Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | December 5, 2022
December 5, 2022
New House Leadership
In January, the Kansas House of Representatives will have new leadership for both political parties. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr. did not seek re-election, and House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer recently announced he was not seeking re-election to his leadership post.
Today’s leadership elections provided few surprises with House Majority Leader Dan Hawkins, who was unopposed, elevated to House Speaker. The three-way race for Majority Leader succeeding Hawkins featured Rep. Chris Croft, R-Olathe; Rep. Susan Humphries, R-Wichita; and Rep. Sean Tarwater, R-Stillwell. On the second ballot, Croft defeated Tarwater.
The Speaker Pro Tem race drew four candidates including: Rep. Blake Carpenter, R-Derby; Rep. Kyle Hoffman, R-Coldwater; Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston; and Rep. Adam Smith, R-Weskan. On the third ballot, Rep. Blake Carpenter was elected Speaker Pro Tem. Rep. Les Mason, R-McPherson, was unanimously elected Assistant Majority Leader. In the Majority Whip election, Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita, prevailed over two other candidates. Caucus Chair race was between Rep. Patrick Penn, R-Wichita, and Rep. Kristey Williams, R-Augusta. Rep. Williams prevailed.
In the House Democratic caucus, Rep. Vic Miller, D-Topeka, and Rep. Brandon Woodward, D-Lenexa, squared off for House Minority Leader to succeed Rep. Tom Sawyer. Rep. Miller narrowly defeated Rep. Woodward 21-19. In the race for Assistant Minority Leader, Rep. Valdenia Winn defeated incumbent Rep. Jason Probst 21-18. Both races for the top posts show a divided Democratic caucus. Rep. Stephanie Clayton, D-Overland Park, will continue in her position as Minority Whip.
Rep. Jerry Stogdill was unanimously elected Agenda Chair. Rep. Barbara Ballard was unanimously re-elected Caucus Chair. Rep. Christina Haswood was elected as Policy Chair.
The newly elected legislators are scheduled for orientation Monday afternoon and Tuesday.
Election Certification
On Dec. 1, the State Board of Canvassers met to certify the November general election results. The Board, composed of Gov. Laura Kelly, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, and the Attorney General Derek Schmidt, unanimously certified the results of the federal, state, and judicial offices. There were no requests for recounts.
The Secretary of State’s Office reported 1,008,988 Kansans voted, which is a 51% turnout. There were 410,000 Kansans who voted before Nov. 8.
Suellentrop Resignation
The Kansas Senate will have a new face next session representing Senate District 27, previously held by former Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, R-Wichita. The selection for Sen. Suellentrop’s replacement will soon be made by Republican officials in District 27. Sen. Suellentrop recently announced his resignation from the Legislature. Suellentrop served in the Kansas House before moving to the Kansas Senate in 2016. He resigned from the Senate and as Senate Majority Leader due to circumstances surrounding a DUI arrest in March of 2021.
Kansas Revenue Update
October marked the 27th consecutive month in which revenues have exceeded the estimates by the Consensus Revenue Estimating Group (CREG). The CREG is composed of officials from the Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, the Legislative Research Department, and consulting economists from state universities. In early November, the CREG met to revise the State General Fund revenue estimates for Fiscal Year 2023 and make an initial assessment of Fiscal Year 2024. For fiscal year 2023, the revenue was increased by $794.2 million, or 8.9%, above the previous estimate from April.
The November Kansas tax revenue was $642 million, which was $15 million more than last November. However, the tax collections failed to exceed the newly revised November estimates. Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart noted it was encouraging to see wage withholding tax payments remain stable. He noted that combined sales and compensating use tax showed 6.8% growth over November 2021.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the Governmental Affairs & 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 Affairs & 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 Affairs & 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 governmental relations at the state and federal level.
Gary L. Robbins
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs Consultant
785.640.2651
garyrobbinsconsulting@gmail.com | View bio
Gary, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & 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.
Eric L. Sexton, PhD
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553
esexton@foulston.com | View bio
Eric, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and governmental relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal Government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a masters in public administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.
C. Edward Watson, II
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs & 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.
