Kansas Senate

Drug Testing Bill Awaits Gov's Signature

Associated Press — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 22:37:14 +0000

Senators have sent a bill to Gov. Sam Brownback's desk that would require Kansas residents who receive welfare and unemployment benefits to submit to drug testing.

Teacher Bargaining Rights Bills Shelved

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:50:06 +0000

Two bills that would have cut back teachers' bargaining rights have been shelved for this session.

Senate Leaders Considering KDOT/KTA Merger

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:40:31 +0000

A limited merger of the Kansas Turnpike Authority and the Kansas Department of Transportation recently passed the House, but leaders in the Kansas Senate may be interested in something a bit more comprehensive.

Senate Passes Modified Version Of Brownback Tax Plan

Stephen Koranda — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:48:14 +0000

The Kansas Senate has passed a bill that would cut income tax rates in Kansas and keep the sales tax at its current rate.

Dozens Of Bills Passed Before Legislative Deadline

Stephen Koranda — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:51:23 +0000

"Turnaround" is basically the midpoint of the legislative session. Most bills that haven’t passed one chamber by today are dead for this year.

Senate Passes Bill Requiring Drug Testing For Benefit Applicants

Associated Press — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:00:08 +0000

Kansas senators approved a bill Thursday that would require many of the state's elected officials and applicants for certain welfare benefits to undergo drug testing.

Applicants for Temporary Assistance to Need Families (or TANF) would undergo testing, as well as the governor, legislators and other state workers. Supporters say the measure is designed to help poor residents kick their addictions, get job training skills, and find employment. Opponents say the bill perpetuates the stereotype that poor people are also drug users.

Senate VP Sponsors Bill To Drug Test State Aid Recipients

Kate Clause and Associated Press — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 19:51:28 +0000

Supporters say a bill to require some recipients of state benefits to be tested for drug use will help people improve their lives, not punish them.

Senate Vice President Jeff King told the Commerce Committee Wednesday that the proposals in Senate Bill 149 will help those receiving assistance payments or unemployment benefits to receive treatment and find employment.

Senate Committee Approves Gov. Brownback's Tax Plan

Associated Press — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 19:35:48 +0000

The Kansas Senate Assessment and Taxation committee endorsed most of Gov. Sam Brownback's tax plan Tuesday. The committee spent fewer than 10 minutes discussing the governor's proposals before approving the bill. The legislation could move to the full senate for debate next week.

KU Cancer Center Recognizes Wagle

Stephen Koranda — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:44:06 +0000

Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle was recognized at the Statehouse Thursday for her support of cancer research.

Committee Continues Hearings On Union Paycheck Bill

Stephen Koranda — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:12:38 +0000

A Kansas Senate committee continued hearings Wednesday on a controversial bill affecting union paycheck deductions.