SENATE HIGHLIGHTS
This week marked the fifth week of session with the first half of the legislative session almost behind us. As we approach “turn-around, the bills voted on by the full Senate during floor debate will cross over to the House of Representatives where the process starts over.
SENATE FLOOR ACTION TEXAS RESOLUTION INTRODUCED - SR 1737
Resolution SR 1737 will be voted on next week by the Senate, makes it clear that Kansas continues to embrace the benefits of legal immigration and applauds the achievements and contributions of those who have become citizens through legal means. However, it rightfully points out mounting concerns for the safety of Kansas citizens ensuing from illegal immigration and the open disregard for the rule of law. Case in point is the fentanyl crisis, as shown by statistics provided by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that there has been a 3,000% increase in positive fentanyl tests.
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PROTECTING MINORS FROM HARMFUL CONTENT THROUGH AGE VERIFICATION – SB 394
The Senate Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing on SB 394 which would require the use of age verification software on websites in which 25% or more of the content is pornographic in nature. Much like tobacco or other controlled products, pornography’s harmful impacts are even more harmful on young minds, and should properly be age gated.
KANSAS.GOV – FILE YOUR TAXES FOR FREE
You can file your Kansas Income Tax Return and Homestead Refund Claim with Kansas WebFile, a free state tax return service provided by the Kansas Department of Revenue at www.Kansas.gov.
FROM THE STATE LIBRARY
Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, https://kslib.info/Fergusons, is an online career exploration and planning resource provided by the State Library of Kansas. It provides detailed and up-to-date profiles of thousands of today’s most popular jobs. Included are an undergraduate and graduate school finder, planning timelines that cover education to career, and a database of sample resumes and cover letters. A section on apprenticeships includes advice on applying and interviewing along with key skills for success. For someone seeking a summer internship, advice on resumes, creating an online persona, and how to recognize a quality internship program.
If the above link asks for a Kansas Library eCard number, you may get one at any library in Kansas. Most schools and Kansans will be automatically recognized as being in Kansas and will not need this step. Questions: [email protected].
KANSAS LIBERTY BELL PROJECT
In December 2001, the Statehouse began a $120 million modernization project. The remodel included restoration of its first through fifth floors, the rehabilitation and expansion of its basement, and restoration of its exterior masonry and copper roof/dome. A 3,000 lb. Liberty Bell replica remains in storage in the Capitol (safely stored in one of the parking garages) and recently has been ear-marked for repair and restoration itself. The official Kansas Liberty Bell is one of 57 replicas commissioned by the U.S. Treasury in 1950. Fifty-three bells toured their respective states and territories during a summer Savings Bond campaign before being gifted to their regions. The Kansas bell was accepted by Governor Frank Carlson after a tour around Kansas. The bell will be placed in front of the new Docking Building in the spring of 2025 and will be operational to ring on special occasions. More information on our Kansas Liberty Bell and additional history of these bells can be found in this fun article. https://tomlovesthelibertybell.com/kansas-liberty-bell-replica/.
TOUR THE STATE CAPITOL AND STATE-OWNED HISTORICAL SITES FROM HOME
Take an online tour of the magnificent Kansas State Capitol, floor by floor at https://www.kshs.org/p/kansas-state-capitol-online-tour/15843. The classically inspired building is an impressive public monument as well as the working offices for the governor and legislators. The building holds a dramatic array of art, architecture, and colorful Kansas history. There are also 16 state-owned sites, administered by the Kansas Historical Society, to explore different topics in our state’s fascinating history. Two of these sites in Senate District #36 are Hollenberg Pony Express Station in Hanover and Pawnee Indian Museum in Republic.
I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.
Thank you for the honor of serving you!
Senator Elaine Bowers
Kansas State Capitol Building
Room 223-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
[email protected]
785-296-7389
www.kslegislature.org
www.elainebowers.com
Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas, which includes:
* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell, Smith and Washington Counties* Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville* Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut