“Keep Nine” Resolution
There has been a lot of speculation that changes could be made to adjust the number of justices on the United States Supreme Court. The Judiciary plays a critical role in our government and changing it to match the political winds of the day is irresponsible. The Kansas House of Representatives adopted the “Keep Nine” resolution urging Congress to adopt the Keep Nine Amendment to the Constitution. HCR 5013 was adopted 84-38 and now goes to the Senate for consideration. I voted Yea.
Firearm Safety Education
Firearms safety is critical for every citizen. Under Sub HB 2089, students will now have the opportunity to learn firearms safety based on curriculum established by the State Board of Education. This bill still allows for local control by school boards with the oversight of the State Board. I voted Yea.
Back to School Act
I think we can all agree it is time to get our kids back to school. In-person education has proven to be the most effective for the majority of students and we need to ensure in-person education is an option for all Kansas kids. H Sub SB 63 requires all school districts in Kansas to provide a full-time, in person attendance option for all K-12 students by March 31, 2021. Unlike SB 235, which I did not support, this bill only applies to this school year and takes into account the timing of Spring Break, in which the majority of school districts will be back to in-person education. I voted Yea on H Sub SB 63.
Executive Reorganization Order 47
Governor Kelly has once again submitted an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO) to the Legislature to combine the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Each of these agencies is large and complex. Combining them and growing the size of government just doesn’t make sense. There is currently nothing that precludes them from working together to find efficiencies. The House of Representatives adopted HR 6009 disapproving of the ERO. I voted Yea on the resolution to disapprove.