Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
As the Veto Session starts May 3, the numbers 27 and 84 will be the focus of attention. Those are the numbers needed to override the governor’s veto of a bill in the House and Senate. The length of the veto session may depend on budget negotiations, along with whether the House can muster the votes needed to override Gov. Kelly’s veto of the tax bill. It is hard to finalize the omnibus budget bill without knowing the size of the tax cuts. On Monday, Gov. Kelly signed the budget bill while line-item vetoing 18 provisions.
This week, the Senate Ways and Means Committee and House Appropriation Committee assembled the omnibus budget bills for each chamber. It is the final appropriations bill for the session. The Committee heard updates on consensus revenue estimates. Last Tuesday, the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group met and projected $361 million in higher revenues for the remainder of the current fiscal year and next. The budget committees were updated on the impact of the governor’s vetoes on the budget, issues delayed until the omnibus bill, federal stimulus funds, and the Governor’s Budget Amendments. Many of the Governor’s Budget Amendments were approved.
Two issues stand out in the omnibus budget discussions. On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee included pay increases for state employees and the judiciary in their version of the bill. The Senate Ways and Means Committee, however, did not include pay increases. It is expected that each chamber will debate their version and then go to conference committee to negotiate the differences. Neither committee addressed the education budget.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the Governmental Relations & Public Policy Law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and governmental relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session, it focuses on issues involving healthcare, insurance, public finance, taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, energy, real estate & construction, environmental, agribusiness, employment, and workers compensation. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Relations & Public Policy Law practice group leader, James P. Rankin at 785.233.3600 or jrankin@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:
James (Jim) P. Rankin
Co-Editor and Governmental Relations & Public Policy Law Team Leader
785.806.3600
jrankin@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Jim’s practice focuses on employee benefits law relating to public, private, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations. A large part of his work involves insurance regulatory and compliance issues in many industries, including healthcare. Jim has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list. He is the firm's representative with State Law Resources, Inc., a national network of independent law firms selected for their expertise in administrative, regulatory, and government relations at the state and federal level.
Gary L. Robbins
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs Consultant
785.640.2651
garyrobbinsconsulting@gmail.com
Gary, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Relations & Public Policy practice group, provides legislative monitoring and lobbying services for Foulston’s governmental relations clients. He holds a bachelor of science degree in history and political science from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in labor economics from Wichita State University. Throughout his extensive career, Gary has served as CLE Director to the Kansas Bar Association and as Executive Director of the Kansas Optometric Association.
C. Edward Watson, II
Contributing Author and Governmental Relations & Public Policy Law Partner
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local governmental bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional governmental affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.
