The Kansas Legislature made history yet again, extending its wrap-up session into the month of June for the first time since 1861, before passing a constitutionally-required budget or resolving tax proposals. At issue between the two chambers was extension of the 6.3 percent sales tax rate imposed in 2010 and whether or not financing its return to the 5.7 percent rate was fiscally responsible. Though the House opposed the Governor and the Senate's position of extending the sale tax rate in order to replace revenue lost while the income rates trigger downward, the upper chamber's position ultimately prevailed with agreement to impose a 6.15 percent rate. In exchange, the House successfully negotiated to further reduce the Governor's recommended budget by $67 million.
Among the reductions is a 3 percent cut over two years to higher education. A stipulation specific to KUMC was included, stating that enrollment and programs could not be reduced at the campuses in Salina, Wichita, Lawrence or Kansas City as a result of the reduction in appropriations for FY 2014. The practical application of this proscribed implementation remains to be seen.
Aside from taxes, the budget and one bill dealing with K-12 curriculum, no other legislative issues re-surfaced for debate during the four week so-called "Veto" Session. SB 210, the KMS-supported Health Information Technology Act, was signed by the Governor on April 17 and will become law effective July 1. The attempt to restrict physicians from talking with their patients about firearms did not advance.
The 2013 Legislative Session was one of a kind, as each session proves to be. 2013 brought an historic number of new faces, a record-setting Veto Session and a first-of-its-kind conservative Republican brand and leadership. Despite the changes, the goal of KMS' advocacy remains the same: to improve the environment in which Kansas physicians practice medicine and to protect the health of Kansas' citizens.
For legislative questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Director of Government Affairs.
