The winter storm that closed down much of the state dumped more than a foot of snow on the capitol city, leading to the closure of state government for a record two days. Activity was limited even with the legislature reopening on Thursday as most hearings were delayed until next week to accommodate people traveling from across the state. Several legislators did traverse the elements on Tuesday and spent some time in their Capitol offices. However, conditions were so bad on Wednesday that even most bars and restaurants in the downtown area never opened for business and many legislators stayed home.
House Speaker Ray Merrick did appoint Representative Scott Schwab (R-Olathe) as the new Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. That post opened up Monday when former Chairman Rep. Clark Schultz (R-McPherson) resigned his House seat about an hour before being sworn into the Kansas Senate. Merrick also appointed Freshman Representative John Edmonds (R-Great Bend) as Schwab's replacement as Vice-Chair of the House Taxation Committee. It's rare that a freshman would be appointed to vice-chair such a powerful committee, but Edmonds is a freshman in name only. In fact, Edmonds, before retiring from the House six years ago, was actually the longtime Chairman of the very committee he now vice-chairs.
Speaking of the Speaker...Speaker Merrick was presiding over the House Chamber on Monday when (now former) Rep. Clark Schultz took to the podium to say his goodbyes and officially resign. Early in his address Schultz mentioned that while this is goodbye, he was only really going across the rotunda to the Senate. At which point Merrick mumbled into the speaker's microphone, "You'll be sorry." That line drew a roaring standing ovation from the entire House membership. Speaker Merrick was House Majority Leader when he decided to run for the Senate. He served one term in the Senate and promptly ran for his old House seat.
The legislature will return to action on Monday for what will be a very busy and full week of committee hearings. Despite the loss of several days to the recent storm, legislative leadership has decided not to postpone any of the legislative session deadlines. So next week is a critical week for committees to hold hearings on bills important to this year's agenda.
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Topeka Legislative Reception
Next week is also the Wichita Chamber's Legislative Reception in Topeka. This year's reception will be held on Tuesday, February 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza, Manor Conference Center. The Topeka Legislative Reception is a great opportunity to talk face-to-face with state policymakers from across the state. Register here!
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Government Relations Investors |
Cox Communications Koch Industries, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Bombardier Learjet Emprise Bank BKD, LLP Professional Engineering Consultants Meritrust Credit Union |
Government Relations Staff |
Barby Jobe, Vice President, Government Relations, [email protected]
Jason Watkins, Director, Government Relations, [email protected]
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