IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2007                                                                                           

For Information Contact:                  
Sherriene Jones-Sontag

785/296-2302

LEGISLATURE WRAPS UP 2007 SESSION;

Speaker Pleased with House Work and Agenda Accomplishments

Topeka – The Kansas House of Representatives gave final approval today on SB 357, the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and then adjourned until Sine Die.  House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) said he was pleased with the work done by House Members during the 2007 session.

“When I addressed my fellow House Members on our first day in January, I stressed the importance of maintaining decorum and focusing on passing good public policy,” Speaker Neufeld said.  “I believe we do our best work as legislators when we concentrate on good policy and not on political differences.  By doing that this session we were able to accomplish a number of good things - tax relief for Kansas businesses and families; funding our schools and social services; and starting our course to reform our state’s health care system.”

The Kansas House Republican Caucus’ 2007 Legislative Agenda keys in on seven important issues:  Education, Tax Relief, Health Care, Immigration, Economic Development and Tourism, Crime and Public Safety, and Election and Campaign Finance Reform.

“I also am satisfied with the many items House Republicans were able to check off our agenda,” said Neufeld.  “In addition to millions in tax relief and making sure the state helps our most vulnerable citizens, we also passed a number of bills that will encourage our state’s entrepreneurial spirit and equip Kansas law enforcement agencies and prosecutors with tools and funding to make our state a safer place to live.”

Neufeld acknowledge legislators still have work to do on election and campaign finance reform.

“House Members passed a number of bills that will bring more creditability to our state’s electoral process and to ensure every qualified Kansan’s vote is counted.  However, much of that legislation is still in conference committees.  We will continue to work next session to improve elections and campaign finance reporting in our state,” Speaker Neufeld said.

House Members introduced 601 bills and 50 resolutions and passed 178 bills this session.   

“I want to thank the House Leadership Team, Committee Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, and all House Members for working together this session and for their dedication to their constituents and the State of Kansas,” Neufeld said.

The House will reconvene on May 22, 2007 at 10 a.m. for Sine Die, the ceremonious end of the session..