January 23, 2024
The 2024 legislative session began on Monday, January 8. The first week of session is usually ceremonial in nature with the State of the State and State of the Judiciary addresses before joint sessions of the legislature.
This year was slightly different as the Senate took up an important resolution that dealt with the horrific terrorist attacks that occurred in October. It was crucial for the Senate to speak clearly and without equivocation on such an important issue that impacts every single one of us. The resolution, SR 1729, makes it clear that the Kansas Senate unequivocally supports Israel’s right to exist, defend itself, and protect its citizens from terrorism and harm. We condemn the unprovoked attacks on the State of Israel, demand the unconditional safe return of hostages, and reject all forms of antisemitism, including threats against Jewish people and institutions, some of which have occurred in Kansas. This resolution passed the Senate 34-6 condemning the October 7, 2023, attacks on the State of Israel and reaffirming Kansas’ support and cooperation with the State of Israel.
Chief Justice Marla Luckett delivered the State of the Judiciary speech on Wednesday before a joint session of the legislature. Chief Justice Luckett discussed how a Russian-based ransomware group infiltrated the computer systems of the Kansas Judicial Branch on October 12, 2023. While she indicated the scope and source of the attack was not immediately apparent, they later learned that critical servers housed in the Kansas Judicial Center were inaccessible. The attack ultimately forced the shutdown of the e-filing system used by attorneys to file documents in cases. The attack also impacted case management systems that the district and appellate courts use to process cases.
On Wednesday evening, Governor Laura Kelly delivered her annual State of the State address. The governor devoted a large portion of her speech to promises about tax relief to the people of Kansas, when her veto is the very reason that taxpayers aren’t enjoying that relief today. Because of the veto, Kansas taxpayers are not receiving a reduction on their income tax, the state sales tax on food would have been eliminated and retirees would no longer be paying income tax on their Social Security benefits. These ideas are not new; we have been trying to pass these for years.
The Kansas House and Senate have both overwhelmingly passed bipartisan tax relief HB2284 and are now sending it to Governor Kelly’s desk for her to sign.
Here is a brief explanation of the tax relief bill:
* It is a tax break for all Kansans, especially those who have been struggling to make ends meet.
* Over 300,000 lower income Kansans will see their income tax eliminated.
* Seniors receiving social security will see their income tax eliminated on their social security income.
* All state sales tax on groceries will be eliminated.
* Homeowners with homes under $100,000 will have their property tax eliminated from the states 20 mill levy.
* All Kansas residential property will see an increased exemption from about $43,000 to $100,000, providing additional property tax relief.
* This bill will also increase the personal exemption that hasn’t been changed in nearly thirty years.
My office has several dates available for 6th graders through high school to serve as a page. Working as a page in the Kansas Legislature is an excellent way to learn more about the legislative process. If your child is interested in being a page for my office the following dates are available: February 12, February 19, or March 11.
I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas.
Please do not hesitate to contact me by email at [email protected] or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.
Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:
Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins, Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace counties Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed; Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View, Solomon (part) and Towanda