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  • Wednesday, February 22, 2017 3:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
     

     

    Today - the Senate failed to have enough votes to override the Governor's veto of Sub for HB 2178 amending income tax rates and categories.  This sends the House and Senate Tax Committees back to the drawing board and could bring forward some of the Governor's tax proposals, including motor fuels, tobacco and liquor enforcement tax increases.

    Last week, the House of Representatives passed Sub for HB 2178, a bill to raise state revenues by rolling back much of Governor Brownback's signature income tax legislation.  It increased rates, added a third higher income category, and reversed the LLC exemption, among other changes.  A bipartisan alliance of Democrats and moderate Republicans passed the bill last week with 83 votes.

    Last Friday, the Senate made a very unusual move to debate the bill on Senate General Orders rather than refer the bill to a committee, which is where newly passed House Bills typically are sent.  After a heated debate, the Senate passed the tax bill with 22 votes, sending it to the Governor.

    Last night, the Governor announced at the Kansas Chamber of Commerce Banquet that he would veto the bill.  A veto override requires 2/3 vote in each chamber - a high bar.

    Today, the House was able to override the veto with 79 votes, but the Senate mustered only 24 - 3 votes shy of the 27 votes needed.  The bill is dead.

    The House and Senate are scheduled to take a break after Thursday - Turnaround Day - and come back March 6 to resume their work.  Turnaround Day is the deadline for all non-exempt bills to pass their chamber of origin.  If bills do not meet that deadline, they will need to be blessed (referred to an exempt committee) or die.  

    While the House has already adopted a budget rescission bill - to amend current year funding for the fiscal year ending June 30 2017 - the Senate has not yet debated a rescission bill on the floor.


  • Thursday, February 16, 2017 12:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Today's action on HB 2282 was cancelled.  

    It appeared the bill could be tabled by Commerce Committee members at its 1:30 p.m. meeting.   However, House Leadership intervened, taking action to have the bill "blessed"* in order to keep it alive beyond the House deadline for committee action on Friday.  The committee meeting was cancelled.

    We have heard that the Speaker asked Committee Chair Les Mason to get the proponents and opponents together to work something out.  It appears the Uncork lobby could see that the bill was in trouble and sought the intervention.

    Committee members were as surprised as we were to hear this news.  

    It is ironic that the bill might have been voted on Tuesday, but the committee extended the vote to Thursday in order to "honor the committee process" and allow all members to be there - and now, the process has been diverted.

    The legislative process has many twists and turns, but it looks like this issue could reach a debate on the floor this session.  Even if the committee bill is set aside, we fully expect to see attempts to amend Uncork onto other bills in the full House.

    Retailers and other opponents to HB 2282 have done a good job sharing their message with the House Commerce Committee, but we must turn our attention to the full House of Representatives and Senate.  As we unravel what this means for the committee bill, you should work with your Representative and Senator now, so they are informed.

    Those legislators who were looking forward to moving on to more important issues will now have to deal with it all session.

    While this development is frustrating to them and to you, know that KABR will continue to fight and to keep you informed.

    *Blessing a bill means to pull it from a non-exempt committee and refer it to an exempt committee.  Exempt committees are exempt from deadlines, such as Friday's Deadline called Turnaround Day - the last day to consider non-exempt bills in house of origin.   A bill simply needs to touch one of the exempt committees in order to survive beyond the deadlines, and possibly into the next session.

    Although HB 2282 has been referred to Appropriations today, we expect it to be referred back to House Commerce for further action.                                                        




  • Wednesday, February 15, 2017 11:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Today, the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee heard from opponents of HB 2282 – the 2017 liquor bill that would create Wine and Beer licenses for grocery and convenience stores.

    Click here to read the CJ Online article: Critics Challenge Spirit of Retail Liquor Store Reform Bill.  

    It was standing room only in the hearing room, where retailers from across the state had gathered to hear the testimony. 

