Elaine Bowers

Welcome...

2010-12-31T13:54:00.000-06:00

to the website for Kansas State Representative Elaine Bowers.

Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 107^th District webpage!! I am humbled by your support and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the Kansas House of Representatives. I promise to always work hard to earn your respect and your vote. I hope that you will find this webpage a user-friendly, informational site and you use it often as a resource for yourself and your business.

Being an elected representative allows me to find common sense solutions to problems facing everyday Kansans. Keeping government spending in check, developing a fair tax base to property owners as well as business owners and continued economic development for Kansas will be my top priorities this session. I welcome your input and look forward to a productive year.

Thank you again for your continuing support, prayers, and involvement in our democratic process and remember that I will always value your opinions and thoughts. Please visit often for updates!

~ Elaine

If you have any concerns or questions for Elaine e-mail her; she would love to hear from you!

Calendar of Upcoming Events

2010-12-30T15:32:00.001-06:00

Representative Elaine Bowers awarded fellowship for Midwestern leadership institute

2010-06-22T13:24:00.002-05:00

Midwestern Legislative Conference
The Council of State Governments
701 East 22nd Street Suite 110
Lombard, Illinois 60148
Tel: 630/925‐1922 Fax: 630,925.1930
E‐mail: csgm@csg.org www.csgmidwest.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Laura A. Tomaka
630.925.1922

(Lombard, Ill.) May 26, 2010 ‐‐ State Representative Elaine Bowers of Concordia was among 37 select lawmakers chosen to participate in a training program that annually identifies and assists promising state leaders in the Midwest.
Representative Bowers will meet with fellow lawmakers from Kansas and 10 other Midwestern states and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan on July 9‐13, in Madison, Wis., for The Council of State Governments’ 16th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD).
Representative Bowers was recommended for the fellowship by Kansas Senator Jay Emler and State Treasurer Dennis McKinney. Treasurer McKinney commented: "Representative Bowers works hard to get to know legislators and understand the interests of their districts without regard to party label or region. She does her homework and gets to know the details of the issues and the people affected by the policies under consideration. Consequently, legislators listen when she asks questions and makes points to direct discussions. I am quite confident that Rep. Bowers will soon be a strong policy leader in the Kansas House of Representatives."
Since 1995, more than 500 of the region’s lawmakers have graduated from the Bowhay Institute. State Legislators from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin are chosen to participate through a competitive, nonpartisan selection process. Members of the Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan legislative assemblies are selected by their caucuses to take part in the program.
“The Bowhay Institute is one of the premier leadership training programs in the nation,” says Iowa Rep.
J. Scott Raecker, who serves as co‐chair of the institute’s steering committee. “The legislatures in the region have benefited greatly from the skills their members have gained through this unique educational experience. Many of the graduates now hold leadership positions in their states.”
BILLD was founded in 1995 to help new legislators meet the demands of program devolution and, in many states, term limits. These two emerging forces highlight the shortage of training available for legislators, a void that BILLD aims to fill.
A program of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office, BILLD is held in partnership with the University of Wisconsin’s Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs. Courses and seminars are conducted by La Follette faculty, Midwestern legislative leaders and professional development experts. In addition to courses designed to develop leadership skills, the program analyzes a variety of public policy issues, including the economy, economic development and corrections.
The Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development is named in honor of the late James Bowhay, longtime director of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office. The program is funded through grants from foundation and corporate sponsors and an in‐kind contribution provided by The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office.
Founded in 1933, The Council of State Governments has national headquarters in Lexington, Ky., and regional offices in Atlanta, Chicago (Lombard, Ill.), New York City and Sacramento. The goal of the national, nonpartisan organization is to assist and advance state government by providing research assistance, professional development opportunities, interstate consulting services and suggested state legislation.

Representative Bowers to Run for Re-Election

2010-06-01T00:00:00.002-05:00

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2010

Contact:
Rep. Elaine Bowers
785 243-4256

TOPEKA- Kansas House of Representatives Rep. Elaine Bowers (R‐Concordia) today announced she has filed for re-election in the 107th district. “Serving the citizens of the 107th district for the last four years has been an honor,” said Rep. Bowers. “I’m excited to continue this work and while we currently face tremendous hardships, I see great potential in Kansas. I’m excited to make progress in advancing our state.”
House Speaker Pro Tem Arlen Siegfreid (R‐Olathe) highlighted the importance of Rep. Bowers’ leadership and the abilities that she has provided in the House. “Representative Bowers is a rock solid member,” said Rep. Siegfreid. “Not only is she a great advocate for her district, but as a small business owner and a principled leader she provides the entire state with a valuable and consistent representative.”
Rep. Bowers serves on the House committees for Commerce and Labor, Federal and State Affairs, as well as Ag and Natural Resources. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and has earned a 100% attendance record for her entire legislative career.
“It is very important to me as a legislator to be there every day and vote every time,” said Rep. Bowers. “And it would be a privilege to continue to serve the people of north central Kansas.
Bowers also serves as State Director of Kansas for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) which is the nation’s oldest organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government. She was also elected to the STARBASE Foundation Board in 2009. STARBASE IS the nonprofit organization which manages the STARBASE program on behalf of the state of Kansas through the National Guard and augments the U.S. Department of Defense funds to enhance the youth educational program in Kansas.
The 107th District represents the cities of Concordia, Lincoln, and Minneapolis in Cloud, Lincoln, Ottawa and a portion of Dickinson County.

2010 Session Wrap-Up

2010-05-24T10:38:00.003-05:00

The 2010 Kansas Legislature wrapped up its work last Tuesday after the House spent several long days debating budget and tax issues late into the night. We worked on the floor until around 5 AM one night and until 3 AM another trying to avoid the tax increase (6th attempt). Of course, the budget that would be approved for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins July 1st, would have to balance. Other issues we addressed during the 12-day veto session included a new transportation plan, stricter seat belt and DUI laws, a texting ban, and an attempted override of a governor’s veto. We had anticipated that the Veto Session would take more than the usual few days, which is why we had worked to save days back. With days in the bank for the Veto Session, in the end, we did finish the 2010 session in less than 90 days. Many of my legislator friends who have served in the legislature for a number of years said they have not seen a year such as this one – ever. It was the first time the House and Senate went home at the break without the Mega budget which basically funds governments’ essential needs then return to tie up the loose ends with the Omnibus budget when we arrive back for Veto Session. And as last year, we ended with a Concur vote – this year on a tax bill which was paired with a Senate concur with the budget bill. The budget bill was much the same as the Governor proposed in January at his State of the State address except a cigarette tax he proposed was eliminated which I find ironic – tax something that will be out-lawed with the smoking ban effective July 1st. Both tax and budget bills needed to pass as one was the spending piece and the other the revenue package. The House Appropriation committee had passed a bill out of committee which never carried much support and was defeated on the house floor after a day of debate. The second budget (the Governor’s plan) was substituted (a gut-and go) and after 18 hours of debate on the House floor became the bill that the Senate agreed with. If the process had worked as we learned in Government 101 – both the House and the Senate bodies would’ve passed a budget. Then the six members in the Conference Committee (three Senate and three House members) would hash out details and bring the proposed bill back to us for a vote – many times if necessary until the House passes one with at least 63 votes. And a concur motion with the Senate allows no amendments from the House members thus no House positions or ideas in the final bill – this session it was the tax bill – it is an entire Senate proposal passed over to us with the majority of their forty members. Finally the Senate agreed with the House Budget bill – they also could make no changes with no amendments. I have learned these past four years that when the Conference Committee step is skipped, the possibility of mistakes and items overlooked is so much greater – such as the budget reduction of the Court System last year which was missed in the final Concur budget and became law. Even as I write this, the Board of Regents is asking the Governor to veto a section of this year’s concurred budget bill as an added amendment takes away $3.6 million rather than adds to higher education as was intended – a mistake which could’ve been caught in the conference committee. It was most clear to me that there was a middle ground – as always – there could’ve been a compromise. There were many ideas of revenue enhancements floated around such as “user-fee-type” taxes such as liquor, cigarette, beverage and others along the line if you-use-it – you-pay-for-it fees. There were proposals of removing sales tax on food and reducing tax exemptions granted though many, many years to all types of services, businesses and organizations – all of these ideas had the possibility of being in the mix. Proposals of less than a full 1 cent sales tax increase that could’ve been considered with a package of reductions (but with no additional reductions to schools, public safety or social services), other enhancements such as sales of idle state property, a change in income tax brackets or simply hold-the-line-on-spending until Kansas comes out of the recession - didn’t have the chance to be debated in the open as I had wished. As it is in real life or in Topeka – communication is the key to a fair and compromised decision and when the system is out-of-kilter (as this legislative year) it leaves an all or nothing – take it or leave it scenario and only two choices on the budget and taxes. In the end-game, keep in mind that the Governor has full VETO power and would’ve vetoed a bill without a revenue enhancement included in the final bill package and many legislators saw a no way out situation. This year’s budget is $13.6 Billion dollars, an increase of $204.5 million dollars with the tax increase of $314 million dollars. It also anticipates a 4% growth in the economy which as a business owner I would have preferred a flat line approach for at least one more year.

Other bills passed last week included another 10 year transportation plan ($8.2 billion) funded by bond money (this will be our “3rd mortgage” on our highways as the 1st two are still unpaid), 0.4-cent increase of the state sales tax increase and $131 million increase in registration fees in 2013 for all trucks – this fee for commercial & farm trucks weighing more than 8 tons will increase from $18 to $100 which is a 500% increase. I again voted no as this was another huge policy that was approved by a motion to concur after only passing one side of the legislature (never debated in the house) and again a fee increase (fee=tax) on our agriculture based economy here in north central Kansas. With the exception of law enforcement officers, texting while driving will be illegal beginning July 2010. In a separate bill HB2130 written in the Senate, there will be a $5.00 fine for not wearing a seat belt with no court costs but individuals can be stopped if an officer thinks you aren’t wearing a belt anywhere in the car. I strongly believe in personal responsibility and with your individual safety in mind - you must wear your belts at all times as my family does but enforced mandates with a carrot of $11 million dollars and directives of “you will do” from the Federal government is still a measure I didn’t support. SB 306 will reduce the application fee by $50 and renewal fee by $25 to the state’s concealed carry law. It will also eliminate the fingerprint requirements for renewals but require a name-based national criminal records check. Home Day Care Centers will all need to be inspected and licensed by the KDHE agency at the state where only currently registered homes are inspected after a complaint has been filed with the passage of Lexie’s Law. This bill was not heard in the House again and the vote was at 4:30AM which is a poor way to pass bills that affect so many Kansans. The good news on this bill is a KDHE online system will be set up which will provide information about day care providers and a history of citations and substantiated findings – this is transparency which is so needed at all levels of government.
A bill that has been drafted and one that I will begin work on getting through the system early in the next session is the Memorial Highway Sign Bill for Don K. Ross on Highway 18 in Lincoln County. Captain Ross was the 1st Medal of Honor recipient of World War II for his actions during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. I have learned that a bill needs to be introduced and have hearings immediately as sometime they can be “high jacked” and used a vehicle for other bills and amendments. It would be my desire to see it carried through clean and have the Governor’s signature on the one-part bill as a standalone law which can be displayed in the city of Beverly. I will begin the process on the House side with hearings and Senator Emler will take over on the Senate side and hopefully have final votes by the end of January 2011.

