes 15% of any emergency or supplemental federal appropriations for the program. There are attempts to increase this to 30%. It is now on General Orders and awaiting debate in the House.

Coming Next Week

To start the week, 5038 , that I just discussed will be worked on. Technically it needs hearings again because it is a different item than 2949. How this will be handled will be better known Monday though those testifying against this bill should be prepared to testify again or at least send in written testimony even if it is same as for 2949.

Another resolution will have a hearing on Monday. This is HCR 5033 . It urges the United States to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and NAFTA. This is being heard in the Federal and State Affairs Committee.

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is once again having a hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Thursday afternoon. This is in the form of SB 123 , which has been in this committee since last year. The Chairman told me he still does not like the bill and may yet cancel the hearing.

Many questions about what is going on in the legislature can be answered at the website for the Kansas Legislature. If you know the number of a statute, the name of a legislator, the number of a bill, want a House or Senate Calendar or Journal you can get it and far more by going to:
http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-legisportal/index.do

Tom Thompson
Legislative Chair
Sierra Club Kansas Chapter