    Speakers included R.E. Tuck Duncan for the KS Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, Ross Schimmels - Standard Beverage Corporation, Aaron Rosenow - Vern’s Retail Liquor, Brandon Plaschka – Plaschka & Kramer Liquor, Amy Campbell – KS Association of Beverage Retailers, Frances Wood – Women’s Temperance, Jeff Breault – R & J Discount Liquor, Larry Baer – KS League of Municipalities, Whitney Damron – KS Association for Responsible Liquor Laws, Tim Liesmann – attorney, Seth Fox – High Plains Distillery, and Luke Lawlor – Ad Astra Distributor. 

    Debbi Beavers, Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control presented neutral comments on the bill, recommending changes.  The agency was particularly concerned with bill language to allow corporations to hold liquor licenses and requiring only those holding 15% or more ownership to meet licensing requirements.  The testimony states “In theory, seven or more convicted felons or previously revoked persons could team up and own a corporation and none would have to meet the qualification.”  The cost of implementation to ABC (not including other agencies) would be staggered over time:  FY 18 $58,056; FY 19 $650,739; FY $810,586.   These estimates were based on 90% of the 1476 current CMB license holders choosing to get the new Wine and Beer license.  She pointed out, however, that the Dept. of Revenue lists 4000 entities filing tax returns that fit within the NAICS codes (business definitions) listed in the bill.  When questioned, she said that if the 4000 sought Wine and Beer licenses, the size and cost of the ABC would double from what it is today, but thought the number might not exceed 2500.

    When questioning had ended, Chairman Les Mason announced the committee would work the bill on Thursday or he would entertain a motion to suspend the rules and work it today.  Rep. John Carmichael made a motion to suspend the rules. That motion was passed with 9 votes. It appeared the committee would consider a motion to table the bill. Then, Rep. Erin Davis, who had returned to the committee just in time for the vote, requested the committee reconsider the motion and wait to work the bill.  She pointed out that a couple of committee members had left the meeting early.  The motion was reconsidered – and the bill will be debated and voted on at the Thursday 1:30 p.m. meeting of the committee.  Committee members will receive a lot of pressure from Uncork supporters between now and Thursday.

    KABR will post more copies of testimony at the website in the next few days.  Click on underlined links -   Read KABR Testimony here *  Rosenow Testimony * Plaschka Testimony (includes comments from rural grocer) * Breault Testimony

    Written testimony was distributed from another dozen or so opponents to HB 2282.

    Information for the House Commerce Committee is below:

    Office

    Fullname

    Party

    Office#

    OfficePhone

    Email

    HomeCity

    Chair

    Les Mason

    Republican

    521-E

    785-296-7640

    les.mason@house.ks.gov

    McPherson

    Vice Chair

    Ken Corbet

    Republlican

    179-N

    785 296-7679

    ken.corbet@house.ks.gov

    Topeka

    Ranking Minority

    Brandon Whipple

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7366

    brandon.whipple@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Dave Baker

    Republican

    167-W

    785 296-6997

    dave.baker@house.ks.gov

    Council Grove

    Representative

    John Carmichael

    Democrat

    451-S

    785-296-7650

    john.carmichael@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    J. R.  Claeys

    Republican

    274-W

    785 296-7670

    jrclaeys@house.ks.gov

    Salina

    Representative

    Stephanie Clayton

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7548

    stephanie.clayton@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Erin Davis

    Republican

    151-S

    785-296-7658

    erin.davis@house.ks.gov

    Olathe

    Representative

    Roger Elliott

    Republican

    168-W

    785 296-7476

    Roger.Elliott@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Jan Kessinger

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7436

    Jan.Kessinger@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Tom Phillips

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7402

    tom.phillips@house.ks.gov

    Manhattan

    Representative

    Bradley Ralph

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7501

    Brad.Ralph@house.ks.gov

    Dodge City

    Representative

    Louis Ruiz

    Democrat

    47-S

    785 296-7885

    louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov

    Kansas City

    Representative

    Joe Seiwert

    Republican

    481-W

    785 296-7647

    joe.seiwert@house.ks.gov

    Pretty Prairie

    Representative

    Jerry Stogsdill

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7692

    Jerry.Stogsdill@house.ks.gov

    Prairie Village

    Representative

    Sean Tarwater

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7685

    Sean.Tarwater@house.ks.gov

    Stilwell

    Representative

    Patsy Terrell

    Democrat

    174-W

    785 296-7645

    Patsy.Terrell@house.ks.gov

    Hutchinson

                                                           

