March 30, 2007

My Fellow Kansans,

This week I would like to visit with you about the importance of good tax policy for Kansas, the establishment of the Kansas Autistic Task Force, and what we are doing to finish in a timely fashion.

Good tax policy is about our state’s future. This session House Members have passed a package of tax relief bills that include eliminating income tax on Social Security benefits and the state’s franchise tax and strengthening the Homestead Refund Act. I am pleased with their hard work on behalf of businesses and families in Kansas and their willingness to stand up and pass responsible tax relief, unlike Kansas Senators who want to play around the edges of fiscal responsibility.

These votes were important for the small businesses and families who will benefit from the proposed tax relief. I can’t think of a better way to help our state’s economy than leaving the money in the pockets of business owners and farmers who will then use it to invest in their businesses and hire more workers and to assist those who live on fixed incomes.

With a tax revenue windfall of more than $80 million this fiscal year, I believe we have a great opportunity to make some great strides in providing balanced tax policy that encourages economic growth while holding down increased state spending. We will stimulate much more in job and revenue growth in Kansas by returning unexpected revenue back into our economy than if we increase state spending. As state legislators, it is our duty.

The Kansas House also voted this week to establish the Kansas Autistic Task Force.

There is a growing concern about the increasing number of autistic children in our country and in Kansas. The Center for Disease Control reported the prevalence of autism as 1 in 150. Ten years ago, the prevalence was 1 in 10,000.

This task force will work to learn about the issues surrounding this condition as well as the needs of and the services available for persons with autism. This task force is about hope, hope for children with autism and their families. I believe task force members will work toward removing the obstacles to timely delivery of quality care for children with autism.

The 20-member task force will include parents of children with autism. Appointments will be made by the Senate President (4), Senate Minority Leader (3); House Speaker (4); House Minority Leader (3); Governor (4), Insurance Commissioner (1) and appointed parents (1). The Secretary of Health and Environment, Secretary of Social and Rehabilitation Service and Commissioner of Education will serve as ex officio members.

The Kansas Senate also approved the Kansas Autistic Task Force bill and it is on its way to the Governor for her signature.

I am pleased with House Members’ determination to get their work done in a timely manner. They were willing to work a couple of late nights to make sure important issues were resolved this session.

A number of representatives also served on special committees and task forces focused on issues like health care, crime and state employee pay plan. Those groups found resolutions to the issues that House Members later approved and helped increase the chamber’s ability to pass sound public policy.

This week ends with conference committees working out the differences between House and Senate bills. Lawmakers will return next week to approve those compromises. And if we stick to our schedule, we should have the entire session wrapped up by April 28th - for a total of 86 days of work. That’s four less then the 90 days allowed by the state constitution and at a savings of about $240,000 of taxpayer money!

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.

Melvin Neufeld

Kansas Speaker

115th District