This year will end my 2nd term in Topeka. I have sat in seat #85 on the House Floor for the entire time and I have watched and learned and helped our ideas become laws. I have pushed my voting buttons almost 2000 times and when I visit with school kids and groups, I bring along my voting box from my old desk. It has been my pleasure to share the legislative process with anyone who is interested in listening and pass around that voting box complete with working buttons to push as I do. It is important to me in this job to share my experiences and knowledge and I particularity enjoy bringing students to the Capitol or visiting with them in their classrooms. Hopefully school classes can visit again and I will always have dates available for Pages. If you know of a student age 12-18 who would like to work on the House Floor for a day, let me know as I keep a Page folder every year to contact the kids when I am assigned my dates after session begins in January. While in Topeka last week, I filed for re-election for the House of Representative District #107 position with plans in mind to run for a leadership position in my party. It has been my pleasure serving as your Representative for the past four years. Thanks to everyone who have written, emailed or called me – your opinions and suggestions help me to do a better job of representing our views here in north central Kansas.

Please contact me at home or by e-mail if you need help in any way.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
1326 N. 150th Rd.
Concordia, KS 66901
785 243-4256 home
785 243-3325 x2 work
elaine@concordiaautomart.com
elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov
(I do take time to check it my email every day).

Roadside Sculptors

2010-05-10T12:01:00.004-05:00

Article & Photo by Jyll Phillips
of the Lincoln Sentinel

The Wall Street Journal not only found Kansas, they found Lincoln County, as evident by their front page story in the Feb. 9 issue. Ironically they found us through television.

A public-TV series called "Rare Visions and Roadside Revelations" is a "tongue-in-cheek" tour of 46 of the United States according to the show's Web site. One of the first attractions listed is the "legendary Garden of Eden" in Lucas. In fact, Season One is entitled "Who says Kansas is dull?" They also revisited Kansas in seasons two through five, and again in season nine, which is what caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal.
Apparently, according to the show's producers, Wisconsin and Kansas top the list for eccentric outdoor art galleries.
The WSJ interviewed M.J. Liggett, 79, of Mullinville who has decorated Highway 400 with sculptures made of anything from bowling balls to streetlights and wagon wheels; Frank Jensen, 76, a former high school teacher who has populated a hillside east of Wichita; Jerry Hubbell, 74, who has placed his collection of "Hubble's Rubble" along Highway 99 near Howard; and Lincoln County's own J.R. Dickerman, 50.
Dickerman's Soaring Heart Gallery is near Beverly, and has created his "Open Range Zoo" to promote it. The county's highways are the home of the Open Range Zoo that features nearly 30 of these unique welded metal creatures. The larger pieces are made from farm equipment and some move with the wind. Twenty of creatures can be found along Highway 18 between mile marker 113 in Ottawa County and Lucas. Three are within the city of Lincoln, another three are within the city of Lucas, two are on I-70 atop a billboard, and one is nearer his gallery.
Dickerman told WSJ that he snuck the first two creatures to the side of K-18 after dark so as not to be identified. When he heard good reviews in town, he admitted they were his.
People use his creatures as landmarks as much if not more than they use mile markers.
"Once I come across that dragon, I know I'm almost to Lincoln!"said Rep. Elaine Bowers, referring to "Dream Dragon IV The Harvester" on K-18 at mile marker 106.
Scrap metal sculptures are becoming a popular art form. No two pieces are identical as each is made of an almost random blend of car parts, farm equipment parts, scrap metal, and/or scraps of metal objects. The artists' personalities are welded into the piece along with the scraps.
Liggett, for example, creates caricatures of political figures, often in unflattering poses, making a caustic commentary on his opinion of politics. His sculpture of Bill Clinton features a padlock welded to his pants zipper.
Six of his pieces are on display at the American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore.

Veto Week

2010-05-03T19:31:00.001-05:00

The Kansas Legislative session began again on April 28th after a few weeks break. It is interesting to note that this traditional spring break was prearranged for the farmers to return and plant their crops and then return to finish the state’s business. This is still true in many cases but now it also allows time for an important budgeting Consensus Revenue Estimating Group assessment. This much awaited dollar figure predicted the state revenues will fall $46.4 million below its November estimate of Fiscal Year 2010 revenues - down a total of $130 million for the remainder of this fiscal year and next fiscal year. And only on Friday, another tax revenue shortfall of $74 million was reported below the estimates by the same group. This was the first time in Kansas history that the Legislature left without passing the mega budget (the 1st one) or the omnibus (final) budget – we have our work cut out for us. The House has a budget that we are just reviewing which doesn’t call for a tax increase and freezes state hiring, no raises, 1% across board spending (except for schools, public safety and corrections). Revenue sources will need to be studied more closely in this bill though - for example there is a prediction of a 4% income tax increase for next year which I would question with today’s economy. The Senate has a budget as well and addresses the state’s fiscal situation differently and follows the proposed Governors budget closer. Debate of both bills will most certainly happen this week with many amendments in both Chambers. If the process works as we learned in Civics – both the House and the Senate will pass a budget. Then the six members of the House Appropriation and Senate Ways & Means committee will form the Conference Committee (three Senate and three House members) who hash out details and bring the proposed bill back to us for a vote – many times if necessary until the House passes one with 63 votes. Last year the House could not pass a budget and a motion was made on the House floor to Concur (agree) with the Senate. This motion allows no amendments from the House members thus no House positions or ideas in the final budget – it is an entire Senate proposal passed over to us with the majority of their forty members. When the Conference Committee step is skipped, the possibility of mistakes and items overlooked are so much greater – such as the budget reduction of the Court System last year which was then missed in the final Concur budget which became law. Often times, this is a very difficult vote – do members vote for the budget bill to move it on to the Conference Committee to find the best compromise bill that the majority of the 165 members can agree on or continue to vote NO until a concur is forced.
This wrap up session is also known as Veto week. The House of Representatives did attempt override the governor’s veto of HB2115 which is the bill that would requires new, more detailed documentation of late-term abortions. We will take up the veto again on Monday as several members of the House were absent and it will be reconsidered again after a motion was made to reconsider and adjourn. The override needs 84 votes and received 82.

Wednesday was a special day on the Senate side for our Lincoln County Commissioner Steve Errebo. Senator Emler introduced and congratulated Steve Errebo for rescuing Michele Pasley
and three of her children from a burning vehicle. Steve Errebo, Marilyn Errebo, Ben
Errebo, Steve Sutton, Al Jo Wallace and Wendy Gronau and Representative Elaine Bowers were acknowledged with a standing ovation. The Readers Digest hero story and Steve’s picture can be found on page 35 of the April’s issue. It was our previlage and honor to acknowledge our friend Commissioner Errebo.

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1866 reads—
A RESOLUTION congratulating and commending Steve Errebo for rescuing Michele Pasley and three of her children from a burning vehicle.
WHEREAS, Steve Errebo, a farmer and Lincoln County Commissioner, rescued Tescott
residents Michele Pasley and three of her children, 3-year-old twins Danika and Justin, and
1-year-old Loni Marie, from her burning minivan in July of 2009; and
WHEREAS, Due to dusty conditions caused by wheat being harvested, Mrs. Pasley did
not see Mr. Errebo’s wheat truck until it was too late, causing her to strike him from behind.
The impact of the collision trapped her inside the vehicle, which promptly caught fire, as
well as causing the surrounding wheat stubble field to catch fire. Mr. Errebo heard her cries
for help and pulled the three Pasley children to safety through a broken window, before
finally pulling Mrs. Pasley free as well. The two adults and three children made it to safety
shortly before the gas tank blew and the entire van was engulfed in flames; and
WHEREAS, The twins, Justin and Danika, were flown to Wichita to be treated for their
injuries. Justin was released in two days and Danika in about 10 days. Mrs. Pasley and the
youngest child, Loni, were both unharmed. The family considers Mr. Errebo to be their angel, and are forever grateful for his life-saving acts; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Errebo was surprised by Representative Elaine Bowers, as well as Steve
Howe on behalf of Representative Jerry Moran, Kansas EMS Board Executive Director
Robert Waller, Lincoln County Emergency Manager Rod Job, Lincoln County EMS
Director Wendy Gronau, Sheriff Russ Black, and Mr. and Mrs. Pasley and their children,
when they presented Mr. Errebo with several awards for his heroism, including a Medal of
Valor on behalf of Lincoln County. Representative Bowers also alerted the magazine
Reader’s Digest of the heroic action taken by Mr. Errebo, resulting in a feature story about
the incident:
Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That we congratulate and commendSteve Errebo for his immediate response to this emergency situation, for his selfless and courageous acts in the face of imminent danger, and for saving the lives of Michele, Justin, Danika and Loni Marie Pasley; and
Be it further resolved: That the Secretary of the Senate be directed to provide an enrolled
copy of this resolution to Steve Errebo.

Although I was unable to meet with them, staff and residents with OCCK from our District #107 were in Topeka for their rally on April 27th. I always enjoy visitors from home and invite any group or individuals to visit our historic Capitol. Even though it is under reconstruction, it is still breath taking to see the marble, paintings and architecture and is part of our heritage we all can appreciate.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785-296-7642
elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

Area Road Becomes World War II Memorial Highway

2010-04-22T15:03:00.002-05:00

Article by Todd Pittenger
from ksallink.com © KSAL News

An area highway is being named to honor World War II veterans.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, the 2008 legislature in cooperation with the Governor established a portion of US-24 as the World War II Memorial Highway.
The memorial highway begins at the US-24/US-77 junction north of Junction City and proceeds west to US-83 in Thomas County. Through the initiative of Representatives Elaine Bowers and Vern Swanson the establishment of signs recognizing the memorial highway is becoming a reality in north central Kansas.
The first of two signs will be placed at a dedication ceremony on US-24 at the west city limit of Clay Center at 11:00 in the morning on Thursday. The second sign will be placed near the interchange of US-24 and US-81 at a date and time to be determined.
KDOT created and will place the signing commemorating those who served of country during the Second World War.

2010 Session: 12th Week

2010-03-29T11:20:00.003-05:00

Dear Constituents,

After completing our busiest and most substantive week of work in the 2010 session, our work is nearly complete. The looming budget issue will remain unresolved until the end of our veto session in early May, but most every other issue that’s been brought before the legislature has at this point been passed, killed, or shelved for another year. The House spent full days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday churning through bills, and after challenging debate on some of the most controversial issues, headed home Wednesday evening for a two day break.

On Thursday and Friday, small groups of House and Senate designees known as “conference committees” were meeting to reconcile differences between their respective versions of bills—but few of these appeared to be of a controversial nature. If you remember, these committees are made up of three Senators and three Representatives and I feel one of the most important steps in the legislative process. This is where the compromises are worked out between the two chambers and the bills are returned to us for our final approval – and we often send these reports back to them for more “tweaking”. We will return next week to vote on these conference committee reports, then head home for the annual “spring break” before returning on April 28 for our veto session. At that time, we’ll have fresh budget projections and revenue numbers—and reach our ultimate decision on the budget.

One major flashpoint this week was the response to Congress’ passage of the comprehensive health reform bill. Similar to the rest of the nation, our body was split on its reaction to the news. We even considered a constitutional amendment that would essentially allow Kansas the ability to “opt out” of any federal legislation on the matter. The measure, which would require a 2/3 majority to be place on ballots for a statewide vote in November, garnered 76 votes in the House—short of the 84 required for the supermajority. We actually had three votes on HCR5032, once to move it to final action, the final vote and then another vote when it was brought back up for reconsideration.

While the bills on General Orders are too numerous to list, our work this week ranged from substantive debate on critical abortion standards, to major changes in conceal and carry laws. Many of these issues made headlines throughout the state—you can always find more info on the legislature’s website at www.legislature.org or of course, contact me and I’ll be happy to provide you with more information on any of these measures. I had my first opportunity to carry a bill this year from the Federal and State Committee. The base bill of HB452, which was requested by Juvenile Justice Authority Commissioner Jennings, dealt with juvenile detention, alcohol and current practices. Ironically, as the new bill was written to amend a statute in Chapter 41, it was amendable to liquor bills and amendments. Two minor amendment concerning farm wine production in Kansas were added but neither affected the original content of the bill. The bill passed of the House floor 122-0 the next day.

