Web posted
Monday, January 7, 2008
Legislators geared up for session
From STAFF REPORTS
State Rep. Ed Trimmer, D-Winfield, is conducting a listening tour of the 78th District before the Kansas House of Representatives convenes next Monday.
Trimmer said in his on-line newsletter he wants to discuss issues to be considered at the house's 2008 session, including immigration, health care and a possible statewide smoking ban in some public places.
Trimmer was to meet this morning at two locations in Burden. Other meetings scheduled for this week:
Tuesday -- 6 to 9 a.m. Stockman's Cafe, Cambridge; Wednesday -- 7 to 9 a.m. AJ's Cafe, Rock; Thursday -- 6:30 to 9 a.m. Kistler's, Udall, and Friday -- 6:30 to 9 a.m. Biederman's Bistro, Winfield.
"Immigration promises to be a big election year issue," Trimmer said. "The most serious reforms will center on companies who knowingly and willingly hire undocumented workers."
In the area of health care, legislators will look at several issues, he said. They include: health care for all children ages 0-3; allowing businesses to join together to form larger risk pools for health insurance; a possible statewide ban on smoking in some public places or a higher tax on tobacco products; efforts to reduce the shortage of registered nurses.
Energy also will be a major focus this session, Trimmer said.
"The construction of two coal-fired electrical generating stations in Holcomb, Kansas, will top the list," he said. "Wind energy and ethanol will also be major topics of discussion."
Education will continue to be a topic of interest because of the shortage of teachers statewide, he said.
Tax issues will also be on the table, Trimmer said.
"The Legislature may look at alternatives to the current tax structure in Kansas," he said. "Some business loopholes for multi-state corporations might be closed to provide tax relief for smaller businesses."
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