Tom Sawyer
Information about Kansas State Representative Tom Sawyer
Tom Sawyer Newsletter: 2008 Session Summary
Following is a summary of some of the key issues that were debated this past session. You can let me know what you think of these and other issues by clicking on the Public Forum tab above or by responding to my blog. It is a pleasure representing you in Topeka and I always like hearing your ideas and concerns. -Tom
State Spending should reflect our values
The most powerful expression of our values appears in the form of the annual state budget. I believe that the state should budget like a family. A family lives within its means while taking care of its children and the elderly. I feel that the state needs to go on a low fat diet. We need to cut waste while improving the efficiecncy of vital programs. We should also pay our debts off during the good times, so we don't have to raise taxes or cut vital programs during the bad times. With increased competing interests and declining state revenues, allocating funds proves to be a challenging process. This year was particularly difficult for the bottom line. As expected, Kansas faces a decline in state tax revenue of almost $130 million. Part of the hit comes as a result of difficult economic times that have impacted the entire country. In addition, the Federal Economic Stimulus Package approved by President Bush and the US Congress last year cost Kansas $80 million in lost revenue from tax exemptions provided to businesses.
The FY 2009 mega budget bill included $100 million in tax benefits for businesses, in addition to tax benefits the business community will receive from the federal stimulus package. While many of these tax cuts will benefit the economy by helping small businesses provide jobs, the budget is out of balance. Unfortunately, the budget ignored or dramatically reduced funding for a number of other key items that are critical to Kansas communities, such as in-home services for seniors, the first cost of living adjustment for retired employees since 1998, breast and cervical cancer screenings and community mental health services, to name a few.
State budgeting is a complicated process that involves tough choices, compromise and prioritizing at several levels of government. I am resolved to keep budget priorities in touch with the priorities of everyday Kansans. Though lawmakers face challenges from a deteriorating national economy and problems generated by a possible recession, we have a responsibility to invest in our children, our aging parents and our neighbors in need. Failing to provide for vulnerable seniors, refusing to fund health care measures and eliminating necessary social services for Fiscal Year 2010 will only move Kansas in the wrong direction. It is time now to redirect our priorities so they reflect the most important values of our state.
Funding our Children's Education
Funding our children's education is always one of the most important discussions we consider in the Legislature. Funding of K-12 education takes up about one half of the state general fund.
The House approved legislation in 2008 that increases state funding for public schools by $37.2 million in the 2009-2010 school year. It adds a fourth year to the school finance plan originally passed in 2005. The legislation was debated at length and explored differing needs between rural, suburban and urban school districts. Under this plan, base state aid per pupil (BSAPP) will increase to $4,492 beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, increasing the current rate by $59. That is a 1.3% increase in the base funding over last year.
The legislation requires that the funding be set aside in a trust fund, allowing school districts to make budget decisions in a timely manner. It also includes other changes in the school finance law to encourage small district consolidation. Additionally, there is a requirement that money provided by the state to replace federal Medicaid money previously taken away go first to districts with eligible Medicaid students. This last provision will help the Wichita School district, as we have a lot of Medicaid eligible students.
This small increase in school funding is very important so that local school districts can keep pace with inflation. I believe that the state should set a goal of reducing class sizes to 17 children or less in grades 1 through 3. Those are the most vital grades for children to learn how to read, write and to do basic math. Children who don't learn the basics in the early grades get behind in school and almost never catch up. Most rural districts already have small classes, Wichita children should get the same benefit.
Health Care Reform debated during the 2008 Session
The Legislature has considered different proposals over the years to improve Kansas' health care system. Many Kansans, however, still struggle to afford or access health services. Almost 300,000 Kansans remain uninsured.
In 2008, the House of Representatives passed legislation that would have reqiuired group health insurance providers to establish premium only cafeteria plans to businesses, who may then offer a premium only cafeteria plan to their employees.
The plan also provided funding to enroll eligible children not currently receiving benefits into HealthWave. In addition, the bill included some state funding for cancer screenings, including colon, prostate, cervical and breast. The proposal also improved coverage for pregnant women, included provisions to streamline medical bureaucracy and focused on preventative health measures. The legislation also recommended $384,000 to fund a community health record.
Most importantly, the House Health Care Reform Act provided Premium Assistance for families between 37-50 percent of the Federal Poverty Line. This was an important provision for extending health insurance coverage for those currently uninsured. Extending coverage is a critical goal of health reform. Without insurance, families are forced to rely on emergency room care, driving up premiums and general costs for everyone- employers and employees alike. Unfortunately, this provision was removed during negotiations with the Senate and replaced with an empty promise of an unfunded expansion of the federal SCHIP program. This expansion is pending federal approval, and is not likely to pass at the federal level. (The expansion actually passed but was vetoed by President Bush, this situation is unlikey to change until there is a change of administrations).
