Busy Senate passes KPERS plan

This past week was a short week as Thursday and Friday were set aside for Conference Committee meetings. I conferenced on two bills this past Thursday with our Senate Transportation committee members representing the Senate, but the House was represented by members from two different committees.

Strange, but it worked out and we were able to come to agreement on a bill regarding leaving the scene of an accident. The issue was the severity level of the crime for leaving an accident scene involving a death. We, the Senate, wanted a more severe penalty for this crime than the House members. We were able to reach a compromise with an acceptable level of penalty. The second bill we ended up basically tabling the issue. We may see it again in conference before this session is over.

The Senate passed over 40 bills last week ranging from naming portions of a highway, a license plate for the "Families of the Fallen," and reauthorizing the school district property tax mill levy for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years. Some other high-profile issues voted on and passed in the Senate include:

Reforming our state retirement plan

At the governor's request, Senate President Steve Morris is spearheading a committee tasked with reforming KPERS, the state's public employee retirement system. Kansas teachers and many other retirees across the state rely on the KPERS system they have paid into for their retirement benefits. This week, the full Senate approved of the committee's plan, which is the first step toward closing a nearly $8 billion shortfall in the KPERS system.

Under the Senate plan, the state's obligations to KPERS will increase beginning in July 2013 and employee contributions will increase gradually by 2 percent beginning in January 2014. For their increased contributions, employees will receive a benefit formula multiplier increase from 1.75 percent to 1.85 percent for all future years of service. The Senate plan also creates a study commission comprised of 11 members -- both legislators and private citizens -- who will review the options proposed in this bill and study all additional options for reforming the state retirement plan. The commission will be asked to provide recommendations to the legislature by Dec. 15, 2011. The legislature must act on the commission's recommendations within 180 days of receiving the report. While retirement benefits for public employees are safe in the short-term, we must take action now to ensure the long-term viability of the fund. The Senate plan makes key changes that will protect benefits for Kansas retirees both now and in the years to come.

Tightening restrictions on abortion

The Senate approved two bills this week that will tighten restrictions on late-term abortions in our state. The first piece of legislation, known as the "fetal pain" bill, places restrictions on abortions beyond the 21st week of pregnancy based on research that indicates an unborn child can feel pain at this stage. The second bill would require parental consent, with certain exceptions, for abortions involving minors. Additionally, the second bill strengthens the reporting requirements in cases where sexual abuse is suspected.

Securing our elections

The Senate passed a voter ID plan this week, which will require Kansas voters to show a photo ID at the polls. It will also require proof of citizenship for those registering to vote for the first time in Kansas. The Senate plan would put the proof of citizenship requirement into effect in 2013, giving our local election officials time to prepare for implementation and to train staff on the new law. This is a solid voter ID plan that will keep our elections safe and secure without unnecessarily hindering access to the polls for Kansas citizens.

Growing our own

The Senate approved the KAN-Grow Engineering Initiative this week, which is a critical step toward bringing more good-paying jobs to Kansas. As new industries -- like aviation, biotech and wind energy -- begin to invest in our state, we need to invest in the job skills these industries demand so that employers can find the workforce they need right here in Kansas. The Senate's KAN-Grow Initiative takes a "grow your own" approach to address the shortage of engineers in our state. By building on an initial investment recommended by the governor, this initiative will help strengthen our workforce and stabilize our economy.

Taking a stand on

health care

The Senate took a stand this week in response to the federal Affordable Care Act, which is often referred to as "ObamaCare," by passing the Health Care Freedom Amendment. The amendment makes clear that Kansas citizens have the right to purchase -- or refuse to purchase -- health insurance, and it asserts the right of Kansas citizens to make health insurance decisions for themselves without government interference. Several states, including Kansas, are currently seeking court opinions to determine the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act.

Did you know?

The Kansas Sampler Foundation has launched a new website all about rural Kansas. Visit www.getruralkansas.org to find more information about events, attractions and customs in rural communities located throughout the state. You can search for activities in a certain town, or just browse the site for travel ideas and interesting facts.

After this week, we will go into our first adjournment. We will be out of session for about four weeks in April and then we will be coming back for the veto session on April 27.

We continue to hear from you regarding the different issues and we appreciate your input. We are happy to know that many of you keep up with the work we do here in the Capitol. The computer has literally brought our work into your living room, or office. And that is a good thing.

Editor's Note: Sen. Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, represents the 13th District. He can be reached at Room 135 E State Capitol, Topeka, Kan., 66612-1588, at (785) 296-7370, or at Bob.Marshall@Senate.ks.gov.