One visit I look forward to every year is from the annual Lincoln County Leadership class. They visited the Capital on March 18th – one of the busiest days of the session. But even with our schedules, Senator Emler and myself, along with State Treasurer Dennis McKinney and Deputy Education Commissioner Dale Dennis had a working lunch with the group at the Ag Retailers Association Building across the street from the Capitol. Tom Tunnel, a former resident of Lincoln County, hosted the luncheon and spoke to the group about his firms’ duties and responsibilities as lobbyists.
It is hard to believe but it has been nearly thirty years since I was a page at the Capital for Representative Bill Fuller while I was a student at Minneapolis High School. I remember how important that day was to me and encourage students to spend part of a day paging for me. I was happy to host four pages from Minneapolis on Wednesday – Colton Baker, Tyler Mocckel, Adam and Noah Garbin. As it was spring break for most students in Kansas, there were many pages but they all had opportunities to run errands for us during our busy day on the floor. The Governor was in his office that day as well so they had a moment to shake his hand and personally introduce themselves to him along with a photograph to record their visit.

I look forward to seeing you the next weeks during the longer spring break in the month of April. What was originally conceived as a time for farmers to return home to plant crops has now turned into a pivotal time for gaining feedback before returning for the legislature’s final push in the “veto” session. It also allows researchers to provide us with fresh numbers on what’s happening and where budgets are expected to be when we return. If budget projections remain flat or fall within an acceptable range I’m confident we’ll be able to wrap up reasonably quickly—however if revenues continue to fall we’re going to face a very difficult session.

Please call me if you would like me to visit your group during my break. I hope to get around to as many school classes as I can and I will be happy to speak at meetings or lunches as time allows. I look forward to hearing your input, and hope you’ll contact me if you have any requests or questions. I appreciate your continued support—and thank you for your interest in the legislative process.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 11th Week

2010-03-22T21:46:00.001-05:00

Dear Constituants,

The weeks seem to be passing very rapidly here in Topeka and we will begin week eleven with all day Session on the floor as the regular committee process ended last week. However, I do sit on Federal & State Affairs and if necessary, we can be called back in for meetings as it is an exempt committee. My daily routine will stay the same but we will be meeting as “a committee of a whole” rather than breaking into the three smaller committees. Many of my days begin at 7:00AM when I arrive to get a head start before the building begins to hum with activity. The Republicans hold Calendar at 8:00AM where we go over the bills that will be presented on the House floor and discuss possible floor amendments during the debate. Normally, my three committees would meet at 9:00AM, 1:30PM and 3:30PM with Session at 11:00 during the regular Legislative cycle. This week the House session will begin at 9:00AM and work through the day and perhaps into the evening to hear the bills that are left on General Orders. Along with the bills we are debating on the Floor, we will be asked to consider concur motions which are reports from the conference committees (three Representatives and three Senators) whether we agree with the House version and the Senate version merged into one bill alone. Often times two, three, four or more bills are added in together and I must make sure the content has not changed since my last vote on the individual bill.

It is not surprising that the House has shown little to no support for tax increases after limited debate on HB 2549 (which contained the Secretary of Revenue’s proposal to eliminate a number of sales tax exemptions). At the beginning of the debate, there were three amendments that passed with almost unanimous support. These amendments continue the sales tax exemptions for purchases by churches and religious organizations, residential utilities, and Lottery and Bingo ticket sales. With the adoption of the amendments, the bill would only remove the sales tax exemption on coin operated laundry facilities. Most of us thought that at that point we would have some of the components Governor Parkinson’s most recent tax proposal offered and have a long day of debate. However, a motion to table the bill until the last day of session, which is May 3, was brought forward and the motion passed with a narrow vote. In the Senate Tax Committee none of the bills to increase taxes passed out of committee when “worked” this week. It is not clear just what the support for a tax increase will be, or on what it will be offered. It does not make sense to prevent action for seven weeks until the very end of session and forcing the House to determine the money that is spent in our budget without knowledge of available revenue. That is not the way that most of us balance our family budgets. A House bill was passed off the Floor that would establish a study group to thoroughly analyze tax exceptions which are currently being utilized under state law. These exceptions range anywhere from sales tax exemptions on farm machinery to Girl Scout cookies. This study will give the legislative process more facts on how to best proceed in the future on tax collections and budgeting. Next week, the House will be working on the first passage of our budget priorities. Numerous amendments to spend more than the current revenues will support are likely to be offered. The House is scheduled to take up SCR 1614 which would create a stabilization fund in our state treasury. This was an issue that Governor Parkinson recommended in his State of the State Address in January. Kansas is currently one of only five states without such a fund. The fund would better prepare our state to have savings available to transcend economic downturns or other events such as disasters. This is how it would work. When the actual state revenues (minus federal funds) of a fiscal year are more than 3% higher than the previous year, .25% of the state revenues (minus federal funds) are transferred to the budget stabilization fund. Expenditures from the fund would require a three-fifths vote by both the House and Senate. This is very similar to the Budget Stabilization bill that the Government Efficiency and Fiscal Oversight Committee worked and passed out of committee last session. The biggest difference is that this proposed legislation is a resolution to amend the constitution, not just state statue, and would provide a higher protection for the fund. The bill, with strong support from the House and Senate, will most likely be worked through conference committee and because it is a constitutional amendment it will require a vote in the general election to be adopted. It certainly was a big surprise to learn that the state did not have a “savings account or reserve fund” to fall back upon when I began my first term but I have signed on every year to support this effort.

My committee work was heavy this past week with a variety of topics. House Commerce and Labor took up HB 2697 which would allow grocery stores to sell liquor and wine (but not Wal-marts or convenience stores) with a large group of people testified in favor of and against in the two day hearing. Due to the lack of time, the bill was not “worked” but I would guess it will be back next year as a bill can stay “alive” in the process for the next two year cycle. House bill 2537 which would have allowed convenience stores to sell full strength beer also failed to move out of Fed and State as well. Both of these bills would have changed how tax is collected on spirits, clerks under the age of 21 selling liquor and out-of-state ownership of stores. I believe both issues need more study. Perhaps the assignment of an interm committee over the summer to investigate the facts, fairness and the effects on all areas local economy that the proposed changes would be the best way to look at both of these issues. We also worked on Children in Need of Care, HB 2512 which clarifies more grandparent involvement in the laws enforced by the SRS and courts. The Community Defense Act was heard on Thursday in Federal and State Affairs; again a large group testifying pros and cons about stiffer regulating laws on adult stores and clubs. The Ag and Natural Recourses committee took up hunting clothing requirements for elk hunting at Fort Riley and a proposed bed tax collected (sent to our local CVB’s) on the cabins under the management of Kansas Department of Wildlife. Both moved out of committee on to the House floor for debate this coming week.
On Thursday, March 18, the Kansas Mental Health Coalition was here in the statehouse. They are an umbrella organization for more than 30 organizations that represent consumers of mental health services, advocacy groups, and child welfare providers. Three different groups met with me during breaks between committees. My friends, Shella and Jeff Thoman and their boys Noah and Isaac spent the day in the Capitol. They were able to catch both Senator Taddiken and myself and had the lucky experience of being evacuated along with everyone in the building during a fire emergency in the construction area during their visit.
Be sure to pick up the April 2010 edition of the Readers Digest. It was my honor to submit Commissioner Steve Errebo of Lincoln County as a hero in the HERO section of the magazine. The author told me that this was one of the best stories he ever had the opportunity to write and that Steve was the perfect subject for this section. You can find his story beginning on page 35. Congratulation Commissioner Errebo – you deserve this and so much more!!

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 9th Week

2010-03-15T19:33:00.001-05:00

Dear Constituents,

The next two weeks here in Topeka should prove to be very interesting and exciting as we are preparing to spend most of our time on the floor of the house. Our committees will be wrapping up bills with hearings and perhaps sending out a few more bills for debate by the 125 members. However, the main focus will be on the budget. The next two weeks we expect to have lively debate on the House and Senate floors possibly on a budget bill and tax bills. There are several proposals in the works to increase taxes of various types, but it remains to be seen which, if any, survive the floor debate and what they may look like when the day has ended.

We typically have two large budget bills each session. The first is called the mega budget before we recess the end of March, and the second is the omnibus budget before final adjournment the first part of May. The mega budget is being put together now and will contain the best information we currently have to put into revenue and expenditure proposals. It is the first comprehensive look at what the priority expenditures for the legislature are for 2011. A common phrase I’ve heard is “let’s wait until omnibus” but most bills have little or no fiscal impact so far and very few people are talking about adding money to the budget.

After the revenue estimators meet in April, we will be able to build the omnibus budget. Based on the latest revenue information, we can make a better determination of additional adjustments to programs that may be needed to balance the budget before final adjournment in May. Any corrections or adjustments needed to the mega budget that was passed earlier can be made in the omnibus budget. Solving the fiscal issues of the State in today’s economy will require either additional cuts to programs or tax increases. We cannot maintain programs without increasing taxes, or maintain taxes at the same level without cutting programs. These two go hand-in-hand. The State of Kansas is fortunate to have a balanced budget requirement in the State Constitution. As we know from the national news – the United States Government doesn’t have this requirement thus the huge national debt we are living with and sadly passing down to our descendants.

My Commerce and Labor and Fed and State committees heard fairly non-controversial bills this past week. Although this week was light, both of these committees will be packed next week with conferees and large audiences on two bills – the sales of liquor in Kansas grocery stores and HB 2144 Community Defense Act - regulating adult businesses in the state.

The Ag and Natural Resource heard statutorily required informational hearings from Grain Commodity Commissions. Several interesting facts were as follows: The crops in Kansas had a very good year in 2009 – corn produced a record yield of 155 bushels per acre resulting in harvesting over 598 million bushels of corn breaking the 2007 record. The US produces about 40 percent of the world’s corn crop using only 20 percent of the total area harvested in the world. Sorghum ranks Kansas first nationally again with growing 58.6 percent of the nation’s total sorghum crop. The top five markets for US Hard Red Winter Wheat are Nigeria, Mexico, Iraq, Japan and Brazil. Kansas wheat farmers produced 368 million bushels of wheat - 53 million bushels more that FY 2008. The reports also contain each commission’s budget and how the groups use the dollars from the voluntary assessment (check-off) per bushel collected during harvest.

Steve Bryant from Concordia spent part of his Monday last week in Topeka for the Kansas Optometric Association visiting with myself and Senator Taddiken. Dr. Bryant will be the President of this group next year. It was my honor to have Alex Farr from Bennington High School shadow me on Tuesday. He is with the gifted program and came along with a group of students to work with us for the day. He attended all of my committees with me, sat in on session and had the opportunity to meet the Governor.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 8th Week

2010-03-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

Dear Constituents,

Preparing for a long, difficult stretch of decisions that soon await, most of the work this week in the legislature took place in committee—with little substantive debate on the floor. Legislators remain cautious to pass measures with any potential cost to the state. As a result, there has been a timid tone in the legislature until it becomes clear where our numbers stand and what decisions we face.

While the Senate cleared a substantive and critical unemployment insurance fix (the SUTA bill from the House side), for small businesses and unemployed Kansans, the highlight of the week was perhaps the Friday press conference from the Governor announcing his response to last week’s shocking report that state revenues for February were projected to be $70 million below estimates. That saddles the state with $106 million in unexpected debt to recover before June 30.
In response, the Governor announced a series of six measures to reduce the 2010 budget by $85 million. The plan includes $28 million cut to the highway maintenance funds, $16 million in federal Medicaid payments, $15 million from temporary assistance to needy families savings, $10 million through passage of a primary seat belt law, $12 million in KPERS payment deferments, and a $4 million managed care privilege fee fix from the Department of Insurance. While the cuts fill a void, 4 of the 6 require legislative action and we will still face tremendous difficulty if revenues continue to fall over the next few months.