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist

     
      
                                           


  • Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:35 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    House will work Tax Bill Tomorrow

    The House of Representatives will work Sub for HB 2718 tomorrow.  The bill includes amendments to Kansas income tax statutes to increase state revenues to close the FY 17 (current year) $350 million deficit and the $1.1 billion deficit for FY 18.  Fiscal year 17 ends June 30.  The full House meets at 11:00 a.m. and you can stream audio from http://kslegislature.org to hear the debate.  Read the bill description here.

    Senate Tax Committee Passes Bills

    Today, the Senate Taxation Committee passed two bills "without recommendation" - meaning the bills go to the full Senate for debate without a committee endorsement.  SB 188 addresses income tax, rate changes, adjusted gross income, sunsets certain modifications and itemized and standard deductions.  SB 147 - income tax, rate changes, adjusted gross income, and sunsetting certain modifications.

    The Committee did not pass the Governor's Tax Proposal - SB 175 - which includes the increases to liquor enforcement tax, tobacco taxes and motor fuels tax, among other fee increases.   Aaron Rosenow, KABR Board Member, presented testimony at the Monday Senate Taxation meeting against SB 175.  Read here.

    Last week, the Senate had planned to debate taxes and budget all day on Thursday, but cancelled the debate when it was clear they didn't have enough votes to pass the bills.  At that time, Senate leadership announced they will not work any other bills until a plan to address the current year budget and revenues is approved.
                                                           

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist


  • Tuesday, February 14, 2017 10:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Today, the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee heard from opponents of HB 2282 – the 2017 liquor bill that would create Wine and Beer licenses for grocery and convenience stores.

    Click here to read the CJ Online article: Critics Challenge Spirit of Retail Liquor Store Reform Bill.  

    It was standing room only in the hearing room, where retailers from across the state had gathered to hear the testimony. 

    Speakers included R.E. Tuck Duncan for the KS Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association, Ross Schimmels - Standard Beverage Corporation, Aaron Rosenow - Vern’s Retail Liquor, Brandon Plaschka – Plaschka & Kramer Liquor, Amy Campbell – KS Association of Beverage Retailers, Frances Wood – Women’s Temperance, Jeff Breault – R & J Discount Liquor, Larry Baer – KS League of Municipalities, Whitney Damron – KS Association for Responsible Liquor Laws, Tim Liesmann – attorney, Seth Fox – High Plains Distillery, and Luke Lawlor – Ad Astra Distributor. 

    Debbi Beavers, Director of Alcoholic Beverage Control presented neutral comments on the bill, recommending changes.  The agency was particularly concerned with bill language to allow corporations to hold liquor licenses and requiring only those holding 15% or more ownership to meet licensing requirements.  The testimony states “In theory, seven or more convicted felons or previously revoked persons could team up and own a corporation and none would have to meet the qualification.”  The cost of implementation to ABC (not including other agencies) would be staggered over time:  FY 18 $58,056; FY 19 $650,739; FY $810,586.   These estimates were based on 90% of the 1476 current CMB license holders choosing to get the new Wine and Beer license.  She pointed out, however, that the Dept. of Revenue lists 4000 entities filing tax returns that fit within the NAICS codes (business definitions) listed in the bill.  When questioned, she said that if the 4000 sought Wine and Beer licenses, the size and cost of the ABC would double from what it is today, but thought the number might not exceed 2500.

