March 4, 2005
ssharp@ink.org
Friends:
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to complete the online survey. For those who were daunted by its length, I have cut it down a bit - 18 questions!
This was a short week for us, thus, a short Sharp Record. Because we were on the floor most of last week for Turnaround, we traditionally get a 4-day weekend. Speaking of weekend, enjoy a GORGEOUS one – spring is a-comin’!
Used Car Sales Tax refund form
Personal Activities and Education
Floor Activities
Commerce and Labor
Corrections and Juvenile Justice
Higher Education
Where’s Waldo
Resources
If you purchased a used car from a private seller in the last couple of months, and the state said your car was worth more than you actually paid for it, the governor has signed the Used Car Sales Tax repeal. Click here for the refund form.
Personal Activities and Education
Big education debate Thursday – we debated the House Select Committee on Education’s bill (HB 2474). You can read my overview of the bill on my education bill summary link.
This was a pretty tough debate for us. The underlying bill was very good for the Shawnee Mission School District, and was in fact supported by SMSD. There were a handful of amendments proposed that would also have been good for our area, but if they passed onto the bill, they would have killed the bill. There were also terrible amendments that were fortunately killed – like the one that would have dealt a lethal blow to the Johnson County sales tax for schools.
JohnsonCountygot a “thank you card”! One of the most surreal moments of the entire week? During the education debate yesterday, amendments were proposed that would have hurt Johnson County school districts. A handful of my fellow Republicans went to the well to speak in opposition to the amendments, praising Johnson County and recognizing our financial contribution to the state. It was absolutely unreal. Most of the time, all we hear is Johnson County bashing. But these legislators were noting the “trade deficit” we have with the rest of the state (we pay more in than we get back), and how Kansans should be grateful. I’m still dumbfounded, and thought I would share that with you!
Floor Activities
See above!
HB 2474
Final Action: 78 – 44. I voted YES.
Where’s Waldo (Rep. Sharp)? February 14-18, 2005
(Besides session and committee meetings 9am – 5 pm)
- DeSoto Parents as Teachers program
- Lunches:
- Johnson County delegation sponsored by Comcast and Time Warner
- Hispanic Day on the Hill
- Receptions/Dinners:
- KS Assn of Insurance Agents reception – hello to Dave Tozier and Vance Logan!
- WaterOne dinner – howdy to Eric Arner and Mike Iverson
Resources
Johnson County Statehouse Hotline! Call Topeka for free – 913-715-5000 and ask to speak with your Representative or Senator.
This week’s committee schedule:
LIVE! Paperless House Health and Human Services Committee (1:30 – 3:00 pm daily)
I look forward to your comments, questions and concerns about any of the issues addressed here or other issues of importance to you and your family. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of service to you.
Stephanie Sharp
17th District, KS House
Serving Lenexa and Shawnee
913-894-1201