As I mentioned, most work took place this week in House committees, where members have defined the major priorities for the rest of the year and are holding hearings to get bills passed out to the full body for passage. The status of the child welfare system in Kansas was the topic in Federal and State Affairs committee for the entire week and it will continue on into Monday and Tuesday as well. This committee covers a variety of different social issues that are often hard to talk about and children-in-need is one of those difficult and emotional subjects. During this hearing of four proposed bills, grandparents along with foster and natural parents spoke to us concerning their problems with the current privatized system of adoption and foster care in the state. SRS (Social Rebiliation Services), judges and other supporters spoke on behalf of the agency and that the state of Kansas is used as a role model for other states’ legislation due to the organizations success with its five partners - KVC, DCCCA, Youthville, St. Francis and TFI. In Ag and Natural Resourses, Kansas Wildlife and Parks proposed SB 380 which would allow the department to adjust and set fees charged on the 75 cabins located in Kansas State Parks, state fishing lakes and wildlife areas. Twenty three cabins are planned to be added in 2010 and two of those (hopefully without delays) are to be located at Cloud County’s Jamestown wildlife area with the suggested rate of $60.00 per night. Secretary Svaty spoke to the committee on Water Law in Kansas and noted that the first regulated well was permitted in 1945. More water debate continues with discussion on SB 510 dealing with water conservation in closed areas rather than the practice of “use it or lose it”.

Angela Champlin and Donna Trost from Concordia along with members from Abilene representing Parents-As-Teachers visited with me during their day at the Capital on Tuesday. They brought me a new paperweight made of blocks which I will use in my office and remember the children they teach at home. I was very honored to have Kent Otott with Teens for Christ from Concordia, as my guest on the House Floor as the Chaplin of the Day. Kent spent the day with me attending committee meetings and had the opportunity to meet with the Governor before session. His prayer on March 4, 2010, will be printed in the House Journal and will be bound in a book at the end of the year – a recorded part of Kansas history.

Next week, I’m expecting to see some substantive floor action. The headliner will likely be the debate on a tax exemptions bill. This is notable because the bill will be amendable to nearly any tax proposal. For all purposes, I’m expecting this to be the major tax debate of the session, and a very challenging topic. The results of this debate also serve a functional purpose in providing our House Appropriations committee with an indication of what financial resources might be available to them in crafting the 2011 budget.

In two weeks, action will move almost exclusively to the House floor, where we will be debating and voting throughout the day—and sometimes into the night. It’s an exciting time of the year and as the weather continues to improve I hope to see you in the Capitol. I always enjoy visitors, but if you are unable to make it to Topeka, please feel free to contact me if you have questions about any state issue or have an idea on how State government can better serve the long term best interests of our community and state.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

Representative Bowers Encourages Young Women to Enter Scholarship Essay Contest

2010-03-02T13:33:00.002-06:00

The National Foundation for Women Legislators and the National Rifle Association are co-sponsoring their thirteenth annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest for college-bound female high school juniors and seniors, which this year will be entitled “Freedom and Civic Virtues.” The contest’s seven winners will each receive a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to NFWL’s Annual Conference November 18-22, 2010 where they will network with, be mentored by and speak to hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States.

“This is an excellent opportunity for local members of the Class of 2010 and 2011,” said NFWL member, Rep. Bowers. “This contest will help seven young women enhance their understanding of the role of women in politics through a hands-on learning experience. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills while assisting with college tuition expenses.”

“The Millennial Generation is the future of American politics,” said Rep. Bowers. “By understanding and explaining the importance of American virtues and rights, young women can make a lasting impact on the future of American policies. This essay contest is an opportunity for young women to win a college scholarship while making their voices heard on the true intentions of the Bill of Rights.”

Entries must be received or postmarked no later than July 30, 2010, after which an NFWL selection committee will judge each essay and determine the seven winners. The judges will primarily weigh the factors of storytelling, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) enables women lawmakers to be more effective leaders. NFWL provides women Members of Congress, state legislators, county commissioners, and city council members with strategic resources, including debates and briefings on the issues, leadership skill development, and opportunities for networking.

Questions by potential applicants may be directed to Rep. Bowers at 785-296-7642 or to the NFWL office, 202-293-3040 ext. 1005.

E-mail: scholarships@womenlegislators.org
Website: www.womenlegislators.org

2010 Session: 7th Week

2010-03-01T16:13:00.001-06:00

Dear Constituents,

After a short break to reset for the second half of the session, we quickly re-focused and addressed substantial legislation this week. With long debates beginning Wednesday, the House this week cleared two substantive measures, while committees got back to work on their priorities for this key stretch of the legislative session.

On Thursday, the House concurred with a Senate measure to ban smoking statewide. The measure had become a perennial issue in the legislature, pitting personal and local freedoms vs. public health concerns. Ultimately, after a spirited debate the bill advanced to the Governor’s desk on a 68-54 vote and is expected to be signed fairly quickly.

We also spent most of our session on Friday deliberating on a number of amendments to one of the state’s most successful economic development tools. The Promoting Employment Across Kansas (or PEAK) Act provides prospective companies considering Kansas for re-location an incentive to do so by providing a window of time in which they are not obligated to pay employee withholding taxes. The incentive can also be earned by businesses with offers to re-locate a business in order to retain those jobs.

As last week was “turn-around”, we are now looking at Senate bills in my committees with hearings from the proponents and the opponents again. In high school government classes, we learned that bills have a hearing in each the Senate and the House coordinating committees then is brought to a full vote on the floor of each chamber. We are now in the process of “tweaking” each other’s bills which have passed out of each committee and survived a vote of each body. Only after each bill has received a vote in each chamber then the all-important conference committee is assigned and the two different bills are merged together and brought back to us for a full vote before it goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature to become law. If this process is allowed to happen, a bill is fully “vetted” with all 165 of us having a vote in the matter. This is exactly what didn’t happen with HB #2221 which we knew as the “smoking bill” here. This bill was introduced as a childcare bill then gutted to allow the new language to be inserted on the Senate side. A motion was made on the House floor to “concur” with the Senate which means we cannot amend or add or change this Senate bill in any way– only debate it. This maneuver (or shortcut) removed any chance of improving the bill which is an important health issue in Kansas – the effects of second-hand smoke. Under this provision, all casinos in Kansas will be exempt as will nursing & retirement homes (smoking in designated areas), VFW’s, American Legions, class A & B private clubs licensed before January 2009, tobacco shops and also private golf, hunting, fishing and shooting clubs. Calls and emails from home where equally split on this issue but there was no doubt that we all agree that second hand smoke (and smoking) is a health hazard. In my three and half years here, I have always been careful to adhere to some fundamental principles. First, the process must be allowed to work completely and that communities, local government and businesses should work out these issues without mandate from the state. This is just the same as the “one size fits all” mandates from the federal government telling the state how we should conduct our business. Many of our counties and cities have already passed their own home rule ordinances tailored and accepted by local leadership and I am very conscience of these regulations as I am with our citizens and property taxpayers’ rights and choices. And as I have always said, please email me on issues such as this and if you ever think a vote of mine is peculiar, there are so many details (and politics at work) that aren’t always brought to the surface that I am happy to discuss with you.

A bill that was introduced in Federal & State affairs would name a state grass, Little Blue Stem, as the official state grass of Kansas. School children have been instrumental in this grass choice above all native grass in the state with the help of the Kansas Native Plant Society. Several Kansas students spoke about the grass (schizachyrium scoparium) which grows in every county in Kansas and in all kinds of soil. The committee staff even brought in a step ladder for one boy to reach the microphone to testify. Whether the bills reaches the floor for a vote remains to be seen as there are number of bills ahead of it including the most important matter of the final budget to be worked on yet. Next week the House will receive a full report on projected state revenue for the month of February. However, based on some initial projections we received Friday, the numbers are going to be devastating. While many expected the $38 million hole we face this year to increase around 20-30 million, Friday’s announcement that we’re looking at an additional $60 to $70 hurled the budget into a devastating free fall. For many, it’s a development that will alter the entire perception of the 2010 session.

We’re back to our standard schedules on Monday, and for most of the next month will be churning through legislation at a steady pace. As always, feel free to contact me concerning any of the news you’re reading about. As I mentioned, this is the portion of the session when we’ll be dealing with the “hot button” issues so your feedback is always appreciated.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 6th Week

2010-02-24T08:40:00.002-06:00

After hours of debate on just over 50 bills, the Kansas Legislature reached the halfway point of the 2010 session on Friday, adjourning until Tuesday for a break after “Turn Around Day,” the first major legislative deadline of the year. It’s a whirlwind of activity, and the long hours are grueling—but it’s also an exciting part of the process, and one of the more enjoyable times of the session in many ways.

The bulk of our work in the House took place on Thursday. While most of the legislation originally scheduled was fairly non-controversial, we had a long list of amendments—and debate stretched to into the evening hours covering a host of hot-button issues.

The 2010 rescission budget was the most important bill to clear the chamber, but we also cleared a critically important fix for small businesses facing drastic unemployment tax increases. Aside from those two “time sensitive” matters, most of the bills we considered dealt with efficiency controls, statutory fixes, and any other budget neutral proposals.

Although the week was full of activity, as a practical matter the Legislature will remain in somewhat of holding pattern until we have fresh budget projections. The decision to either raise taxes or further reduce spending presents a serious dilemma for legislators—and consequently not one we’ll be rushing to make. Once the boundaries of our budget limitations are well defined, we’ll begin crafting the ultimate solution to our shortfall, working to minimize the pain for taxpayers and beneficiaries alike.

Committee work was thin this week because of the increased floor debate—but we had a few measures to wrap up such as the SUTA bill I mentioned above. Many Kansas employers were surprised at their new rate they were assigned by the Department of Labor in December with the bulk of the money due in April. In many cases, the increases were 400-900% over the last year. House bill #2676 will restore the percentage to the standard rate with the difference to be borrowed from the Federal Reserve at an interest free loan for a year. Other measures are being looked at in the Commerce and Labor Committee to restore the former Five hundred and Fifty Million dollar fund back to solvency and still encourage Kansas businesses to hire or rehire people back. The Taxation and the Appropriation committees continue to look at exceptions and a fair tax policy across the state however until more revenue figures come in, it will be difficult to make a lot of headway toward balancing the budget.

As a Cloud County Community College Travel/Tourism Business graduate, I am always happy to see tourism promoted in the state – Susie Haver and Tammy Britt were in Topeka representing Cloud County at the Travel Industry Association of Kansas Legislative Day on February 16th and toured the Capitol with me. Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) had their annual conference in Topeka on Tuesday and Dana Hauck from Delphos attended and joined Rep. Tom Moxley (his K-State fraternity bother) and myself for dinner. It is important to note that three people from the Minneapolis graduating class of 1967 have made a huge impact on Kansas agriculture – Dana serving as KLA President, Steve Baccus as the President of Kansas Farm Bureau and Steve Clanton serving as the President of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Members of the American Legion and Auxilary met with legislators on Tuesday and I was honored to have Damon and Laura Christensen, Dave Hazelwood and Sgt. Jake Melhus take time to visit with me during their stay. One of my favorite yearly events is the Kansas Association of School Boards dinner. Attending from home were two of my school superintendents – Larry Combs, USD 333 and Gary Nelson, USD 298 who saved me a seat as session was late getting out Wednesday night. Cami Presler with Safe Homes (Domestic Violence Association of Central KS) stopped in my office Thursday morning before committee meetings began. I had the pleasure of meeting CCCC Academic Scholars, Scott Henry and Patrick Schulte and college staff, Dr. Jim Springer, Dan Gerber (who sat in on session earlier that morning), Kim Krull, Cathy Forshee, and Jenny Acree at the Phi Theta Kappa luncheon that day as well.
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Looking forward, I’m expecting the initial House version of the 2011 budget to be rolled out within two weeks. It’s going to be an incredibly difficult process. I’m continually concerned about the distinct possibility of revenues dropping in the next two months, which would put us deeper in debt, and facing some painful realities. Regardless, I hope you will keep me informed not only of your thoughts concerning the budget, but any other measures that might impact our families and community.

