The Net #9
Kansas Legislative Network News
March 29, 2008
Tom Thompson
Legislative Coordinator
Sierra Club Kansas Chapter
5001 Rock Creek Lane, Mission, KS 66205
Phone: 913-236-9161; cell: 913-687-2405;
email: tomnthompson@sbcglobal.net

It Is All Because of You!!!

All of you who have written letters, sent emails, phoned, attended forums or rallies, tried to visit their legislator or sat in a House or Senate committee meeting have gotten us to where we are at today.

Where are we? The leaders of the Kansas Legislature have not been able to shove a bill letting Holcomb be built down our throats. Today they are stymied.

No, we aren't done, the battle will continue. Small gestures supporting our friends or asking our opposition to change their minds are like gold. They need to continue.

There is one week left in the legislative session and then the veto session.

Last Monday, the House Utilities Committee met. Not much was on the agenda according to the Calendar one can download from the Legislative web site. However, all the lobbyists from Sunflower, Tri-State and other utilities were there. I almost went to another committee to witness another bill hearing. Luckily I was tipped off. At this meeting another Holcomb Bill was introduced with a little extra meaningless lipstick. This was House Substitute for SB 148.

House Sub. for SB 148 included everything that House Sub. for SB 327 had with a little extra. 148 was introduced, discussed briefly, then passed out of the Committee. It had no hearing.

This bill was being introduced probably to keep the issue of Holcomb alive. Since Governor Sebelius vetoed 327, the clock has been running. A veto over ride must be accomplished within 30 days of veto. Because of you, it does not look like this can be accomplished before the end of the session next Friday or Saturday. The veto session is beyond this 30-day limit.

SB 148 is needed by the opposition to allow them to have a bill available for the veto session. Even this bill does not seem to be having an easy time.

It was thought SB 148 would be passed by the House early this past week. Tuesday it was put on General Orders for debate, then was passed over. It was referred to the Appropriations Committee to make it an exempt bill (only exempt bills can be worked after today, all others are dead). It is now back on General Orders and will most likely be worked after Monday in the House. It will then go directly to a conference committee without being worked in the Senate. It is expected that the Governor will also veto this bill, and the legislature will have time during the veto session to have a vote to overturn.

Other Bills

A number of bills that have come out of committee at the last minute are now being voted on or are already in conference committee. Many bills are being combined. No new bills are being heard and only exempt committees especially House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means are meeting.

SB 580, which creates a fund for a weatherization assistance program for lower income homeowners, now also has HB 2632 (the KCPL bill giving utilities a return for investing in conservation and efficiency programs) and the creation of a state conservation plan.

SB 586 that gives automatic construction work in progress privileges to nuclear power plants is on General Orders in the House awaiting debate. It will then go to a conference committee.

HB 2625, bill I previously reported on dealing with IGUCA's is now House Substitute for Senate Bill 15. It is now on General Orders in the House awaiting debate. If passed it will go to conference committee.

HCR 5038 that establishes the Kansas Energy Plan and has been very positively amended, is also on General Orders awaiting debate. As a resolution it will not go to a conference committee.

Of course House Substitute for SB 148 is still waiting to be worked in General Orders in the House. Your job is vital for keeping this bill at bay as has been done with 327. Contact your Representative and Senator today and ask that they vote no on 148.

Tom Thompson
Legislative Chair
Sierra Club Kansas Chapter