January 15, 2008

My Fellow Kansans,

The 2008 Legislative Session is now underway in Topeka.  In fact, Kansas Lawmakers have already begun holding committee meetings and reviewing proposed legislation.

I had the honor of delivering the 2008 Republican Legislative Vision following the Governor’s State of the State Monday night.  In this first legislative update to you, I would like to share some of what I said.

Budget

One of the most important challenges facing the Kansas legislature this session will be to provide Kansans with a balanced budget that slows government growth and spending. 

We have some very important budget issues to consider this session – among them, funding health care reform, natural disaster relief, and continuing multi-year funding for public education at a rate that maintains our commitment to strong schools.  There also will be increased expenses we must cover.

It would be wonderful if we could afford everything but the simple fact remains, we cannot.  Current budget projections show that in just a few short years our state will have a negative balance in its checking account. 

Republican lawmakers are committed to restraining our new spending and proving to Kansans we can be good stewards of their hard-earned tax dollars.  It will require the legislature to take a hard look at the current budget for possible savings and to do away with programs that are no longer needed or no longer serve the needs of Kansans.

Standing firm against increased spending will not be easy.  There will be those who want to increase spending for a variety of programs and issues.  However, Kansas Republicans believe holding the line on spending now will better prepare our state for its financial future and for the future fiscal responsibilities our children and grandchildren will face.

Health Care

Kansas Republicans want a free-market health system that encourages and supports healthy lifestyles with you in charge of your own health.   One of the keys to achieving this is to reduce costs through tax incentives for self-employed Kansans and small businesses that provide health insurance to their employees. 

Also – many of those who don’t have health insurance are between jobs or are waiting for their coverage to go into effect at a new job.  Improving the portability of health insurance will help those caught between coverage.  That’s why House Republicans want to extend the availability of state cobra policy from six to 18 months of optional coverage.

By improving access and affordability, we will lead the nation in health reform and put Kansans in charge of their health care decisions – not the government.

Immigration

I am concerned that if we do nothing, and wait for the federal government, Kansas could spend tens of millions of dollars providing state services for illegal aliens.

Republican Lawmakers are committed to relieving this financial burden on Kansas taxpayers and ensuring state and federal immigration laws are enforced.

We appreciate the majority of Kansas businesses who comply with immigration laws, but those who chose to knowingly violate the law must be held accountable for their actions.

Perhaps most importantly, we must enforce federal law that denies public benefits to illegal aliens and enhance the penalties on those who provide or use fake ids to obtain those benefits.

These are practical and reasonable steps we can take as a state.  We must encourage legal immigration and send a strong message to those who come to our country illegally that Kansas is serious about enforcing immigration laws.

Taxes

One of the major issues facing our state is the exporting of our most valuable resources: outstanding young minds.   Each year many of our most talented students leave Kansas to find opportunities that are not available here. 

For the past several years our state has ranked near last in private sector job growth.   As lawmakers, we must encourage free enterprise and give businesses of all sizes the ability to be successful.

As part of our tax-package this session, House Republicans want to establish a back to school sales tax holiday and restructure taxes on businesses to make our state more competitive.  

These items, in addition to other tax-cutting measures will keep your hard earned money where it belongs---with you - and help promote economic development across Kansas.

Energy policy

Kansas Republicans believe a strong state energy policy will truly make Kansas open for business and economic development.  Last fall, the governor’s administration denied the permit for an energy center and coal-plant in Holcomb.

The denial did not address the real issue –the need for a state energy policy that provides affordable electric rates today - addresses the disparity of rates paid by Kansas homeowners and businesses - and meets our growing energy demands in the future.

Kansas Republicans believe this can be accomplished with a policy that encourages adequate baseload energy, renewable energy, and energy conservation.  It also must be based on sound scientific and economic analyses that carefully address costs and benefits.

Alternative energies like wind and solar power can play an important role in our state's energy portfolio, but the simple fact is wind turbines and sunshine alone cannot meet our growing demand for electricity.

Our policy also must ensure our state laws and regulations are applied in a fair and uniform manner. Businesses wanting to build or expand in Kansas must know what is expected of them so they can build plants that meet our needs and requirements.

Together, I am confident we can establish a state energy policy that protects our environment, the security of our state's energy future, Kansas ratepayers, and encourages economic growth.

As you can see, the 2008 Legislative Session will be filled with much debate and important decisions that will impact all Kansans and our great state’s future.  You can read the complete 2008 Republican Legislative Vision at www.kansashouse.com .

In the meantime, it is my honor to represent those of you in the 115th District and to serve all of you as your House Speaker.  Please never hesitate to call or email me if you have a question or concern.

Yours truly,

Melvin Neufeld

Kansas Speaker

115^th District