We’ll have about three weeks before our next major deadline, so if you’d like to visit Topeka or get involved with legislation now is certainly the time. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and hope that if I might be of any assistance you will contact me.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 5th Week

2010-02-15T14:51:00.001-06:00

A week that was anticipated to be one of our busiest of the session lived up to that billing while committees worked to pass legislation before next week’s first major legislative deadline, “Turn Around Day.” Turn Around Day is significant simply because it marks the final opportunity for most bills to be considered in their house of origin. After the deadline, we exchange legislation approved by the House for the Senate’s proposals and the respective chambers begin making their ultimate determinations on those bills.

Wednesday, with surprisingly little fanfare or debate, the House passed our version of the 2010 rescission bill allocating funding for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal year. The bill represents around $90 million in cuts and is very similar to the Governor’s suggested rescission bill. The main difference is an amendment we added during House debate cutting legislator and state “officials” pay by 5% for the rest of the fiscal year. That measure would trim an extra $1.5 million. More importantly though, it signals an understanding that legislators and Kansas officials understand the difficulty we face in balancing the budget and are willing to make sacrifices as all Kansas families and business are already doing.

Aside from the budget bill, work on the House floor was fairly muted, and while we churned through a number of proposals, most were of a fairly non-controversial nature. This is traditionally the case, as we’re only meeting for an hour on the floor each day before Turn Around.

The Commerce and Labor committee continued to work on the SUTA issue (state unemployment tax) which is the annual tax paid into the state by employers on the first $8000 of every employee’s salary into a special fund. This fund pays out unemployment payments to Kansans who have lost their jobs in this economic downturn. Just over a year ago, the fund had a balance of over $550 million dollars and will be depleted within the month. The committee is working on the delicate balance of job growth verses the increased unemployment taxes or general taxes Kansas businesses must pay. House Bill #2444 introduced in Federal & State Affairs proposed the combination of the State Fire Marshall into the Insurance Commissioner’s office. The sub-committee recommended the bill be brought back to the full committee to move ahead with the transfer. Two bills dealing with the unlimited hunting of rattlesnakes and mountain lions were not moved out of the Agriculture & Natural Resource committee for debate on the House floor due to lack of a motion. It is legal to ‘protect person and property’ but it is illegal to possess the body or parts such as the rattles or the mounted cougar body which by the way the Department of Wildlife now admits does roam the state. One bill that was debated but was not sent out of committee was to allow the use of crossbows as well as regular compound bows during the same season (Archery Season). Another motion to demand “a doe be taken before a buck” in Archery Season was defeated as well. There was much discussion concerning the deer population (approximately 350,000 in the state) which promotes the yield of a three and half year buck as the much sought after trophy deer. Kansas ranks in the top three states in the nation along with Illinois and Iowa of having such animals to hunt – for both local and out of state hunters.

The past week was a busy one with visitors from home. Gary Dvork and Raymond Pachta with the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging were in town on February 9th for Older Kansan Day. They sponsored a breakfast and visited Legislator’s office during the day concerning issues facing the elderly in Kansas today. Linda Sutton with the KS Small Business Development Center in Concordia visited me on Tuesday during her Legislative Day at the Capitol. Erma and Gale Ethridge from Glasco with the Mid Plains Credit Union were in Topeka on Wednesday at the Kansas Credit Union Association annual visit with Legislators. Our County Treasurers spent Thursday and Friday in Topeka for the Kansas County Treasurer’s Association meeting with Pat Baccus from Ottawa County and Leah Hern from Dickenson attending the event. It’s no secret that my favorite youth program here at the Statehouse is the Page Program – I had four Sylvan Grove Students - Justin Canterbury, Aaron Augustine, Fritz Berger and Tyler Patrick page for me Thursday. They had a busy morning on the House floor after watching the Commerce Committee SUTA hearing. They also had their picture taken with Governor Parkinson in his office before session started.

Next week, we are scheduled to be “on the floor” for three full days of debate in order to clear the list of bills the committees have sent to the full body for consideration. It will obviously be a busy time in the House. This also provides constituents with an excellent opportunity to make your opinion on these matters clear. I’m always interested to hear fresh perspectives and hope you’ll share your thoughts with me.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612
Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2010 Session: 4th Week

2010-02-08T13:21:00.002-06:00

The close of the fourth week in Topeka finds the legislature in full swing. With members spending the bulk of their time churning through proposals in committee, the priorities and headlines for the 2010 session are coming into focus. The budget will continue to be the looming priority facing the legislature. We’ll soon be looking at bills concerning a wide range of issues from healthcare, lobbying reform, tax policy and immigration to texting bans and the legalization of marijuana. Some of the more controversial issues will typically not survive the committee process to make it on the floor for debate—but in an election year we always see some of the “hot button” issues in the spotlight.

Functionally, it was a very productive week for the House. The highlight of our work was the passage of the 2010 rescission bill, which the Senate cleared last week. This is an important development as the rescission bill simply covers funding for our current fiscal year. It’s not expected for the House and Senate to take long in reconciling their respective versions of the bill, which means we’ll be able to get to work on the controversial 2011 budget right away.

We were also fortunate to have four days of debate on the House floor. There were a couple of highly publicized bills, such as the ban on synthetic marijuana, but for the most part the bills we’re covering right now are of a non-controversial nature and enable us to keep the legislative calendar clear.

My three committees have met daily all continuing to have updates from agencies and testominy on a few bills in each meeting. Commerce and Labor should have a bill this next week to work on tax relief (SUTA – state unemployment tax) for Kansas businesses with the goal to spur on more hiring and create new jobs. A bill in Federal & State Affairs addresses a proposal to combine the State Fire Marshall into the Kansas Insurance Department office. Currently, the Fire Marshall is appointed by the Governor but would fall under the elected Insurance Commissioner’s chain of command. I was appointed to a sub-committee on this bill to gather more facts and bring back a suggestion to the full committee if we should proceed to “work the bill” or leave the department as is. I always enjoy watching people from home testify on bills – Dr. Bill McGuire from Cloud County County Community brought along students from one of his Equine Management classes and testified on the importance of Agri-business in Kansas’ ecomony. The Kansas Department of Agriculture continues to update us on rankings in the Agricultural & Natural Resourse Committee: Kansas ranks first in cattle slaughtered, second in cattle and calves on farms and third in cattle and calves on grain feed. The state is also ranked ninth in hogs on farms, 12th in market sheep and lambs, 15th in sheep and lambs on farms, 18th in milk production and 19th in meat and other goats. The committee also toured the Kansas Department of Agriculture Research Center located at Forbes Field. The basic function of this complex is to manage plant pests (insects, weeds and plant diseases) that may cause harm to agronomic crops. One Plant Pest Alert they have issued is for a fungal disease caused by a walnut twig beetle which attacks only walnut trees. Currently, the disease is found in Colorado and New Mexico but the department fears it will be brought accidently into Kansas through the transport of firewood. If you would like more information on this disease, feel free to call the KDA at 785 862-2180.

It is always my pleasure to spend time with people from home and this week was full of visitors. Dean and Chris Allison, Delphos and Jerry and Mary Jane Gallagher from Concordia attended the KS Electric Cooperatives on Monday evening. Doug and Kathy Funk took time to watch the House in session on Tuesday and have lunch with me during the Pharmacists Legislative Day at the Capitol. City Hall Day was Wednesday and Larry Uri and Ronnie Copple from Concordia found my basement office (with the help of a former law classmate of Larry’s who is now a revisor in my office complex) and also viewed the debate on the floor before lunch. The annual Farm Bureau Dinner was held Wednesday night. KFB President Steve Baccus from Ottawa County introduced Governor Parkinson who spoke about the importance of family farms. My guests from home were Tina and Mark Steinhaus and Raymond Splitter from Lincoln County, Tom Tibbits from Ottawa County and Brenda Morgan representing Cloud County.
As always, I’m glad you’re interested in our work. The process for bills making their way through the legislature can sometimes be difficult to follow, but I’m always happy to speak with constituents and would be happy to assist you in understanding how the process works. If you would like more information on the bills we’re hearing in my committees, or the status of a certain bill you may have read about please contact me. I’m always able to provide you with as much information as you need.

Rep. Elaine Bowers
Phone 1-800-432-3924
Kansas State Capitol
Room: 54-S
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Phone: 785-296-7642
Email: elaine.bowers@house.ks.gov

2009 Capitol Update

2009-12-31T20:19:00.002-06:00

(please click images to enlarge for reading)

Honoring the Veterans

2009-11-11T10:06:00.004-06:00

State workers unveil the new highway sign

A stretch of US highway 24 has been designated the World War II Veterans Memorial Highway. A dedication ceremony took place Tuesday just east of the US-24/US-81 junction where the sign stands. Through the initiative of Kansas Representatives Elaine Bowers and Vern Swanson, the Memorial Highway runs from the US-24/US-77 junction west of Thomas County.

- Concordia Blade Empire

Things that go Bump in the Night at the Brown Grand Theatre

2009-10-27T11:48:00.001-05:00

On Friday, October 23rd, the Brown Grand received the report from the Wichita Paranormal Research Society, which had conducted a research session at the Brown Grand Theatre in Concordia KS on August 29, 2009 from 7 p.m to 3 a.m.. Sherrie Curry, Investigator, Public Relations Manager and Case Manager, reported to Susan Cantine-Maxson that there were definite signs of “activity” at the Brown Grand. Founded by Shane Elliott, The Wichita Paranormal Research Society is one of the fastest growing paranormal investigation teams in Kansas. The group's website, http://wichitaparanormal.com/ states, “ As paranormal investigators, we are committed to authenticating evidence and documenting the existence of any paranormal activity via audio, video, and other electronic means of equipment. By using current high-tech technology we are able to conduct extensive scientific investigations and interpret the evidence collected and present evidence to the client in the hopes of creating a better understanding of the current activity and possible options to be taken. The Wichita Paranormal Research Society does not attempt to "prove" a haunting. We are here to conduct an investigation where we look at all aspects of reported activity, client observations, and gathered evidence to come up with the most reasonable explanation.”

Curry sent via email several audio files which purport to have whispered sayings on them; many of them are a female voice and are quite difficult to hear. Cantine commented, “I’ve listened very carefully but the only thing I can distinguish is the one where a female clears her throat. I think perhaps we need more sophisticated equipment to play back the files to hear what the researchers heard. They say many of the phrases are hard to distinguish but sound like “It’s my fault” and “that’s right”. Other whisperings include the word “life” and “light”.

Cantine said that the most interesting evidence to her were the videotapes. “Curry sent us four short video clips which show lights. During the investigation the theatre was entirely dark except for flashlights. Curry stated that the bright light was the result of black lights on stage and in most of the videos, the moving light is a flashlight. There is one video, however, which seems to have an unidentified light movement. The Upper left shot of the balcony beside the stair entrance has a quick movement of light and dark that cannot be identified. Cantine continued, “ In some wedding photos from a few years back, it is a light source on stage or an aura that shows up in some of the pictures which was not visible when the photographer was taking the shots. That source of energy seems to be a commonality.”

Curry also reported three other occurrences which were not recorded on videotape:

1. While walking on the catwalk backstage Ted and I thought we saw a shadow of a person walk on stage into a room...maybe the electrical room towards the front of the stage on the left...if you are facing the stage. I thought it was one of us...but it wasn't. Not caught on video.

