REAP Legislative Committee Meeting Minutes

Wichita Workforce Center

2021 N. Amidon, Suite 1100, Wichita

April 6, 2016 ~ 10:30 a.m.

  1. Welcome: Mayor Terry Somers, Chair
  1. Approval of Minutes from March 24, 2016 Meeting

City Attorney Bob Myers, Newton (City Manager George Kolb, Valley Center) moved to approve the minutes from March 24, 2016. Motion adopted.

  1. 2016 REAP Legislative Updates

Keith Lawing provided an update on the follow REAP legislative priorities:

REAP supports transportation projects and strategies to enhance the regional economy in South Central Kansas.

Maintain funding for Kansas T-Works projects in the REAP region, discourage “raiding” transportation funds to balance the budget.

  • Update: The Kansas Contractors Association will begin a month-long, statewide campaign Friday opposing Senate Bill 463, which would redirect sales tax transfers from the Kansas Department of Transportation to the State General Fund. The campaign, called the Detour-Green Light Campaign, will run customized ads in various cities, identifying local legislators as opponents or proponents of highway funding.

SB 463 would eliminate next fiscal year the statutory allocation of a percentage of sales and compensating use funds to KDOT, and instead send those monies to the SGF for possible earmarking for KDOT. The automatic allocation of those sales/compensating use funds is what KCA is trying to maintain.

The bill also would affect the treatment of funds for several other state agencies, detouring them through the SGF instead of dedicating them for specific agencies.

REAP encourages the Kansas Legislature to have a public dialogue, debate, and vote about the possible economic and social benefits of expanding KanCare.

  • Update: No action / no hearing is scheduled. The options presented to expand are not only budget neutral, but may help the state finances. As of today, over $1 billion has been turned away from the federal government. Bruce has provided a handout on Via Christi Health and the economic impact.

REAP requests increased state investment in education and skills training, technology, and innovative research to address the shortage of skilled labor for key industries in South Central Kansas.

  • The proposed merger with Wichita State University and the Wichita Area Technical College to enhance the regional infrastructure for education and skills training.
  • Update: No action / no further hearings scheduled. Several amendments were added to SB451 without support of WSU and WATC.
  1. Tax Lid Update
  2. The League of Kansas Municipalities, Kansas Association of Counties and others have been negotiating with the Kansas Association of Realtors and interest groups on a compromise to the legislation, which outlines limitations to local government property tax increases and they were working on an agreement.
  3. Discussion on strategies for communicating to members of the South Central Kansas Legislative Delegation before they return to Topeka. REAP is hosting a Board of Directors meeting on April 21st at the Eisenhower Airport in Wichita from 12 to 2:00pm and want to use this convening to update its members on the tax lid, and or use this forum to communicate to area legislators. Recognizing the leadership both the KLM and KAC have had on this issue, REAP wants to be cautious in approaching legislators to make sure it is consistent with your plans and strategies and does not undermine any negotiations or conversation you may currently be engaged in.
  • The Committee directed to ask the following of KAC/LKM:
  • Would one or both be able to attend the April 21, 2016 to provide an update on this and other legislative issue impacting local governments?
  • Do they think it would be helpful to reach out and invite legislators to attend this meeting to discuss the tax lid and some of its “consequences” or challenges it poses for local governments as a way of positively influencing the possible outcomes when they return to Topeka?
  • If so, would it be prudent to make a blanket invite to the entire SCKS delegation, or invite a few key members like Senator Wagle, Rep. Sullentrop or others?
  • Do you have any specific talking points to share with REAP members on the tax lid in the event they can or get to communicate to their legislator(s) in the next couple of weeks?
  1. Other Business: Legislative Committee Members

Kathy Sexton, Derby, discussed hosting a “meet and greet” for those running for office this summer. REAP could sponsor the informal event.

  1. Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 11:18a.m.

Members/ Alternates

Mayor Terry Somers, Mount Hope, Chair / Kathy Sexton, Derby
George Kolb, Valley Center / Council member Carl Koster, Cheney
Bob Myers, Newton / Commissioner Carol Voran, Kingman County (phone)
John Waltner, Harvey County / Mayor Jeff Longwell, Wichita (phone)

Staff

Keith Lawing, REAP
Marla Canfield, REAP