April 4, 2007

Topeka - The Kansas House of Representatives begin their first adjournment of the 2007 Legislative Session today. House Members worked until nearly three this morning to finish their work.

"I am extremely pleased with this session’s progress," Speaker Melvin Neufeld said. "Despite what some might say, the Kansas House of Representatives has accomplished much so far this session. And as Republicans, we made great strides to returning to our party’s roots of fiscal responsibility."

Speaker Neufeld pointed to tax cuts passed by both chambers for Kansas businesses and seniors as well as tax relief for those on fixed and low incomes - totaling approximately $300 million in the next five years. That is in addition to the reduction of unemployment insurance rates for businesses.

"Thanks to our state’s improving economy, we have seen a windfall of more than $80 million in state revenues this fiscal year," Neufeld stated. "As responsible legislators we should take this opportunity to establish new tax policy to keep improving our state’s economy. 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."

House Members also approved the Conference Committee Report for Fiscal Year 2008, keeping the increase in new state spending to about 5%. Spending in the last three fiscal years has increased dramatically: 8.7% in 2005; 9.6% in 2006; 9.7% in 2007.

"When it came to building the state’s budget for Fiscal Year 2008, the House Appropriations Committee kept in mind the tax relief House Members wanted. And thanks to the Committee’s hard work, I believe we will approve a budget for Fiscal Year 2008 that limits the increase in new state spending," Neufeld said.

House Members also pushed through legislation that:

• Kept our promise to Kansas students and their parents to fund schools

• Strengthened our laws against those who would do our most vulnerable harm

• Encouraged our state’s entrepreneurial spirit

• Brought more creditability to our state's electoral process

• Began the process of reforming our state’s health care system

• Committed the State to restructuring its employee pay matrix

"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. "Although there is still some heavy lifting to do, I am confident we will remain true to our goals of passing sound public policy and holding the line on increased spending,"

House Members will reconvene on April 25th.

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Contact:

Sherriene Jones-Sontag
Director of Communications & Caucus Information
Office of Speaker Melvin Neufeld 785/296-2302