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Archive of Kansas on Monday May 05, 2008
Coal debate still not resolved
Old-timers like to say politics is the art of compromise. The line holds true most of the time in the Legislature. Consider the Houdini-like escapes from a school-finance quagmire in 2006 and the bloody battle that accompanied expansion of casino gambling during 2007. Read More
Enduring cancer without coverage
When Tracie Revis started her fight against cancer more than two years ago, she didn't expect to take on a health care system ill-equipped to handle an uninsured 20-something. Read More
Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state. Read More
Jittery lawmakers slash millions from catch-all bill
As Kansas lawmakers work toward final adjournment, Senate leaders are getting nervous about the economy and the current level of state spending. Read More
Records show Kline didn't drop efforts
Phill Kline didn't abandon attempts to prosecute Wichita abortion provider George Tiller after leaving the attorney general's office, recently unsealed court records show. Read More
Dog track ends talks with lottery regulators
FRONTENAC, Kan. - The owner of Camptown Greyhound Park has ended negotiations with the Kansas Lottery that would reopen the racetrack with slot machines, the Lottery Commission said. Read More
Supreme Court unseals records in abortion cases
The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday unsealed two lawsuits demanding that Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline return abortion records to Planned Parenthood. Read More
Bills seek punishment for use, display of fake weapons
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Concerns that realistic-looking toy weapons are confusing police and threatening safety have led 15 states to take a crack at going beyond gun control to implement fake-gun control. Read More
Midwest avoids brunt of economic slowdown
For at least a year, economists have warned that a Midwestern slowdown may be on the way. But month after month, quarter after quarter, key indicators have remained positive. Read More
Politicians celebrate KU wins
Politicians put aside their differences Friday to honor Kansas University's men's basketball, football and debate teams. Read More
Blunt makes another pick to join Ethics Commission
Gov. Matt Blunt has announced that he is picking Bloomfield lawyer James R. Tweedy to fill a Democratic spot on the state Ethics Commission. Read More
Kansas Capitol Notebook - college's foundation comes in for criticism
Rep. Ben Hodge of Overland Park has some misgivings about the 113-member, nonprofit Johnson County Community College Foundation. Read More
Immigration bill unlikely to live
It appears unlikely that the Legislature this year will pass a law cracking down on illegal immigrants and employers who hire them. Read More
Higher education funding off the table
Higher education officials Friday were upset about a budget amendment that essentially removed the possibility of post-secondary schools getting any additional funding during the wrap-up session. Read More
Medical funds added to budget
House lawmakers may have found an additional $8.6 million to help train doctors in Wichita -- though not how people originally envisioned. Read More
Legislators agree on bill to require voter IDs
Senate and House negotiators reached a tentative compromise Friday on a bill to require voters to show photo identification at the polls. Read More
Lawmakers want to sue Sebelius over coal plants
Kansas House leaders Friday introduced a resolution to allow the Legislature to sue Gov. Kathleen Sebelius over coal-fired electric power plants. Read More
House rejects Senate's budget changes
The House voted overwhelmingly Saturday evening to reject a wrap-up budget from the Senate that swept out all new spending. The 4-116 vote sent the bill back to a negotiating committee. Six members of the House and Senate have been working to develop a budget, but haven't been able to come to an agreement. Read More
Doctor training gets funding
Rural rotations by doctors who get specialized training in Wichita will be funded by $1.5 million included in a health care reform package sent to the governor Saturday. Read More
Coal bill backers try new strategy
Kansas lawmakers struggled to end the 2008 legislative session Saturday, mounting last-minute efforts to resurrect two rejected coal plants. Read More
Cancer treatments don't slow lawmaker
It?s 7:30 a.m., and Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, makes her way into the State Capitol in Topeka. By now, the Kansas Legislature has been in session for four months. Read More
Governor to consider health care bill
Legislators sent Gov. Kathleen Sebelius health care legislation that supporters say provides greater access to health care for many Kansans and saves them money on insurance. Read More
Coal power plant issue keeps lawmakers from wrapping up
It was supposed to be the last day of the wrap-up session. But another coal plant measure emerged Saturday, the Senate adjourned in a huff and said it may not come back, and Gov. Kathleen Sebelius gave the session a general thumbs down. Read More
Bill approved that would test drivers after accidents
Dennis and Denise Bixby wiped tears from their eyes Saturday as they sat in the House gallery and watched lawmakers approve a bill that they helped push through the Legislature. Read More
Bush visits Greensburg, a town torn and then reborn after 2007 tornado
GREENSBURG, Kan. - Alvin Hewitt was the first baby born at Kiowa County Memorial Hospital after it opened in 1950. Today, the hospital is gone. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in. Read More
Parents turn to states for autism help
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs. Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views. Read More
Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure. Read More
With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say. Read More
More states offer choice in long-term care
More states are poised to offer a successful alternative to traditional Medicaid plans that allows elders and the disabled to avoid moving to a nursing facility by hiring friends, neighbors or family members to look after them in their own homes. Read More
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)
The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college. Read More
'Don't forget us,' PA candidates tell voters
As Pennsylvanians prepare to go to the polls tomorrow to cast ballots in the April 22 presidential primary, experts wonder how the surge in registered voters will affect little-noticed state legislative races, particularly those in the House, where Democrats cling to a one-seat majority. Read More
Partisan mix in R.I., Conn. poses challenges
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Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
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WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More |
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