    When questioning had ended, Chairman Les Mason announced the committee would work the bill on Thursday or he would entertain a motion to suspend the rules and work it today.  Rep. John Carmichael made a motion to suspend the rules. That motion was passed with 9 votes. It appeared the committee would consider a motion to table the bill. Then, Rep. Erin Davis, who had returned to the committee just in time for the vote, requested the committee reconsider the motion and wait to work the bill.  She pointed out that a couple of committee members had left the meeting early.  The motion was reconsidered – and the bill will be debated and voted on at the Thursday 1:30 p.m. meeting of the committee.  Committee members will receive a lot of pressure from Uncork supporters between now and Thursday.

    KABR will post more copies of testimony at the website in the next few days.  Click on underlined links -   Read KABR Testimony here *  Rosenow Testimony * Plaschka Testimony (includes comments from rural grocer) * Breault Testimony

    Written testimony was distributed from another dozen or so opponents to HB 2282.

    Information for the House Commerce Committee is below:

    Office

    Fullname

    Party

    Office#

    OfficePhone

    Email

    HomeCity

    Chair

    Les Mason

    Republican

    521-E

    785-296-7640

    les.mason@house.ks.gov

    McPherson

    Vice Chair

    Ken Corbet

    Republlican

    179-N

    785 296-7679

    ken.corbet@house.ks.gov

    Topeka

    Ranking Minority

    Brandon Whipple

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7366

    brandon.whipple@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Dave Baker

    Republican

    167-W

    785 296-6997

    dave.baker@house.ks.gov

    Council Grove

    Representative

    John Carmichael

    Democrat

    451-S

    785-296-7650

    john.carmichael@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    J. R.  Claeys

    Republican

    274-W

    785 296-7670

    jrclaeys@house.ks.gov

    Salina

    Representative

    Stephanie Clayton

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7548

    stephanie.clayton@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Erin Davis

    Republican

    151-S

    785-296-7658

    erin.davis@house.ks.gov

    Olathe

    Representative

    Roger Elliott

    Republican

    168-W

    785 296-7476

    Roger.Elliott@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Jan Kessinger

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7436

    Jan.Kessinger@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Tom Phillips

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7402

    tom.phillips@house.ks.gov

    Manhattan

    Representative

    Bradley Ralph

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7501

    Brad.Ralph@house.ks.gov

    Dodge City

    Representative

    Louis Ruiz

    Democrat

    47-S

    785 296-7885

    louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov

    Kansas City

    Representative

    Joe Seiwert

    Republican

    481-W

    785 296-7647

    joe.seiwert@house.ks.gov

    Pretty Prairie

    Representative

    Jerry Stogsdill

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7692

    Jerry.Stogsdill@house.ks.gov

    Prairie Village

    Representative

    Sean Tarwater

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7685

    Sean.Tarwater@house.ks.gov

    Stilwell

    Representative

    Patsy Terrell

    Democrat

    174-W

    785 296-7645

    Patsy.Terrell@house.ks.gov

    Hutchinson

                                                           

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist

     

      

                                           


  • Tuesday, February 14, 2017 7:10 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PUBLIC HEARING ON HB 2282 – House Commerce Committee

    Tuesday, February 14, Luncheon and Hearing (for opponents) 

    Hearings will be in Room 112-N from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the State Capitol

    Retailer and Legislators Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. 1st Floor, North Wing

    Let’s have a great turnout to show legislators that Kansas small businesses do care about this issue!  Bring your families, employees, vendors, and friends.  The Committee has new members this year, who are not familiar with this legislation and the amount of public interest.  A big turnout sends a strong message.

    BE THERE!  More information at this link    RSVP for the Legislative Lunch and Hearing.

    ***********************************************

    Long time members of KABR know – the key to winning this issue is one on one relationships with your legislators.  It takes more than a 2 minute conversation to explain the complex concerns of retail liquor store owners.  As they get to know you and learn about your business, they are better able to understand the harmful effects of Uncork legislation.  As you develop an honest supportive relationship with your representative and senator, you are also more likely to receive information from them about the happenings at the Legislature.  If you do not know them already, reach out now to introduce yourself and to begin a conversation about why you hope they will support Kansas small businesses and oppose Uncork.  If they are local, request a meeting.

