Jill's Journal
Final Weeks of the Session #1
Lenexa 3/8 Cent Sales Tax---Vote Now!
Don’t forget to vote on the 3/8 cent sales tax.
Ballots were mailed to all registered voters. Your completed ballot
must be received by noon on May 27. Since May 26 is a federal holiday,
it is recommended that you mail your ballot by May 21. You may also
hand deliver your ballot to the Johnson County Election Office. If you
did not receive a ballot, call the election office before May 21.
The tax money will be used to maintain roads and parks; upgrade
existing parks, recreational and cultural facilities; and develop a new
multi-use Civic Center at City Center. You can learn more by going to
www.lenexa.org.
How I Spent my 3 Week Recess…
• Women in Government Conference, Scottsdale, AZ---WIG
is a bi-partisan, non-profit educational association for elected women
in state government. This conference, Outreach to Vulnerable
Populations: Healthcare Disparities in America, focused on the needs of
and possible legislation for those with osteoporosis, those in need of
renal transplants, and Native Americans. An added benefit was meeting
women legislators from across the country. Did you know that the North
Dakota legislature only meets every other year? Or that the New
Hampshire House has 400 members, one for every 3000 residents?
• Eisenhower Leadership Series, Washington D.C.---This
was the final activity for this training program for Republican women.
We visited Senator Roberts, Senator Brownback, and Congressman Tiahrt;
took an evening bus tour of many of the Washington monuments; and got a
“behind the scenes” tour of the Capitol.
• Uninsured in America, Village U Series at Village Presbyterian Church---This community course featured a panel of local and national experts in health care, insurance, and health policy.
• Shawnee Rotary Club Breakfast---I
dined with about 50 Rotarians at the Home Town Buffet and spoke briefly
about energy, immigration, and health care reform. What a great group
of volunteers whose motto is “Service before Self.”
• Chat with Jill---In my first
scheduled community chat on April 26th, we gathered at the HyVee at
87th and Pflumm for cookies, sodas, and an informal, very personal
exchange. Thanks to those of you who came. I appreciate your interest
and support.
• Celebrate Success! as a guest of AT&T---The
Shawnee Mission Education Foundation annual recognition luncheon
honored Marjorie Kaplan for her leadership as district superintendent
and Dr. Jack Chalendar for his contributions to the district and the
community. Many students from the 17th District were also recognized
for their achievements.
• Regional Legislative Health Forum
sponsored by the Kansas Public Health Association and Kansas Department
of Health and Environment---I joined three other legislators in a
public discussion of health policy and current legislation.
• State of the County Luncheon by the
Johnson County Commissioners---I heard a presentation regarding the
quarter cent sales tax and how those funds would be used.
• Visits to Schools in the 17th District---I
visited Shawnee Mission West and Northwest High Schools, Westridge
Middle School, and 5 elementary schools (Mc Aulliff, Mill Creek, Rhien
Benninghoven, Rising Star, Shawanoe). We have terrific schools in
terms of facilities, staff, teachers, students, and parents. Each
school has a unique feel with its own sense of pride and excitement. I
saw:
- new technology (script boards that
project onto a screen, large balls used as seats for active children
who use some of their pent up energy balancing),
- innovative teaching (outdoor labs, recordings of a poet reading his own poetry; student weathermen; video morning announcements),
- evidence of community spirit
(student initiatives to use recyclable paper products, numerous
activities for a 20th anniversary celebration, dad patrol volunteers),
- creative problem solving (music to signal time for class and tardiness) and
- teacher dedication (ELL certified
teachers stepping up to reach 41 new students, developing new
programs---International baccalaureate studies, biotechnology)
Wrapping up the session…
I am still processing my first session, the
achievements, the challenges, the frustrations, the failures, the
lessons…so much to process.
Was it what I expected? Yes, it was. It was hard work; considering
competing needs and limited resources, making tough decisions, working
with and for good people. In many ways it was what I had hoped for.
Was it what I expected? No, it wasn’t. The process wasn’t as
straight-forward as I wanted it to be; there were hidden agendas,
personal gain, behind the scenes maneuvering, and drama that got in the
way of policy making; it wasn’t as productive as I wanted.
Stephanie Sharp was right when she said that understanding the issues
was the easy part. There are reams of paper to read, digest and sort
through but the information is readily available and, if you are
motivated, you can gain a good understanding of the issues. The more
difficult task is learning how to be active in and influence the
process, evaluating the people resources---who are the experts on this
issue, who is interested in the same outcome/issue---and deciding when
to act, where, and how.
