Well, I have now completed my first two weeks in the House and the time has flown by.  According to veteran legislators this has been a slow start, for which I am grateful.  My time has been consumed with meeting other legislators and constituents, learning the procedures followed in committees and in session, and physically finding my way around the Capitol!  As the only incoming new legislator, I have been welcomed with good humor, practical how to’s, and sage political advice.

Beginnings of a Bill---The legislative process is fascinating.  Bills can originate from a committee or from an individual.  Many bills are prompted by constituent concerns.  Legislators work to formulate the bill with the many groups that might be influenced by the bill or have expertise in the area.  Legislative Research provides information related to the topic.  The Reviser of Statues actually drafts the bill.  Want to know more about how a bill becomes law?  Check out this website for a flow chart:  http://www.kslegislature.org and click on "How a bill becomes law."

My swearing in ceremony took place in the House Chamber on the second day of the session, January 15, 2008.  Because it took place at 8:30 am (before session), family and friends were allowed on the House floor to observe and take photos.  Using my maternal grandmother’s Bible held by my daughter Emily, I was sworn in by Ron Thornburg, Secretary of State.  It was an awesome moment; I am so proud and humbled to be a part of Kansas’ history and future.  

A big thanks to those who made the early morning trek for the ceremony.  Photos of the ceremony will be online soon.
 

I have yet to actually cast a vote by pushing the voting button on my desk.  We have had many procedural votes calling for voice votes.  We have had one bill presented to the chamber for action.  SB 65 was brought by the Committee on Elections and Local government;  It would expand to all counties the ability of county elections officers to designate places other than the central county elections office as satellite advance voting sites.  Current law restricts this to counties with populations exceeding 250,000 (Sedgwick and Johnson counties). The final action on this bill (and my first actual button pushing!) is expected on Monday.  The voice vote was without opposition and I expect to vote “yes.”

The budget for fiscal year 2009 is $6,420,825,000 (the 2008 budget plus 5%---the legislature’s own cap to limit growth of government).  This gives the legislature $306.5 million additional dollars to spend this year.  However, much of that money is already allocated.*  Actually only $30.8 million is available for discretionary spending.  Committees and legislators are being discouraged from bringing bills that require funding unless there is a funding mechanism within the bill.  It looks like a lean year if the 5% cap is maintained.

*Previous commitments include:  school finance increase ($179.1 million), human services caseload increase ($43.3 million), KPERS non-school employer increase ($14.9 million), KPERS bond payment increase ($10.0 million), Regents deferred maintenance increase ($7.8 million), estimated additional disaster assistance ($40 million) and a one-time adjustment for state employee salary bonus ($19.4 million).

Many groups come to the Capitol on designated days to share their legislative issues with legislators in general and their own legislator specifically.  There will be informational displays on one of the lower levels; sometimes lunch is provided while a brief program is presented.  Short (10-15 min.) meetings with a legislator are used to brief him/her on specific bills or concerns.  I have been meeting some of these groups “at the rail,” the brass rail just outside the House Chamber, where we can talk together for a few minutes.  

At the Rail, I have talked with: I have lunched with:

• League of Kansas Municipalities where I talked with Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm,  Lenexa Assistant City Administator Matt Shatto, Councilwoman Diane Linver, Councilman Andy Huckaba
  
• KS Choice Coalition whose exhibit marked the 35th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade and speakers reviewed the history of legislation and practice
• Synapse Energy Economics whose presentation on climate change and coal & carbon liability issues was sponsored by the Land Institute (Salina).
• Jo. Co. Delegation and presenters from the Home Builder’s Association, Time Warner, and KS Credit Unions, and the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce.
  

My evening activities included:

• KS Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence Awards Ceremony where Johnson County’s Joyce Vancrum received one of the Ally Awards for her work with Safehome and a Safehome program received the New Program of the Year Award.
• Public Accountants Association of KS where I met several Jo. Co. accountants
• KS Academy of Family Physicians where I learned about rural health needs and education of family practice physicians

Rescheduling of energy panel---No word yet on when the panel will be rescheduled.  I’ll send out another e-mail to let you know.  No bills have surfaced yet regarding the building of the Holcomb plants but something is expected this week.

Expect a postcard in the mail---All 17th District voters who voted in the last election should be getting a postcard in the mail soon encouraging them to take my online survey. My apologies for the past problems with my website link and the survey. Everything is functioning properly now. If you got an error message when you tried to submit your completed survey, please try again. I appreciate your patience and persistence.  If you haven’t yet completed the survey, please do so in the next few weeks.  Simply go to www.jillquigley.com/2008survey and submit it on-line.

Page dates coming---I have an open date for four pages on March 23.  If you have a child who is 12 or older who would like to spend a day at the Capitol as a page, please contact me.

Caucus information---
The Republican Presidential Caucus will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 9th at various locations around the county.  Attendees need to arrive early and bring a state issued ID; also bringing a voter registration card may speed your processing.  You must be a registered Republican to participate.  Campaigning for your candidate is encouraged.  Voting by secret ballot will take place after each candidate’s supporters have made a presentation. Candidates who receive a majority of the votes in two of the four Congressional Districts will earn delegate votes at the national convention.  For more information check this website:  http://www.ksgop.org.
The Democratic Presidential Caucus will be held on Super Tuesday, February 5th.  For more information, check this website: http://www.ksdp.org/supertuesday.

Legislators Get in Shape---Many of the 21 Health Reform Initiatives from the Health Policy Authority have to do with prevention and taking personal responsibility for your health.  In that spirit, the House has been challenged by the Social Services Budget Committee to walk 10,000 steps per day.  Using a pedometer provided by HealthQuest/KHPA, legislators report their daily step total and earn additional points for each day that they eat a piece of fruit and for each week when they lose a pound.  With my office in Docking and my many wrong turns, I am racking up the steps but have yet to reach the 10,000-step goal!  

Journal Adjustments---I am experimenting with what to include in Jill’s Journal.  Perhaps I am leaving out something you want to know more about.  Perhaps I’m telling you too much about my daily activities.  Let me know what you like and dislike and I’ll make adjustments.  


Please contact me if I can answer questions or help you in any way.  While I am in session (January 15-May 15), I can be reached at:   

300 SW 10th Avenue
L26/27 Docking
Topeka, KS  66612
785-296-7680
jill@jillquigley.com.