    Reach out to the members of the House Commerce Committee and your legislators now (see information below if you need help).  Face to face meetings are extremely valuable – either at the Statehouse in Topeka or while they are home on the weekends.  Emails and phone calls are also effective.  It is very important that our members get active now on this issue, or we will find ourselves behind the ball once a public hearing is finally scheduled.   

    Find your state senator and state representative at https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ by entering your address information.  Contact information for all legislators is available at www.kslegislature.org.  

    Information for the House Commerce Committee is below:

    Office

    Fullname

    Party

    Office#

    OfficePhone

    Email

    HomeCity

    Chair

    Les Mason

    Republican

    521-E

    785-296-7640

    les.mason@house.ks.gov

    McPherson

    Vice Chair

    Ken Corbet

    Republlican

    179-N

    785 296-7679

    ken.corbet@house.ks.gov

    Topeka

    Ranking Minority

    Brandon Whipple

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7366

    brandon.whipple@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Dave Baker

    Republican

    167-W

    785 296-6997

    dave.baker@house.ks.gov

    Council Grove

    Representative

    John Carmichael

    Democrat

    451-S

    785-296-7650

    john.carmichael@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    J. R.  Claeys

    Republican

    274-W

    785 296-7670

    jrclaeys@house.ks.gov

    Salina

    Representative

    Stephanie Clayton

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7548

    stephanie.clayton@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Erin Davis

    Republican

    151-S

    785-296-7658

    erin.davis@house.ks.gov

    Olathe

    Representative

    Roger Elliott

    Republican

    168-W

    785 296-7476

    Roger.Elliott@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Representative

    Jan Kessinger

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7436

    Jan.Kessinger@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Representative

    Tom Phillips

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7402

    tom.phillips@house.ks.gov

    Manhattan

    Representative

    Bradley Ralph

    Republican

    512-N

    785 296-7501

    Brad.Ralph@house.ks.gov

    Dodge City

    Representative

    Louis Ruiz

    Democrat

    47-S

    785 296-7885

    louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov

    Kansas City

    Representative

    Joe Seiwert

    Republican

    481-W

    785 296-7647

    joe.seiwert@house.ks.gov

    Pretty Prairie

    Representative

    Jerry Stogsdill

    Democrat

    452-S

    785 296-7692

    Jerry.Stogsdill@house.ks.gov

    Prairie Village

    Representative

    Sean Tarwater

    Republican

    268-W

    785 296-7685

    Sean.Tarwater@house.ks.gov

    Stilwell

    Representative

    Patsy Terrell

    Democrat

    174-W

    785 296-7645

    Patsy.Terrell@house.ks.gov

    Hutchinson

                                                           

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist

     


  • Saturday, February 11, 2017 1:15 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    HB 2282 will have a public hearing in the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee next Monday and Tuesday.  Proponents will testify Monday, February 13 and Opponents will testify Tuesday, February 14.  The hearings will be in room 112-N at 1:30 p.m.   The legislation would allow Big Box and Convenience Stores to sell strong beer and wine under a newly created Wine and Beer Retailers License.  Read the bill here.

    Please plan to come to Topeka to show your opposition to Big Box Liquor!  RSVP for lunch in the Capitol on Tuesday prior to the hearing.

    RSVP for the Hearings on HB 2282 and Luncheon by clicking here.

    Click Here for HB 2282 Talking Points

    ***********************************************

    Long time members of KABR know – the key to winning this issue is one on one relationships with your legislators.  Talk to your senator and representative now.  It takes more than a 2 minute conversation to explain the complex concerns of retail liquor store owners.  As they get to know you and learn about your business, they are better able to understand the harmful effects of Uncork legislation.  As you develop an honest supportive relationship with your representative and senator, you are also more likely to receive information from them about the happenings at the Legislature.  If you do not know them already, reach out now to introduce yourself and to begin a conversation about why you hope they will support Kansas small businesses and oppose Uncork.  If they are local, request a meeting.

