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Kansas cuts talk turns literal
By Justin Messner
The Fort Scott Tribune
As Kansas lawmakers continue to scramble in an attempt to free the state of a projected $199 million deficit for 2009, consolidation has become a frequently used word. However, one Kansas City Senator is looking to take that term to the next level.
Wyandotte County Democrat Chris Steineger has proposed to the state legislature that Kansas itself consolidate to save money and promote growth.
The bill suggests a study be conducted which would research the feasibility of Kansas' 105 counties merging into 13.
Steineger told The Tribune Monday a "mini-study" was already underway to "shed some light on how much it (consolidation) could save."
Steineger said he it was not clear exactly what figure the study would provide, but guessed a ball-park figure of $500 million in savings.
Even with the possibility of providing half-a-billion dollars in savings, some legislatures are saying the proposal is not being taken too seriously.
Kansas District 13 Senator Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, said the extreme financial problems of both the state and nation are likely the only reason Steineger's bill is being entertained at all.
"I think had it (bill) been introduced any other time, other than during this financial crisis, no one would be paying much attention to it," said Marshall. "He (Steineger) may have been serious, but I don't think anyone else is taking him serious."
According to Steineger though, the purpose of the bill is simply to get the idea out in the open.
"The purpose of the bill right now is to spark a conversation," he said.
Kansas' 105 counties were designed in 1861 and Steineger says the state has outgrown its need for this system in an open letter sent to media.
"105 counties were laid out to ensure that the courthouse was never more than a days horseback ride away," he wrote.
Steineger continued by suggesting Kansas follow in the footsteps of businesses and organizations.
"All businesses small to large readjust their business model every few years," he wrote. "They go through mergers and consolidations and they adapt to changing times. Churches and non profit groups do the same. Yet Kansas government has not made similar improvements and adaptations. Our state and local governments are still structured with the legacy management structure from 1861."
In addition to lessening the number of Kansas Counties, Steineger's plan incorporates the down sizing of Kansas legislature by at least 30 percent.
In a separate bill, Steineger promotes dropping the 40-member state Senate to 30 members and the 125-member House to 90 members.
Marshall believes this would only promote dissatisfaction among the people of Kansas.
"We would be talking about little representation for our citizens in our smaller districts," said Marshall. "It (bill) would mean a very large number of people being represented by one senator."
Steineger is expecting results from his study by Friday at which time he said he plans to present a map and full 13-county Kansas redesign to the Senate.
"We're a nation living beyond our means," said Steineger. This bill promotes a "redesign of government to fit more with our means."
Link to Senate Bill 198 text:
http//www.kslegislature.org-bills-2010-198.pdf
Link to Senator Chris Steineger's letter to the media: