By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Local Republican legislators outlined significant cost-cutting measures and discussed water conservation, education, and gender policies at Saturday's legislative coffee in Hays.
Held at the Hays Public Library, Kansas Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, and Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, spoke to those in attendance.
Government spending
Billinger discussed a potential $7.9 million savings on medical alert devices and said the state currently spends $8 million annually, but a review found the cost could be reduced to $55,000.
"If any of you have any idea on ways that we can save money and do our jobs better at the state level, feel free to share your ideas," Billinger said.
Billinger said Kansas overspent $916 million last year and needs to balance the budget to maintain financial stability.
"If we treat state money like it's our own money and that it doesn't grow on trees, I think we're better stewards," Rahjes added.
Billinger said a Senate effort to forgive compound interest on a bond recently saved the state $41 million.
Wasinger said the state plans to eliminate its 1.5-mill property tax but warned capping property values could prompt counties to raise levies, shifting rather than reducing the overall tax burden.
Water conservation
Wasinger continues prioritizing the R9 water project in Hays, advocating strongly for its progress.
Wasinger criticized state interference in the project, saying that Hays has led in water conservation and insisting it should proceed without delay.
"We have conserved our water in such a great example for the rest of the state... the city of Hays has spent a decade trying to fight for their water rights at the R9 Ranch," she said.
Gov. Laura Kelly proposed creating a Natural Resources Office to oversee water resource management across Kansas.
Billinger said control should remain with local water districts and management groups.
"I'm all for local control, and I think that's the key," he said.
Education
Rahjes questioned the need for the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for greater control by local school boards.
"Wouldn't it be nice to have local school boards decide what's best for the local school children instead of having some edict from D.C. that says what works in Houston works in Ellis?" he said.
USD 489 school board member Ruth Ruder, who was present, said the state is not meeting its responsibilities for special education funding.
"My obligation as a school board member is to the kids, not to the taxpayer," she said. "I'm going to fight to get those funds."
Billinger said there is a lack of special education funding and attributes the shortfall to increased spending as more children enroll in the program.
"It doesn't take long to burn through our safety net, which is our rainy day fund," he said. "In special ed, I will push for as much as I can get."
Gender policies
The legislators discussed the Do No Harm Act, which limits state funding for gender transition procedures and bans health care providers from offering it to minors.
The bill has passed both the House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature. Rahjes said Kelly is expected to veto it, but lawmakers believe they have enough votes to override.
Audience members pushed back on the bill's premise and raised concerns about its impact.
Wasinger said the number of people with gender dysphoria has risen in recent years. She said everyone is either male or female.
Rahjes emphasized the bill applies only to minors to prevent premature decisions with long-term consequences.
Rural and agricultural issues
Rahjes said an increasing shortage of attorneys in rural Kansas has led to legal service gaps in many small communities.
"Whoever would have thought we'd have a shortage of lawyers in rural Kansas? I never thought it would be in my lifetime," he said.
Legislative efforts are underway to address this, including a loan repayment program in collaboration with Washburn and the University of Kansas School of Law.
The Legislature is also considering a grant program to help gas stations offer high-ethanol blends to consumers.