    Reach out to the members of the House Commerce Committee and your legislators now (see information below if you need help).  Face to face meetings are extremely valuable – either at the Statehouse in Topeka or while they are home on the weekends.  Emails and phone calls are also effective.  It is very important that our members get active now on this issue, or we will find ourselves behind the ball once a public hearing is finally scheduled.   

    Find your state senator and state representative at https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/ by entering your address information.  Contact information for all legislators is available at www.kslegislature.org.  

    Information for the House Commerce Committee is below:

    Office

    Fullname

    Officenum

    Offph

    Email

    Hmphyscity

    Party

    County

    District

    Chair

    Les Mason

    521-E

    785-296-7640

    les.mason@house.ks.gov

    McPherson

    Republican

    McPherson

    73

    Vice Chair

    Ken Corbet

    179-N

    785 296-7679

    ken.corbet@house.ks.gov

    Topeka

    Republican

    Shawnee

    54

    Ranking Minority Mbr

    Brandon Whipple

    452-S

    785 296-7366

    brandon.whipple@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Democrat

    Sedgwick

    96

    Representative

    Dave Baker

    167-W

    785 296-6997

    dave.baker@house.ks.gov

    Council Grove

    Republican

    Morris

    68

    Representative

    John Carmichael

    451-S

    785-296-7650

    john.carmichael@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Democrat

    Sedgwick

    92

    Representative

    J. R.  Claeys

    274-W

    785 296-7670

    jrclaeys@house.ks.gov

    Salina

    Republican

    Saline

    69

    Representative

    Stephanie Clayton

    512-N

    785 296-7548

    stephanieclayton@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Republican

    Johnson

    19

    Representative

    Erin Davis

    151-S

    785-296-7658

    erin.davis@house.ks.gov

    Olathe

    Republican

    Johnson

    15

    Representative

    Roger Elliott

    168-W

    785 296-7476

    Roger.Elliott@house.ks.gov

    Wichita

    Republican

    Sedgwick

    87

    Representative

    Jan Kessinger

    268-W

    785 296-7436

    Jan.Kessinger@house.ks.gov

    Overland Park

    Republican

    Johnson

    20

    Representative

    Tom Phillips

    512-N

    785 296-7402

    tom.phillips@house.ks.gov

    Manhattan

    Republican

    Riley

    67

    Representative

    Bradley Ralph

    512-N

    785 296-7501

    Brad.Ralph@house.ks.gov

    Dodge City

    Republican

    Ford

    119

    Representative

    Louis Ruiz

    47-S

    785 296-7885

    louis.ruiz@house.ks.gov

    Kansas City

    Democrat

    Wyandotte

    31

    Representative

    Joe Seiwert

    481-W

    785 296-7647

    joe.seiwert@house.ks.gov

    Pretty Prairie

    Republican

    Reno

    101

    Representative

    Jerry Stogsdill

    452-S

    785 296-7692

    Jerry.Stogsdill@house.ks.gov

    Prairie Village

    Democrat

    Johnson

    21

    Representative

    Sean Tarwater

    268-W

    785 296-7685

    Sean.Tarwater@house.ks.gov

    Stilwell

    Republican

    Johnson

    27

    Representative

    Patsy Terrell

    174-W

    785 296-7645

    Patsy.Terrell@house.ks.gov

    Hutchinson

    Democrat

    Reno

    102

                                                                                                                 

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist

     


  • Friday, February 10, 2017 3:57 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Lawsuit Calls New Oklahoma Liquor Amendment Unconstitutional

    In the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's, liquor stores like Byron's Liquor Warehouse, are packed. It's a marathon holiday season. "A lot of sweat, a lot of elbow grease but we make it through every year," Byron's General Manager Blake Cody said on Wednesday. "It's quite a bit, we do several, probably about a million dollars if not more. We have a lot of product coming in and out in the month of December," he continued.


  • Thursday, February 09, 2017 8:44 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Today, the Kansas Senate had cleared the committees calendar in order to debate the FY 17 Rescission Budget Bill, Taxes, and the Pooled Money Investment Board (PMIB).  However, that debate was delayed after Republicans held a caucus this morning and apparently decided there was not consensus to move forward today.

