Blog Layout
2020 Legislative Update 3
Feb 03, 2020
2020 Legislative Update 3
The 2020 Legislative Session is well underway and it has been an extremely busy start. Much of the work and focus is in Committees with hearings and some bills beginning to work their way to the full House of Representatives for consideration. Monday, February 3rd is the deadline for Legislators to request bills to be drafted for consideration this year.
At this week’s Wyandotte County/Leavenworth County Delegation Luncheon Stephen Durest with Federico Consulting provided information about Charter Communications and Spectrum providing internet and cable services to customers in our area. We appreciated the opportunity for members of the delegation to learn more about the services provided by Charter and Spectrum as well as ask questions and discuss several issues that may come up this session.
The Kansas County Appraiser’s, Kansas Law Enforcement and Kansas County Clerk’s Association all held Legislative Reception’s in Topeka this past week. Wyandotte County Appraiser Kathy Briney and Wyandotte County Sheriff Don Ash were in attendance. We appreciate the opportunity to visit with our local officials about matters before the Kansas Legislature! These discussions are so helpful as we work together to serve our community.
One of the highlights of the week was Latina Leaders Day at the Capitol which brought participants from every Kansas Congressional District to the Statehouse including many from Wyandotte County!
It was a special honor to have Dolores Huerta, civil rights activist, and labor leader, at the Capitol for Latina Leaders Day. The stories, wisdom, and advice she shared were very impactful. Both the House and Senate recognized Dolores Huerta for her work and Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation honoring Dolores Huerta stating, "Huerta's fight for social justice inspired generations of leaders and changed our country for the better."
Here is a link to learn more about the work of this wonderful lady: https://doloreshuerta.org/dolores-huerta/
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and appreciate your input on issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 452-S, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66612. You can reach me at (785) 296-7430 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also e-mail me at pam.curtis@house.ks.gov
Constitutional Amendment Passes the Senate
The proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution (SCR 1613) that would strip women of their bodily autonomy was debated on the Senate Floor on Wednesday night. The debate lasted over four hours and included many attempted amendments, including an amendment that would put exceptions in the constitutional amendment for cases of rape, incest, or if the woman’s life was in danger. That amendment failed 28-12 on the Senate floor. The Senate eventually passed the constitutional amendment on a voice vote and then suspended the rules in order to have an Emergency Final Action vote. That vote was also 28-12, passing the Senate and sending SCR 1613 over to the House. The House is expected to debate the amendment next week.
Latina Leaders Day
On Thursday, Rep. Susan Ruiz brought forth a House Resolution naming January 30th Latina Leaders Day. The resolution passed on a unanimous voice vote. In attendance were many Latina leaders throughout the state, including Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist who spent her life advocating for equality. Governor Laura Kelly also signed a proclamation honoring Dolores Huerta stating “Huerta's fight for social justice inspired generations of leaders and changed our country for the better."
Governor Kelly Holds Press Conference
Thursday afternoon, Governor Kelly held a press conference regarding the Senate’s passing of SCR 1613, the constitutional amendment that would strip women of their bodily autonomy. During the press conference, she urged members of the House to vote “no” on this constitutional amendment, stating that these decisions should be left to women, their doctors, and whomever else they choose to confide in, not politicians. Governor Kelly emphasized that she ran to protect the rights of all Kansans, including women.
Early Learning Resources from the State Library
Britannica School is an online resource from the State Library of Kansas for children. Most of the content is for grades 2-4 but it includes Fundamentals! for Pre-K which uses games, videos, and drawing tools to engage younger learners.
BookFlix pairs video storybooks with related nonfiction e-books. Imagine Curious George paired with a nonfiction book about monkeys! The read-along storybook highlights each word as it is read. This option can be turned off. Related games reinforce early learning reading skills. BookFlix requires Flash.
Britannica E-Stax (PreK-6) features nonfiction books that can be read online or downloaded to any Internet-enabled device. Both are available at no charge through the State Library’s website.
Resources
Take Rep. Pam Curtis' legislative survey so that you are heard this session.
The bridge is saved for now, but there's a long ways to go before we have a permanent solution.
KDOT is studying the type of bridge that should replace the CAB if it is demolished.
Contact Rep. Pam Curtis
PAID FOR BY CURTIS FOR KCK
STEVE CURTIS, TREASURER