2. While standing on stage towards the back I thought I saw a shadow of a person up in the balcony on the right...if you are standing on stage...right where you (the Brown Grand) had prior claims...thought it was one of us...found out it was not.

3. While investigating up on the catwalk with Shaun (another investigator) we kept hearing voices but we were unable to identify where they were coming from. Sounded Female...not sure.

For years, the Brown Grand ghost has been called “Earl” because the general manager and son of the builder of the Brown Grand, Earl Van Dorne Brown died in his 30’s and had strong ties to the Brown Grand. Several individuals have reported odd events over the years such as the sighting of a man in period dress in the balcony, nails pounded in the walls in odd places during the Restoration in the late 1970’s. Last summer, an employee of the grocery store across the street says he was staying in the parking lot overnight, guarding a truck load sale, when his dog started barking incessantly. He looked out and saw a couple which looked like a soldier and a woman in old fashioned clothing entering the Brown Grand in the middle of the night through a door which is always locked. They never came out. Recently deceased owner of the Brown Grand when it was a movie theater, Jack Roney had reported that when he stayed late at the theatre, he often heard several voices as if people were having a party. Other unexplained occurrences such as lights dimming for no reason reinforce people’s ideas of the presence of a spirit.

Cantine said, “Since I’ve been here, I’ve always told everyone that Earl and I are buddies, even though I’ve never seen any evidence of a spirit. I know he would be very happy that the theatre is a theatre once again. I’m just sorry that he always gets blamed for everything. If a window gets left open, Earl did it. The computer doesn’t work; Earl is up to his tricks. What I like about the idea of Earl is that he is always very benign. Most of what the paranormal investigators reported was a female voice but they said that gender isn’t really a significant clue to a spirit’s identity, so I still like to think of the ghost as Earl, although there may be more than one spirit in the Brown Grand.”

When individuals were asked to share some of the stories of experiences with the Brown Grand ghost, Concordia resident and State Representative, Elaine Bowers reported:

“I really don’t have a “ghost story” but I will never forget a “feeling” I had following a tour that I gave when I worked at the Chamber of Commerce many years ago. I always had a routine of dropping the curtain last and pulling it up when everyone had left. But one day (and the last time I ever did this) when I was pulling it up and was keenly aware of a “heaviness” (the best way I can describe it) behind me and I turned around and saw the basement drop/floor door was open. It was more of a sense - I never saw anything but I felt something that made me tense up in a way that I had never done before - I had a big urgency to leave quickly. I had a hard time breathing and I felt a level of panic even. I pulled up the curtain as fast as I could and then hurried down the hallway to the front and locked up. I never had that “feeling” before or after nor have I allowed myself to be backstage near the basement door alone again - and I am perfectly happy to go on stage or even give a tour again - but never alone - I will leave with the group!”

Curry said that she didn’t have to worry because it is the electromagnetic force that causes that heaviness. The Brown Grand Ghost has always been a playful spirit.

This weekend, Cloud County Community College will be presenting a play written by director Susan Sutton entitled “Pleasant Hill” on October 29, 30 & 31 at 7. This play centers on the lives of the people buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery in Concordia, including the Brown family who established the Brown Grand Theatre. Perhaps audience members will also witness an occasional cameo role played by a spirit on stage or in the balcony.

For further information from the Wichita Paranormal Research Society contact

Sherrie Curry sherrie10@cox.net
1-316-993-2422

Susan Cantine-Maxson, Executive Director
Brown Grand Theatre, 1907 Restored Opera House
310 W 6th St
PO Box 347
Concordia, KS 66901
(785)243-2553
FAX: 785 243 1167
email: browngrand@nckcn.com
website: www.browngrand.org

Lincoln County Post Rock Celebration 2008

2009-10-24T09:22:00.002-05:00

REPRESENTATIVE ELAINE BOWERS TAPPED FOR LEADERSHIP POSITION

2009-09-22T20:15:00.002-05:00

September 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kansas Representative Elaine Bowers was selected to serve in leadership for the nation’s oldest organization addressing the needs of elected women at all levels of government.

Bowers was elected to serve as State Director of Kansas for the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) at the 2009 NFWL Annual Conference in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Representative Bowers was elected into the Kansas House of Representatives in 2006 and represents House District #107 in north central Kansas.

By accepting the State Director position, Representative Bowers is charged with encouraging support throughout Kansas. Representative Bowers also coordinates activities with the Regional Director of Region 5 which includes AR, KS, LA, MS, MO, OK.

“I am honored to have been selected for this position and eager to reach out to all of the elected women who serve in Kansas to build relationships and include them in the many important programs and initiatives that the National Foundation for Women Legislators offers,” stated Bowers. “I plan to increase opportunities for growth, prosperity, and wellness within the state.”

“Representative Bowers is an articulate and impassioned leader,” remarked NFWL President & CEO, Robin Read. “Her leadership will be an asset to the Foundation and I am confident that with her commitment this will be one of the most exciting and productive years that NFWL has seen,” continued Read.

Elected women from across the nation gathered at NFWL’s recent Annual Conference in New Mexico to identify effective solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing issues. Providing a non-partisan environment that encourages dialogue and information-sharing, legislators are able to build coalitions, share the concerns of their constituents, and highlight initiatives that have been successful within their own state at this annual event.

NFWL’s 2010 Annual Conference will take place November 18-22 at a location to be named shortly.

About the National Foundation For Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)
The mission of NFWL is to provide strategic resources to elected women from all levels of government for leadership development and effective governance through conferences, seminars, issue education materials, professional and personal relationships, and networking at the local, state, and federal levels. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience.

Jamestown Dedication and managing the Wetlands

2009-09-21T12:41:00.000-05:00

By Sharon Sahlfeld

Beloit Call Sports Editor

Local sportsman, area residents and political leaders joined the leaders of several conservation organizations in celebrating the dedication of the Jamestown Wetland Renovation Project on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Gun Club Marsh dam site.

Master of Ceremonies for the dedication was Scott Manley, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., Jackson, MS. The invocation was given by Johnny Belz, TX and the youth led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance. Speakers included Keith Sexson, Assistant Secretary of Operation, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks; Jane Irvine, Greenwing Legacy Advocate, Leavenworth; Tom Warner, former Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioner; Bill Watson, The Nature Conservancy, Wichita; Dennis Haag, Kansas Alliance of Wetlands and Stream, Salina; Jordan Martincich, Pheasants Forever, Ottawa; Kirk Lowell, Cloud Corp, Concordia; Barth Couch, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Salina; Representative Elaine Bowers, Concordia; and concluded by Judy Hill, Mayor, Jamestown.

The day of the dedication began at 9:30 when Greenwing Legacy members (youth members) of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. banded geese with leg bands and neck collars, then released them onto the marsh. After a short break, a drawing was held in which Lori Slate, Jewell, won a copy of a limited edition print entitled "Jamestown Revisited" by Harold Roe, wildlife artist.

"The dedication marks the end of phase one in a multiphase renovation project," said Rob Unruh, Wildlife Manager for Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, These historic wetlands were deteriorating due to sediment deposited in the wetland from the 138 square miles of the Marsh Creek Watershed which lies mostly in Jewell County, but also in Republic and Cloud counties."

The Kansas Forestry Fish and Game Commission purchased back several tracts from private landowners in 1932 and began management of what was referred to as Republic County State Lake, which is now Gamekeeper Marsh, the largest marsh that lies just north of Gun Club Marsh which is where the dedication took place. The old Jamestown Gun Club was purchased by the agency in the 1950's and 60's and became Gun Club Marsh.

The area is managed by Rob Unruh, Webber, and Assistant Manager, Matt Farmer, Concordia. It is supervised by Public Lands Supervisor, Bruce Taggart, Hays. Law enforcement duties are shared by the Wildlife Area Managers, Lieutenant Lynn Thompson, Scandia, and Natural Resource Officers Todd Robinson, Concordia and Michael Peterson, Mankato.

Rob Unruh was hired in January of 1990 to manage several wildlife areas in North Central Kansas with Jamestown being one of those areas. "I have been hunting in Jamestown for several years prior to being hired by KDWP so I was familiar with the territory and the mud, oh the mud!, said Unruh.

Working for another conservation agency prior to his employment at Jamestown, Unruh understood the landscape and the processes responsible for the sediment which had filled the marshes. "Now it has become my chance to explore options to keep this marsh functioning for wildlife to migrate to and hunters to build memories with," stated Unruh.

The natural salt marsh wetland located on the 140 mile drainage of Marsh Creek is historically old and was mentioned in Col. Zebulon Pike's journals and in many historical accounts, surveyors notes and early naturalist bird findings. They were wet and then in the summer they were dry leaving the salt laying on top of the cracked soil. Sometimes that schedule was reversed but it attracted wildlife and water attracted people. Early settlers tried to dam the marshes to make the wet season last longer than the dry. Floods would cover vast areas in the flat creek bottoms. They would not last long but maybe several in a year.

The marshes had been managed as lakes by the early Forestry Fish and Game Commission since 1932 but they were really marshes all along. Management was at the pleasure of the creek. "The former managers showed me copies of grand projects to offset the sediment and control the water but they never quite got funded and those old hunters would tell the tales of the good old days but they didn't quite remember the bad days," said Unruh, "When it was time to ask the public if they thought the marshes were worth saving they all said yes. They offered ideas, brushed off old plans to be updated and even money if we could make a plan. The old duck hunters were told that the renovation would dry up the marshes for awhile and they were willing to make the sacrifice."

Matt Farmer has known Rob since he was ten years old. "Not to make him sound old or anything, but he has a picture of me when the department initiated its first youth season," said Farmer, "I was fifteen years old when my dad and a friend brought myself and two other youngsters to Jamestown. We had a great hunt and an even better experience."

Now Farmers experience has brought him back to the wetlands to assist Unruh in managing the wetlands.

Farmer started working in the Jamestown Wildlife area on December, 2008. He attended the Kansas Law Enforcement training center for law enforcement certification January through mid April at Marion Reservoir in 2006. At Marion, he was a seasonal employee through the summers in college and was hired as a Public Lands Wildlife Biologist Technician. He has been with KDWP since March of 2006.

Farmer was hired at Jamestown Wildlife Area to assist with the operation and management of the area. Rob has three other properties he manages along with Jamestown. Farmer's job is to lighten his load where ever he can. He oversees projects that take place on the area and coordinates with contractors to make sure everything runs smooth. He assist with habitat development and management, which includes moving water to flood habitat for waterfowl, burning uplands for ground nesting birds, controlling noxious weeds and unwanted vegetation on the area, and anything else that we include in our management plan. He supervises several seasonal employees and is responsible for the maintenance of the area infrastructure, equipment and buildings on the area. Farmer performs Law Enforcement duties as well, patrolling opening and busy weekends and is in the area throughout the year. He works with other Area Managers and Biologists inside and outside the department on surveys and research projects that take place throughout the year.

"Law Enforcement is another management tool that is crucial for our resources on the area," said Farmer, "My job is to make sure every one is safe and that they are following our state/federal laws and regulations."

Farmer works with other organizations to plan special events such as youth hunts, special hunts/events such as the dedication. He also gives presentations to groups about the area and the natural resources of Kansas.

"As managers, we wear a lot of different hats. We do everything from paying bills and cleaning toilets, to working on equipment and writing articles for our magazine and our area web page," says Farmer, "If you can think of anything at all, we do it on our areas. We are passionate about what we do and we want our users to enjoy our areas as much as possible."