This session I have focused on listening and learning; I have heard
from you, studied the issues, and made my individual vote count. Next
session, I can do more. I have issues that constituents have contacted
me about (property tax relief especially for seniors, KPERS disability
retirement, waiting lists for those with developmental disabilities,
cell phone use while driving, etc.) and other issues that I want to
pursue (graduated drivers license, insurance coverage for health
screenings). I can now pursue these more effectively.
With that in mind, I have filed for re-election. I hope I will have
your support. Many of you have already offered your help---thanks, I
accept! I welcome your donation of time and money. I invite you to
also get involved as part of the “friend chain,” my challenge to
recommend me favorably to five friends and get them out to vote in the
primary on August 5 and the general on November 4. To become involved
in my campaign, either reply to this e-mail to let me know how you
would like to help or visit my web site, jillquigley.com.
I have had some excellent role models this session---Stephanie Sharp;
other legislators from Johnson County, from across the state, from both
parties; staff; activists, lobbyists and community leaders. I extend
to you my warmest thanks for your support during my freshman session.
I will continue to “pay it forward.”
This and Upcoming Newsletters…
This will be the first of four wrap up
newsletters. This one deals with energy. The next newsletters will
deal with economic bills; health care and education bills; and finally
immigration and miscellaneous legislation.
Coal dominates the session…
Although I’m told that each legislative session
has its own unique flavor, it is fair to say that this session was
unusual because of the dominance of one issue on the entire session.
Of course that issue is the coal-fired plants proposed for western
Kansas. Most of the work of the legislative session was delayed and
most issues became somehow related to coal.
Briefly…citing concerns for the public health and safety due to CO2
emissions, Secretary Bremby (Kansas Department of Health and
Environment) refused a permit needed for the building of two coal fired
plants in Holcomb, Kansas. There have been three attempts to pass
legislation authorizing the building of the plants, restricting the
regulatory authority of the Secretary, and putting some energy measures
into statute. A judicial review has been requested; the matter is now
before the Kansas Supreme Court where a fall decision is expected.
For further background on the coal plant issue,
please read my February 10 and March 12 newsletters on my website:
jillquigley.com. I would also recommend “FAQs on the Kansas Coal
Controversy.” Simply google that phrase to access the site.
The bill numbers and voting summary for the coal plant legislation follow:
H Sub for SB 148: passed the Senate 32 to 7 (a veto proof majority);
passed the House 83 to 41 (1 short vote of a veto proof majority);
vetoed by the governor
Senate overrode the veto 32 to 7
H Sub for SB 327: passed the Senate 31 to 7 (a veto proof majority);
passed the House 75 to 47
vetoed by the governor
HB 2802: passed the Senate, 27 to 6
passed the House, 78 to 46
vetoed by the governor
(This trailer bill was designed to go into effect only if HB 148 became law.)
Senate Sub for HB 2412*: passed the Senate, 24 to 10
passed the House, 76 to 48
vetoed by the governor
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
*Senate Sub for HB2412 was also called the Economic Stimulus Package of
2008. It packaged SB 148 and SB 2802 (the original bill and the
trailer) with four economic development projects which:
• changed the administration of IMPACT funds,
• authorized the state to underwrite bonds for the Intermodal Transportation Revolving Fund project in Gardner,
• extended of the deadline for corporate income tax apportionment to benefit Hills Pet Food in Topeka, and
• authorized a sales tax refund involving
telecommunications machinery and
equipment.
Of these only the IMPACT bill went through a
committee, had hearings, and was voted on (in a different form) in the
House before being attached. While these appear to be projects worthy
of consideration, without debate, discussion, and hearings, I did not
feel comfortable voting for this package. In addition, such bundling
of major legislation is considered by some (including Jo. Co. Senator
John Vratil) to be unconstitutional.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I have voted “no” on each of these bills. There are thoughtful
Republicans and Democrats on both sides of this issue. I am
consistently amazed at how much we agree on---the need for inexpensive,
reliable power, the need for a comprehensive energy plan for Kansas,
and the promise of wind power and energy efficiency. We differ on
whether this legislation is the best or only way to achieve those
objectives. As a freshman legislator, it has been difficult taking this
stand in opposition to leadership and many colleagues. Hearing from
you as you voiced your concerns for the environment and your support
for my position truly made the difference in my stance. Here are some
of my thoughts on this issue.
1. Overbuilding is not financially responsible at this time.
Western Kansas needs 200MW of additional electricity within the next 5
years. The legislation proposes to build 2 plants that produce a total
of 1400MW of electricity. We would be overbuilding our need when the
national financial and regulatory climate is uncertain. CitiGroup
Inc., J.P. Morgan Chase and Company, and Morgan Stanley have released
tough new guidelines for investing in energy projects; Rural Utilities
Services has decided not to finance new coal plants in 2008 and 2009.
