FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 29, 2008

TOPEKA- In response to recommendations from the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission the Kansas House of Representatives today approved a series of measures designed to provide greater transparency and accountability to the election process in Kansas.

The legislation comprised of four separate bills that would establish new guidelines for campaign finance reporting and give voters more information on the specific contributors to any campaign.

“For years, we have heard the public wants more transparency during the campaign season,” said Asst. Maj. Leader Jene Vickrey (R-Louisburg). “In addition, the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission provided us with well researched points for reform, and it’s time we take action on the issue.”

The measures are not as restrictive as federal mandates that have been handed down on the issue, and were crafted after watching the impact of that legislation in other states.

“This is well reasoned legislation, based on a couple years of consistent review and I’m confident we’ve developed an intelligent and innovative approach to this,” Elections and Governmental Organization Committee Chairman Mike Burgess said. 

House Republicans cleared the measures with a substantial majority, and offered no amendments to the proposed legislation.

“I think this is an important statement for our party,” Rep. Kay Wolf (R-Prairie Village) said. “We made it clear today that we stand for an open democratic process. I’m proud to see us do this.” 

The bills now move to the Senate for approval.

“Election reform is an issue we needed to address. We’ve taken a measured approach and crafted something that’s going to be good for the process, and in turn the state,” said Rep. Marc Rhoades (R-Newton).

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