Tyson gets report on state overtime, expenses

This week I received information regarding overtime paid by the state. Let me give you a few examples: a Hutchison Correction Facility laundry manager was paid $25,707 overtime; a Department of Transportation Engineering Associate was paid $15,419 overtime; another laundry manager at the Hutchison Correction Facility was paid $18,386 overtime; and a Kansas Lottery executive secretary $23,593 overtime. There were 7,371 state employees that were paid overtime in 2010.

Currently KPERS participant benefit pay is figured by the ending paychecks, including overtime. Even though the participant only paid into the KPERS program at their regular pay, not including overtime. Therefore, the participant benefit is not proportional to what was paid into the system.

KPERS will be debated on the House floor sometime in the next two weeks. The bill does not raise points. The current point level is 85 (age plus number of years as a state employee). The bill increases retirement age to be the same as Social Security retirement age. I disagree with Kansas tying the KPERS retirement age to the Social Security age. The bill raises the state cap by 1 percent. We were told that KPERS will run out of money by 2030 if there are no changes to KPERS.

Several groups of seniors came by the office. We had some good discussions. When one of the gentlemen told me I was going to be their "saving grace." It surprised me and I assured him that there are other legislators who want to support senior citizens also. He said, "yes, but none your age."

The tax committee debated and passed some good bills this week. Three bills would require Social Security numbers (SSN) to file for tax credits. Two of the bills will save the state over $2 million each. Legislative research said that this does not include the savings the state will see from reducing fraud. The third bill will save the state more than an estimated $20 million. All three bills were combined into a Senate bill that will be debated and voted on next week.

In researching the state hotel per-diem, it was discovered that not only are state rates higher than federal. When a state employee pays for a room, the state pays sales tax. If the state pays for the room directly, there is no sales tax charged. Another example of how the state can save money.

The Community Defense Bill, HB 2107, passed the House with 91 votes. The bill would restrict sexually oriented businesses from being within 1,000 feet from existing businesses, day-care facilities, schools, or places of worship. It also requires a six-foot distance between patrons and performers. The establishment must not be in operation from midnight to 6 a.m.

The governor announced last Friday that he will use allotments to balance revenues and expenditures. House Appropriations Joint Conference Committee members made a last attempt on Friday to get Senate committee members to agree on a $35 million ending balance, as the governor proposed. The Senate members did not show up to discuss the budget.

Thank you for your comments on issues. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 4th District State Representative.

Editor's Note: Rep. Caryn Tyson can be reached at (785) 296-6838, or e-mail Caryn.Tyson@house.ks.gov.