Marion group meets with Kansas lawmakers
By BILL MEYER
President, Hoch Pub. Co. Inc.
State Senator Jim Barnett (R, Emporia) was pleased when greeted by a group of more than 20 people Saturday morning at The Big Scoop in Marion.
He commented "this is double the size of the group we had last year." It was noted by onlookers, however, that 20 people represents less than 1 percent of local registered voters.
Sen. Barnett and Rep. Don Dahl (R, Hillsboro) were participating in a "grassroots" tour sponsored by Marion Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments were supplied by SBC Corporation.
Dahl presented a "State of the State" message, quoting the late Will Rogers, "Death and taxes are inevitable, but death doesn't get worse each year."
He asked "What do you want done in Topeka?" Dahl said we have more statutes than ever before, but every new law creates new problems and higher costs.
He said state spending has increased more than 4 percent but the economy is "recovering."
While state spending has gone up, state debt has increased more than 600 percent, Dahl said.
He said Kansas is ranked 26th among states in personal income growth.
Barnett, a physician, said he was "honored" to represent Marion County and come before such a good crowd of informed people who asked intelligent questions.
While he continues to enjoy practicing medicine, he also said he enjoys serving in the state senate.
Some of the issues raised included the gay marriage amendment. Both men said it is a highly emotional issue, one they thought should be settled by the vote of the public.
The so-called "clunker" bill passed last year has been fixed, which covers the sale of used cars among individuals; education and health care issues have been addressed; and many other matters studied.
School funding, they noted, would be increased by $147 million if the senate version is approved. The House version calls for $118 million.
They reported "concern" about the economy of the Marion area, with businesses like Kingfisher's Inn and McGillicuddy's Restaurant now closed.
Barnett stressed that "affordable health care" as well as "accessible health care" are important issues which should be addressed.
"Too many people are uninsured, due to the high cost," he said. He mentioned a plan to lower the cost of drugs from manufacturers, and to establish 30 area clinics around the state for medical services to uninsured and indigent patients.
He also mentioned a "health care savings account" with tax credits to individuals.
Areas of great concern to Barnett include smoking and childhood obesity. Other topics included ethanol labeled gasoline, evolution, declining school enrollment in Marion County, method of collecting out-of-area sales tax, and public opinion "legal" notice publication.
The death penalty in Kansas and Supreme Court appointments were discussed at length, as well as "boutique" hospital clinics where specialized costs have increased and local hospitals are hurt by competition.
Rep. Dahl noted that the "House and Senate are cooperating," and he and Barnett work well together.
The legislators left Marion for Hillsboro where they were scheduled to meet at 10 a.m. with another grassroots group.