"I love working at Jamestown," said Farmer, "I have always been interested in wetland management, and to come to an area that is growing and improving is very exciting to me. I find the job challenging and I am learning a lot from Rob and the other managers in this region. The improvements we have made have been exciting as well. It is great to see how the local community has supported this project. These improvements will allow us to be able to produce the best habitat possible for the wildlife that thrive here and for our users enjoy."

Farmer lives in Concordia with his wife of four years and his 16 month old daughter. "I grew up hunting ducks here at Jamestown and harvested my first duck here when I was eleven years old," said Farmer, "I have been blessed with a family who loves the outdoors." Hunting, fishing and camping out was a major part Farmer's childhood. He decided at an early age that he wanted to work with wildlife and has always been interested in managing habitat for wildlife. "It is very rewarding to see people on our area (especially kids and families) having great experiences while hunting, fishing, and/or camping," said Farmer, "My father has been an avid waterfowler his whole life. He has been a major influence on me and is still my best hunting partner. We have always been close and I consider him to be my best friend. I believe that is all because he took the time 24 year ago to take me along and show me what the outdoors and hunting were all about. He started taking me duck hunting when I was four years old, and I have been a "waterfowl junkie" ever since. I can't get enough of it. My wife loves to join me on some hunts to harvest a few birds and take pictures."

Rob Unruh has become the right person at the right place and time. With Rob in the lead, joined by the cast of Scott Manley, Eric Held and Bruce Taggart, with backing from Secretary Mike Hayden, Fish and Wildlife Division Director Joe Kramer and Public Lands Section Chief Brad Simpson, local constituents and legislators, these improvements have been carried out like clockwork.

"The engineers drew up plans and we would evaluate and then look for partners to help with funding the project," say Rob Unruh. We formed a group of 15 partners. We applied for the grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, twice! We finally got approved and construction began. Bids were let and contractors came to work from Louisiana, Beloit and Oklahoma. Drainage canals were built first but they not only helped dry the marsh to help construction but are a part of the seasonal water management we will use for years to come. The new Marsh Creek Marsh was constructed to gain almost 300 more acres of habitat. The old Gun Club Dam was raised to gain back some water depth lost from years of sediment buildup. Then the berm in the middle of Gun Club Marsh was constructed to divide the marsh and help us manage water and habitat better, especially in the dry years when at least one side will have the water needed for migrating waterfowl and fall hunting. A by pass canal was also constructed to move water stored in the upper Marsh, Gamekeeper, into the west marsh of Gun Club. We also constructed the drainage canals in Gamekeeper Marsh in preparation of a future project. We had a lot of help.

At the start of the dedication, Speaker, Jane Irvine, Greenwing president said, "The dedication today is proof of hard work where state and federal came together to help save our wetlands. The Carin monument dedicated in 1932 to preserve our wetlands left a legacy over 75 years ago for the future of Ducks Unlimited."

Junior Greenwings are younger Ducks Unlimited members. By joining DU, they participate in the conservation, restoration and management of wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. A contribution of $10 makes a Greenwing member of Ducks Unlimited. As a DU Greenwing member, they can be proud to know that they are one of more than 60,000 young people who love the outdoors and care about protecting wetlands across North America.

In 1985 Kansas Fish and Game Commission partnered with Ducks Unlimited to purchase habitat and build several small wetlands, the first project of this type in Kansas. More lands were purchased in the 1990's and the Shelley Wetland and the Jamestown Oxbow Marshes were completed.

In 2001, it was decided to get serious about making significant improvements to Jamestown for future generations. A public meeting was held in Concordia and the consensus was to move forward with a renovation project. Ducks Unlimited stepped forward and Scott Manley was assigned to the project. This was the start of something big for Jamestown.

In 2002, an engineer was needed to put ideas on paper and Chris Cox, a lifelong hunter of Jamestown, from Schwab-Eaton Engineering took an interest in the project. He was later joined by Eric Held, DU Engineer, to progressively plan towards results on the ground.

The plans were presented to the public in 2003 and everyone was realizing this renovation was really going to happen.

A contract to develop drainage channels in Gun Club Marsh was completed and additional wetlands were purchased in 2004.

In 2005, new acquisitions made it possible for a new large marsh below Gun Club and the 300 acre Marsh Creek Marsh, which backs up to the Gun Club Dam behind were the dedication took place, was born.

Also in 2005, the first Jamestown North American Wetland Conservation Act grant (NAWCA) was submitted and rejected, but the council said they could resubmit if the funds were secured with partner support. In just 60 days, a total of 13 new partners and $152,000 was submitted and the $3.2 million grant was approved.

Gun Club Marsh dam was modified in 2006 and raised one foot to offset the loss of water depth due to sedimentation. The average depth at the time was only 18 inches.

The Gun Club Phase I Project began in 2007 with construction of the subdividing berm which split the marsh in two for better habitat management. Marsh acres loss for berm construction, were mitigated by building the small 14 acre marsh directly below Gun Club. A bypass canal was also constructed to move normal creek flows from the Gamekeeper Dam, trough the west side of Gun Club Marsh. Phase I construction was complete with the drainage channels for Gamekeeper Marsh and replacing he old slide gate.

In December 2007, the 2nd NAWCA grant was received for $1.4 million land acquisition from willing sellers. To date there have been three acquisitions adding 185 acres. All these acres remain on the local county tax roles.

In 2008, with the help and support of local Concordia Representative Elaine Bowers, the new Assistant Manager position was achieved. Matt Farmer, a lifelong hunter of Jamestown started work in December 2008.

During the 2009 ceremony, Representative Elaine Bowers, Concordia, thanked Rob Unruh for all that he has done on the project. "It has been a learning experience and we have been able to keep the front doors open for the project," she said.

Awarded in 2009, a grant from Conoco/Pillips, will result in a $220,000 project called Buffalo Creek Marshes located just across the Buffalo Creek Bridge north of the city of Jamestown. With support from conservation partners, DU, and the Play Lakes Joint Venture, the Buffalo Creek Marsh project will create 197 acres of marsh that will be ready to hunt in 2010.

Tom Warner, former Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioner; and now a professor at K-State in natural resources said, "Thirty three years ago at the overlook, I saw open water with ducks everywhere and I knew then, we had found a very special place. I come and hunt here every year and I am a strong supporter in the development of the Marsh." He continued, "We have had tremendous support by the Wildlife and Parks and I tip my hat to them for their support. I hope the Wildlife and Parks and sportsman continue to work on this development. It's not done yet. I come here for outdoor recreation and I wish to thank Rob Unruh for his always helpful way. He is a good guy to be around, a true professional, a mainstay always there to say hi and welcome us to our site."

Scott Manley, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and Master of the ceremony, presented speaker Bill Watson, The Nature Conservancy, Wichita. "I showed Watson the project from an airplane and it was a bumpy ride that day," said Manley, "Both of us were looking a little green and I told Bill that if he promised to help us out I would take him down," Manley said laughingly, as he introduced Watson to the podium.

"This movement has gone forward but has been a long journey and without all the pieces in the middle it would have never worked," said Watson, "It has all been about connections. About connections of water flowing, that provides for wildlife. A connection that is hard to understand and easy to disrupt. A connection between the government, county, landowners, etc. Today, I appreciate the chance to celebrate that connection that made this all possible, and to be a part of this project.

Dennis Hagg, Kansas Alliance of Wetlands and Stream from Salina talked about KAWS and their outlook on the Jamestown project.

KAWS is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure the future of wetland and streams for future of generations. KAWS works with local people to create, protect and restore our state’s wetland and stream resources. Organized in 1996, KAWS is a 501.C.3. educational public charity reaching a broad spectrum of individuals, groups, and governments to improve the wetlands and streams they own or control. KAWS provides its services through 12 local chapters that cover the entire state.

Jordan Martincich, Pheasants Forever speaker of Ottawa, thanked all the Chapters for their support and said, "It is great to see all the young people here and getting involved. Kids, I hope you remember your parents, uncles or whoever are taking you hunting are doing you a service and always thank them."

Barth Couch, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Salina, said, "We are not done yet. We still have to focus on our mission."

Speaker Kirk Lowell, Cloud Corp, Concordia, said, "There has been local partnership that has helped make this happen and Rob Unruh is the spark plug that keeps it running. We need our local participation and regional coalition with Cloud County commissioners. Without our local and political help this would not be possible."

Jamestown mayor, Judy Hill, thanked all who were their to support the dedication and invited them to the community hall for a wonderful dinner which was prepared by Jude's and sponsored by Ducks Unlimited. Mayor Hill concluded with a prayer. Hill and Bowers along with Greenwing, Justin Saathoff of Lawrence, unveiled the Carin Monument overlooking the Marsh.

The wildlife area is a 4,729 acre public hunting area and is situated in the Central Flyway, making it an important migration stopover for waterfowl, shore birds and other water birds, including the endangered whooping crane, which is a frequent visitor in both spring and fall.

"This project is the result of a partnership between 15 different groups and organizations." continued Unruh, "Together they supported the 3.2 million dollar renovation. Without this renovation, the marsh would have filled with sediment and cattails, and ceased to exist someday."

Unruh explained that current farming and conservation methods on the watershed have drastically reduced the amount of sediment that now comes into the marsh. However, with the renovation, Wildlife Area managers are able now to better control excessive stands of cattails, provide better habitat for wildlife and it improved the area with better access for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

"The key element in the renovation was better water management, said Unruh, No sediment was removed due to the prohibitive cost and environmental concern."

In March 2010, another NAWCA grant will be submitted to enhance existing Marsh Creek Marsh and a pumping facility for the Buffalo Creek Marshes. Department funds used for the construction of Buffalo Creek Marsh this year will be used as match in NAWCA III next year.

Partners of the Jamestown Wetland Renovation Project are: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; North American Wetland Conservation Council (NAWCA); Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; The Nature Conservancy; Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Pheasants Forever; Westar Energy; Kansas Wildlife Federation; Cloud Corp; Cloud County Board of Commissioners; City of Jamestown; Cloud County Convention and Tourism; Jewell County Board of Commissioners; Republic County Board of Commissioners; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

“In order to secure the NAWCA grant we had to show support from this partnership; NAWCA contributed $1 million while the 2.2 million dollar balance was a combined effort from the other groups,” said Unruh.

Rob Unruh commented, "If you attended the dedication you saw the shadow of the good old days and the folks, almost 200 strong. The old duck hunters, former managers and the new faces of the young Greenwings that banded the wild geese. They all still said yes. We will still manage at the pleasure of the creek but we have learned a lot about her and will try to work with her to mimic the natural wet and dry cycles and of course manage for the future. Water for everyone and every living thing is important. We need more good old days outdoors, more old duck hunters. It takes young duck hunters to make old duck hunters and older need to recruit the younger. Oh the mud? It's still there but it's not so bad when it has a chance to dry out and grow plants that wildlife love."

Jamestown Wetland Renovation Project Dedication

2009-09-21T11:04:00.001-05:00

Local sportsman, area residents and political leaders joined the leaders of several conservation organizations in celebrating the dedication of the Jamestown Wetland Renovation Project on Saturday, September 19, 2009 at the Gun Club Marsh dam site.

The dedication marks the end of phase one in a multi-phase renovation project, said Rob Unruh, Wildlife Manager for Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. These historic wetlands were deteriorating due to sediment deposited in the wetland from the 138 square miles of the Marsh Creek Watershed which lies mostly in Jewell County, but also in Republic and Cloud counties.

The marsh itself is just north of the city of Jamestown. The wildlife area is a 4,729 acre public hunting area and is situated in the Central Flyway, making it an important migration stop-over for waterfowl, shore birds and other water birds, including the endangered whooping crane, which is a frequent visitor in both spring and fall.

This project is the result of a partnership between 15 different groups and organizations. continued Unruh, Together they supported the 3.2 million dollar renovation. Without this renovation, the marsh would have filled with sediment and cattails, and ceased to exist someday.

