Kansas Association of Community College Trustees

KACCT Newsletter
April 1, 2005

700 S. W. Jackson, Ste. 1000, Topeka, Kansas 66603 - (785)-357-5156

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”
                                                                                                                     n      Mother Teresa

Budget Deliberations Clear Final Hurdles and the News Is Good….The House, in an 81-42 vote, and the Senate, in a 26-13 vote, have both approved the conference committee report on SB 225, the budget bill.  For FY 2006, they have agreed with the Governor’s recommendation to partially fund SB 345 with $5.4 million for community colleges.  They also concurred with her recommendation to buy down out-district tuition from $12 per credit hour to $6; however, they included $3.1 million to offset this lost revenue.  The $3.1 million was an amendment made in the Senate Education Committee, which was upheld when the Senate passed their original budget package.  Enthusiasm for additional money was not supported in the House whose budget package included the 345 money alone – although they had a delay of the out-district tuition buy-down bill ready for introduction if warranted.  The Senate conferees took a strong position during conference committee negotiations earlier this week with the $3.1 million not a debatable issue and ultimately passed the conference committee report with this provision in tact.  Next stop is the Governor’s desk.

Thank you to all those who showed community college appreciation by contacting members of the conference committee – Representatives Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, and Bill Feuerborn, D-Garnett, and Senators Dwayne Umbarger, R-Thayer, Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, and Jim Barone, D-Frontenac – as well as Regents’ leaders Reggie Robinson and Kip Peterson with thanks for their support.  The strength of our numbers has made an important impression.  The next step is thanking those legislators who represent the 19 colleges for getting this budget bill passed. 

Progress To Date….Earlier in the session, the list of bills impacting or potentially impacting community colleges and/or state universities numbered over 40.  As we approach first adjournment, expected later today, Friday, April, we still have several issues still in play:                     

*HB 2072:  Tuition and fee waivers for dependents of public service officers, military killed in action.
Status:  In conference committee
*SB 217:  Tuberculosis screening for entering students
Status:  In conference (amended into two separate bills, so it is likely one of them will pass today)
*SB 48:  Dealing with contracts, indemnification or hold harmless clauses
Status:  Awaiting the Governor’s approval
*SB 2315:  Licensing of vehicles for truck driving schools
Status:  Awaiting the Governor’s approval
*SB 9:  Concerning community college contracts with out of state schools
Status:  Signed by the Governor 

What Happens Next?….When the House and Senate adjourn later today – or as late as sometime on Saturday – they will go home until the end of April.  The Senate Ways and Means Committee and the House Appropriation Committee are tentatively planning to return to the Capitol for meetings on Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22.  The full House and Senate reconvenes on Wednesday, April 27.  Their agenda will include the omnibus appropriations bill as well as reconsideration of those bills vetoed by the Governor.  Look for your next Legislative Newsletter on Friday, April 29.

Important Resources to gather legislative and budget information:
www.accesskansas.org
www.kslegislature.org Kansas Legislature
http://skyways.lib.ks.us/ksleg/KLRD/klrd.html Legislative Research Department