    Senators were scheduled to work all day on the Senate Floor and now have a free day on their hands.  Many will go home for the weekend with Friday a pro-forma day.  We expected to see many amendments proposed and debated to hash out a Senate position for closing out the current fiscal year which ends June 30 and faces a deficit of around $350 million.

    The bills to be debated are below along with links to the bill descriptions.

    SB 155 - State finances; requiring the KPERS board to liquidate the pooled money investment portfolio investment pursuant to K.SA. 2016 Supp. 75-2263; transferring money to the state general fund ...  The Governor recommended liquidating $317 million of the fund's investments to borrow for current year funding shortfalls.  The Senate committee recommended borrowing $100 million.

    SB 147 - Kansas income tax act;providing rate changes and determination of Kansas adjusted gross income andsunsetting certain modifications.  This bill eliminates the LLC exemption and increases income tax rates.  We expect to see many amendments proposing any imaginable combination of tax policies.  See bill explanation.

    SB 27 - Budget Rescission Legislation for adjustments to FY 17; reduces K-12 by 5% or $128 million, Regents by $23 million, and varying agency budgets by $3 million.

    See bill explanation document.

    The Senate will reconvene Friday at 8:00 a.m. pro-forma - meaning there will won't be any general orders or votes.

     

    Contacts: 

     Brian Davis, President - 316-990-1425   Email President          

     Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   Email Lobbyist

     

      

                                           


  • Wednesday, February 08, 2017 3:22 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Upcoming event information:
    Public Hearing on HB 2282 & Legislative Luncheon Kansas Statehouse - 11:30 am Feb 14 Lunch / 1:30 pm Hearings Feb 13-14 Room 112-N
    Date: 13 Feb 2017 1:30 PM EST

    PUBLIC HEARING ON HB 2282 – House Commerce Committee

    Monday, February 13, (for proponents) 

    Tuesday, February 14, Luncheon and Hearing (for opponents) 

    Hearings will be in Room 112-N from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the State Capitol

    Tuesday Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. 1st Floor, North Wing

    Let’s have a great turnout to show legislators that Kansas small businesses do care about this issue!  Bring your families, employees, vendors, and friends.  The Committee has new members this year, who are not familiar with this legislation and the amount of public interest.  A big turnout sends a strong message.

    BE THERE!    RSVP for the Legislative Lunch and Hearing.

    KABR will host a luncheon Tuesday, February 14 beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Statehouse on the 1st floor north wing outside the committee room.  Lunch will be followed by the hearing at 1:30 p.m. in Room 112-N.  Luncheon sponsored by KABR and Kansas Association for Responsible Liquor Laws.

    All attendees should schedule an appointment to meet with their legislators to make the most of their trip.  You need to call them now to get on their appointment schedule  - do not wait.  Let us know what you learn.  See instructions below.

    Contact Amy to submit written testimony and if you know law enforcement or other community members who will provide supportive testimony - Email Amy.  Testimony is due on Monday, so we will need to receive it by Sunday afternoon to make copies.

    Find the name of your State Senator and State Representative at www.openstates.org by entering your home address and then your store address.  You may have different legislators for each location.  The Statehouse Legislative Hotline can help to connect you by phone - 1-800-432-3924.

    Click here for contact information for members of the House Commerce Committee.  Please send them an email to OPPOSE HB 2282.

    KABR is working with our partners, including Keep Kansans in Business, the Kansas Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association and the Kansas Association for Responsible Liquor Laws to effectively present our case within the time limitations.  To submit written testimony – email it to KABR at campbell525@sbcglobal.net by Sunday, February 11.  Your written statement should include your name, store or business name, address and phone/email contact information.  Round up your small business partners – banker, insurance rep, attorney, accountant, etc., to submit written testimony as well.  We will make sure that the copies are made and delivered to the committee secretary 24 hours in advance of the hearing

    Amy Campbell, lobbyist – 785-969-1617   

     


Call Us:  785-969-1617

Email

Address:
P.O. Box 3842
Topeka | Kansas 66604-0842

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