Unruh explained that current farming and conservation methods on the watershed have drastically reduced the amount of sediment that now comes into the marsh. However, with the renovation, Wildlife Area managers are able now to better control excessive stands of cattails, provide better habitat for wildlife and it improved the area with better access for hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The key element in the renovation was better water management, said Unruh. No sediment was removed due to the prohibitive cost and environmental concern.

The renovation project began in 2001 with public meetings followed by a feasibility study in 2003; drainage of channels in 2004; construction of a new 300 acre marsh, named Marsh Creek Marsh, in 2005; raising the height of the Gun Club Marsh dam in 2006; and they completed construction of a sub-dividing berm and bypass canal in Gun Club Marsh in 2007. Jamestown Marsh was flooded 8 times in 2008 causing damage to the construction and repairs were completed early this year.

The division of Gun Club Marsh into 2 units, accomplished by constructing an earthen levy, allows for different management activities in each marsh unit. This arrangement also is a water conservation measure to be used in water-short years. All of the water can be channeled into one or the other units, allowing the marsh to be at optimum condition for wildlife and hunting.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and Ducks Unlimited, Inc. enlisted the professional services of Schwab-Eaton Engineers to design and manage construction of the project. Chris Cox, a Concordia native, was the principle engineer.

Speakers at the dedication highlighted the value of the renovation and the importance of the 15-organization partnership that made it all possible.

Partners of the Jamestown Wetland Renovation Project are: Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks; North American Wetland Conservation Council (NAWCA); Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; The Nature Conservancy; Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams; Pheasants Forever; Westar Energy; Kansas Wildlife Federation; CloudCorp; Cloud County Board of Commissioners; City of Jamestown; Cloud County Convention and Tourism; Jewell County Board of Commissioners; Republic County Board of Commissioners; and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

In order to secure the NAWCA grant we had to show support from this partnership; NAWCA contributed $1million while the 2.2 million dollar balance was a combined effort from the other groups, said Unruh.

The day of the dedication began at 9:30 when Greenwing Legacy members (youth members) of Ducks Unlimited, Inc banded geese with leg bands and neck collars, then released them onto the marsh. After a short break, a drawing was held in which Lori Slate, Jewell, won a copy of a limited edition print entitled Jamestown Revisited by Harold Roe, wildlife artist.

Master of Ceremonies for the dedication was Scott Manley, Ducks Unlimited, Inc, Jackson, MS. The invocation was given by Johnny Belz, TX and the youth led in the saying of the Pledge of Allegiance. Speakers included Keith Sexson, Assistant Secretary of Operation, Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks; Jane Irvine, Greenwing Legacy Advocate, Leavenworth; Tom Warner, former Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commissioner; Bill Watson, The Nature Conservancy, Wichita; Dennis Haag, Kansas Alliance of Wetlands and Stream, Salina; Jordan Martincich, Pheasants Forever, Ottawa; Kirk Lowell, CloudCorp, Concordia; Barth Couch, Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Salina; Representative Elaine Bowers, Concordia; and concluded by Judy Hill, Mayor, Jamestown.

The unveiling of the Carin Monument was accomplished by Judy Hill and Rep. Elaine Bowers. A luncheon, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. was held at the Jamestown Community Center following the dedication.

The area is managed by Rob Unruh, Webber, and Assistant Manager, Matt Farmer, Concordia; supervised by Public Lands Supervisor, Bruce Taggart, Hays. Law enforcement duties are shared by the Wildlife Area Managers, Lieutenant Lynn Thompson, Scandia, and Natural Resource Officers Todd Robinson, Concordia and Michael Peterson, Mankato.

Local Troops Deployment Luncheon Speech

2009-07-22T18:22:00.004-05:00

Thank you fellows! It’s so wonderful to be up here wishing you goodbye from us here in north central Kansas! I asked myself how to make this ceremony better yet for you and I think I found a few ways. When your Captain Reidel called, he asked just for a speech but he got all of this instead. I phoned our American Legion Auxiliary President Gwen and asked her to do a lunch for you and your families – she said “YOU BET” – I asked if we should check with American Legion men - she said NOPE. Sorry Commander Valcoure! –GIRLS WIN! Let me have them wave to you: (insert from Gwen: The American Legion Aux. Unit 76 of Concordia has sponsored this luncheion. Hosted by the Units veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Chairman Pattie Post and Community Service Chairman Lorenne Phipps. Other members helping are: Gwen Trost, Laura Christensen, Ruth Lewellyn, Vicki Roberts, Anita Wisdom, Alice Fay Hanson, Jeniffer Ramsey, Kathy feriend, Karen Driscal, Wanda Sallman and Makayla Nelson. The auxiliary also wants to thank Walmart and the American Legion Club Room for their donations. The Auiliary all want to wish our local Troops and others the best of luck and that their prayers will be with you.
Just so you all know, Gwen is the President of the largest American Auxiliary unit in Kansas – 530plus! Good Job ladies!
And to Commander Bill Valcoure and Legion Rider President Ricky Simpson – thank you for never telling me NO whenever I ask for your help. You know and I know that everything I do in my job; you do in your job is due to these soldiers today and the veterans we’ve lost & those still with us. So a big thank you to the American Legion, the Auxiliary and Riders for today, for not forgetting our past & for stepping up EVERY TIME our men need us here.

So another thing I did was to call in some of my co-mates from Topeka to be here to eat lunch with you and say farewell with me. They’re here from around the state for you – let me have them stand up for you - Senator Jay Emler, Lindsborg, Representative Sharon Schwartz, Washington, Rep. Jim Ward, Wichita and Rep. Arlen Siegfried, Olatha. Thanks for coming!
I asked them here for a reason and this it is: I don’t know how many of you have ever contacted your legislator or have give much thought to who we are. I honestly thought the same way myself before I joined them in Topeka. Well here’s the great thing – besides your one Senator and your 1 Representative – you truly have 165 of us total in Topeka pulling for you, watching out for you & your families. And I haven’t even mentioned the other elected officials such as Treasurer McKinney, Agency heads and of course, your Governor. It’s important for you to know that you have any & all of us at a drop of a hat to help you at anytime. I also wanted you to see that we are really just PUBLIC SERVANTS or CITIZEN LEGISLATORS and not POLITICIANS you read about in the papers or see on TV. Real people doing a job defending your rights with laws like you do WITH your job of defending my freedom that you are trained to do. And Kansas Citizen Soldiers at that.

I know I was introduced as a Representative – but I also want you to know me as a daughter, grand-daughter and great-grand-daughter of Kansas soldiers. I grew up with stories full of memories complete with uniforms, pictures and medals to back them up. I still remember my Dad pulling down a shoebox of stuff from the closet when his friends were over. And so you also know, a big joy of my new job is working with veterans and supporting our troops anyway I can. There are so many aspects of the job but one is to carry a bill on the house floor – every member will do this at some point or another. If you are not used to standing behind a podium – it is nerve racking to say the least and if you have ever seen the house floor then you may remember how close the desks are together. I was assigned a bill my 1st month there, I researched it, tweaked the bill brief and took it to “the well” and did the job my leadership trained me to do to the best of my ability as a newcomer. And it went a good as I expected. – later that day Rep. McKinney (now Treasurer) who sat the closest to the podium on one side told me good job and I asked him if he could see my knees shaking! My friends know this quark of mine and still ask me about my knees today. The point of this story is to tell you that my knees aren’t shaking talking to you today and I know the secret now. I’m here for one reason today – that is to speak to you and you alone. They’re my peers – you are my people. It’s like tunnel vision just for you. I know who I am and I know who you are but better yet, I know what you do for me and everyone else in the State. I understand your oath, which by the way is very similar to ours. We both swear to God to defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Kansas. I understand your commitment but I also respect your sacrifice. I will never tell you I know how you feel – I don’t and I won’t pretend too even guess. Instead, let me tell you how I feel when I leave for the 4 ½ months to be a representative in Topeka. I leave every Sunday night and return every Friday night. I leave my life here - I leave my family, friends, job, my dog and my hobbies. My career consumes me that if you asked my husband Charlie if I’m really home when I’m home, he’d tell you NO. I miss dance programs, vocal programs, band concerts, conferences and homework. But I don’t miss a call to home every night. Other than what I just mentioned, I miss the smells of home the most; the dew on the grass, the mist of off my pond – just plain-fresh-Kansas-country air. NOW - what I gained is camaraderie with my co-mates - people I can count on through thick and thin, leadership from my “veterans” those who have served longer than I have – both parties and the notion of being part of something so much bigger than myself. And finally the satisfaction of knowing that I am doing something to help people, protecting people with good laws by using my own good judgment. I hope as I rattled those things off if I hit on a few of yours – so not to compare myself with you and your job at all, I dare to say I feel a connection to you that perhaps others not in our situation wouldn’t understand. Now having said all of that, I know when I leave home; people are there to take care of my family. And if by inviting my legislative friends here today & that you know you have me here or there, perhaps you can rest some easier knowing we all care more than you ever knew. Now Sgt. Mehlius and Sgt. Metz have my cell # and my email address – that’s how quick you can get me – and thanks to my 17 year old daughter – I know how to text too!

I want to tell you about a KS National Guardsman we sold a truck to before I left for session in January. Not unlike other people, he brought in a portfolio which I assumed he would put his title and paperwork into after I finished it – but I was wrong, he was headed directly to the courthouse to tag his truck and that thick book was his Purple Heart – one of two – so he could apply for the Kansas Purple Heart metal tag. As we talked about his experiences in Iraq he kept turning the conversation back to my job in Topeka – and then my jaw dropped as he told he admires what I do as a Representative. I was shocked – this Kansas soldier – wounded twice and with 2 bronze stars for bravery – admired me & my job? It didn’t compute and still doesn’t but we both agree we respect each other for what we do and will always be friends. He is in CA waiting for surgery as I speak – and I am anxious for him to return back to Kansas but certainly no more than his family who wants him home. I have another hero in Concordia and this one I related to as a parent. I knew my Chief of Police, Danny Parker & his wife had lost a son in Iraq but until he told us his story on Veterans Day in 2008 did I understand how a vote of mine in Topeka can matter in a truly personal way back home. He spoke of his grief, his anguish and his anger – his anger toward a group who protests at our soldiers funerals – you know who I mean. I voted for the Funeral Picketing Bill in my Federal & State Affairs Committee and then again on the house floor. It was back the next year to be strengthen even more. I voted again and I would vote a million more times YES for each and every one of you - and for my chief and all the families who need that protection that the law allows. It would be no big surprise to you that the American Legion Riders and Patriot Guards are heroes of Chef Parker would it? Today is my chiefs last day here in Concordia – lucky people in Winfield Kansas. But I doubt he can forget us here in Concordia though because we won’t let him!!

Did you know there was a display in the Capital building with an original Kansas National Guardsman uniform and other memento on the 1st floor? Well, I didn’t myself I am ashamed to tell you – I rushed by it every day my 1st year there always in a hurry going to my next meeting. It’s been moved now due to the remodeling of the Capital. I haven’t found it displayed yet but I will make you a promise – I’ll chase down that architect in the hard hat and 3 piece suit and see what his plans are and where they are putting it upon completion of the remodel. So when you are back from your tour in a year, how about looking me up in Topeka or one of my friends here to show it to you. And for that matter, with you commanders’ permission, of course, I bet this American Legion community will throw you a homecoming party – dinner and dance – if you’d like that – and you know - they haven’t told me NO yet!

So now, thank you taking time to have lunch with us here in Concordia with our citizens, our veterans and members of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Riders. Thanks you for everything you do to protect us and for all your sacrifices in doing it. Be safe, take care and remember, we will take care of everything and everyone back here in Kansas while you’re gone. And that’s a promise that cannot be broken – ever.

God speed and God Bless America!!