Overbuilding our need is not financially responsible.
2. A judicial review has been requested; let the court decide.
The legislation would have made changes in regulatory oversight by KDHE
and KCC that would leave the Sunflower Electric Cooperative without
much regulation. We need to leave the regulatory checks in place, and
let the judicial branch determine if refusing the permit was illegal.
3. CO2 standards are coming and will increase the cost of using coal.
We are producing a larger than necessary carbon footprint which someone
will have to account for in the near future. All three presidential
candidates have expressed concern over global warming and their
intention to regulate CO2 emissions. The EPA has been instructed by the
Supreme Court to consider CO2 as a pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
Regulations for CO2 are coming sooner rather than later. Retrofitting
plants is expensive. It is more prudent to build once emission
standards are clearly established. The expense of regulated coal may
make other fuels equally affordable.
4. We can delay the need for coal with wind and energy efficiency.
Coal will still be in the mix of fuels needed for baseline power for
the state. However, we can delay the need for additional electricity
by using wind and energy efficiency. With additional time, we can
develop emission standards, additional technology for carbon
sequestration and mitigation, and a statewide consensus on an energy
plan. With additional time, we can make more financially responsible
decisions regarding energy.
5. Energy decisions should be made based on a comprehensive energy policy.
The legislature should not be piecing together an energy plan in
response to a specific issue; this is not how to make good energy
policy. The KEC is charged with this task. The Governor has created
the Kansas Energy and Environmental Policy Advisory Group to deal
further with this issue. This legislation would have created yet
another committee heavy with politicians to create energy policy.
6. As a developed country, we have a responsibility to be an energy leader.
It is difficult to discuss concerns relating coal to global warming
with those who do not accept the validity of the scientific evidence.
The potential harm for failing to take action to prevent global warming
may be substantial and perhaps irreversible; I support doing what we
can as soon as we can. The massive pollution by China, India, and
other countries does not excuse us from acting responsibly with
knowledge we have. We have the responsibility as a developed country
and world leader to lead the way.
7. The majority of the 17th District spoke out against the building of the coal plants.
My district survey, calls, e-mails, and personal conversations have
been strongly against the building of the plants. My decision to vote
“no” reflects the 17th district and my own analysis of the
information. I want energy and economic development for western
Kansas; for me, and as I heard from you, this legislation is neither
the only or the best way to achieve that.
Other Energy Bills…
Mercury Deposition Monitoring
HB 2526 requires the Secretary of the KDHE to establish a statewide network to measure mercury deposition.
Carbon Dioxide Reduction Act
HB 2419 creates the Carbon Dioxide Reduction Act to provide the
following tax incentives for the sequestration of carbon dioxide
through underground storage, beginning with tax year 2008: (1) Exempts
from property tax any carbon dioxide capture, sequestration, and
utilization property and any electric generation unit which captures
and sequesters all carbon dioxide and other emissions; and (2) provides
for accelerated depreciation of carbon dioxide capture, sequestration,
or utilization machinery and equipment.
Nuclear Generation Facilities; Biofuels and Renewable Electric Cogeneration Facilities
HB 2038 creates a property tax exemption for certain new nuclear
generation facilities; income tax incentives for qualified investments
in fuel storage and blending equipment used for biofuels; and tax
incentives for renewable electric cogeneration facilities and certain
waste heat utilization systems.
State Energy Plan—Modifications and New Requirements
SB 326 amends a portion of law and requires the Kansas Corporation
Commission (KCC) to develop a state energy plan in accordance with
federal requirements. It requires the preparation of an emergency
management plan (energy allocation and curtailment of energy
consumption) for natural gas and electric energy;
Energy Efficiency of Buildings
HB 2036: For residential structures, the bill requires that energy
efficiency information must be disclosed for single-family units and
multifamily units of four or fewer units.
Energy Conservation Measures—Financing by Utilities
Sub. for HB 2278 authorizes electric and natural gas utilities to enter
into agreements with utility customers and their landlords whereby the
utility will finance the purchase and installation of energy
conservation measures.
Nuclear Generation Facilities & Joint Committee on Energy and Environmental Policy
SB 586 enacts new law authorizing electric utilities to recover certain
costs related to planning for new nuclear generation capacity and
regarding depreciation of nuclear facilities. In addition, the bill
creates the Joint Committee on Energy and Environmental Policy.
Now that I am home from the legislative session, the best way to reach me is:
Home phone: 913-541-9645
Home address: P.O. Box 14823
Lenexa, KS 66285
E-mail: jill@jillquigley.com
Until next time,
Jill