Other provisions of the final compromise include higher maximum lifetime benefits in the High Risk Pool, increased funding for 33 safety net clinics and further study of specific proposals not yet ready for implementation. Group Accident and Sickness Insurance coverage now extends from 6 to 18 months after leaving a place of employment.
The 33% funding increase for the saftey net clinics is particularly important. The safety net clinics such as the Guadalupe Clinic and Grace Med do a great job providing needed health services to the uninsured at a very low cost. Expanding these clinics is probably the best thing we can do in the short term to make sure that the uninsured and underinsured get the health care they need.
Meaningful reform cannot be accomplished by one political party or one method. We must work together. There is no room for partisanship. It must be collaborative, comprehensive and unique to what we need in Kansas communities. I am committed to working closely with Democrats and Republicans to move forward with this effort, but removing vital provisions only limited our effort to reduce cost and expand coverage to Kansans who needed it most in 2008.
Looking ahead, I remain committeed to implementing more of the many recommendations of the Kansas Health Policy Authority during the next legislative session. The people of Kansas deserve a serious effort. Click here to download KHPA's full list of recommendations for reform.
Kansas Minimum Wage remains the lowest in the country
In 2008, an attempt was made to give Kansas lowest paid workers a raise proposing to increase the state's minimum wage to $5.85 per hour. Currently, Kansas minimum wage is the lowest in the country at $2.65 per hour. That is more than $3.00 per hour lower than the federal minimum wage, which is also $5.85 per hour.
The last increase to the Kansas minimum wage occurred in 1988, 20 years ago. When I was first elected to the House, the Kansas minimum wage was $1.65 per hour, it was my amendment during my first term in the Kansas House that raised it to our current $2.65 per hour.
This years proposal called for an increase in Kansas' minimum wage to $5.85 in 2008, $6.55 in 2009 and $7.25 in 2010. The increase would have helped 19,000 Kansas workers who currently work at less than $5.85 an hour. Unfortunately, opponents used legislative rules to send one minimum wage bill back to committee and skipped over another. This move prevented a full debate and vote. It was sent back to committee by a vote of 63-58.
This is a matter of respect for honest work and the people who do it. Sending the amendment back to committee was an embarrassing attempt for opponents to hide from Kansas workers in need of a raise. The costs of living for an average Kansas family have skyrocketed. Since 1988, rent is up 58 percent, a gallon of milk has increased by 32 percent and gasoline is at record highs, having increased by 71 percent.
I remain committed to Kansas working families and will continue to fight for opportunities to raise Kansas' wage standards.
Prepare Now: Digital TV will be required by Federal Law starting on February 17, 2009
A law passed by Congress in 2006 will dramatically impact the way 150,130 Kansas residents view television, starting in 2009. On February 17, 2009, television stations across the country will complete a federally mandated transition from analog to digital television (DTV) broadcasting. Consumers have much to gain from this, including more free channels, better sound and enhanced pictures. However, 150,130 Kansas households that currently receive free, broadcast television signals through antennas- and do not pay for subscription television service- will risk losing their reception altogether unless they take easy steps to upgrade.
In the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, Congress set a hard deadline of February 17, 2009 for television stations to replace traditional analog broadcasts with digital broadcasts. By 11:59 p.m. on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations must switch off their analog broadcasting signals and begin broadcasting exclusively in the digital format.
How to make the transition:
Consumers will have three options for making the switch to DTV and continuing their television service:
1. DTV converter box: Purchase a DTV converter box that will convert the digital signal into analog for an existing analog television set. Converter boxes are available for approximately $50-$70. The federal government also offers consumers $40 coupons for purchase of these boxes (more information below).
2. Digital TV set: Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner. All televisions with a digital tuner are able to receive signals broadcast by television stations.
3. Paid service: Subscribe to cable, satellite or a telephone company/television service provider. All these services will allow consumers to receive digital television signals on their analog television sets.
Converter Box Coupon Program:
The government will help consumers with the cost of upgrading to digital. As part of the law, Congress approved a $1.5 billion converter box coupon program to be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Between January 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009, all U.S. households will be eligible to request up to two coupons, worth $40 each, to assist with the purchase of up to two converter boxes. Coupons will be mailed to eligible households and will expire 90 days after issuance. The coupons cannot be combined to purchase a single converter box, nor can they be used toward the purchase of other products. Also visit www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon.
Common Questions:
Can I keep my old TV set, even if it is not a digital television?
YES, you will just need to explore one of the three options above to still receive service after February 17, 2009.
How do I know if I have a digital television set?
Check your owner's manual or look for an indication that it has a built-in Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) tuner. You can also go to the manufacturer's website and check the capabilities of the set by manufacturer model number.
Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?
No, DTV is digital television. HDTV is high definition television.
Why did Congress pass this law?
Congress passed this law because DTV is a more efficient way to broadcast, and it will free up the airwaves for other services. DTV also provides movie-quality pictures and sound, more channels and free high-definition television (for consumers who own high definition television sets).
Does Kansas have to comply?
Because it is federally mandated, all states must comply with this law.