Senate Vice President and 17th District Senator Jeff Longbine of Emporia gave his perspective on the upcoming legislative session during KVOE’s Newsmaker 2 segment Monday.
Longbine says it will be another session of change in the Legislature, at least in one way. Last year, lawmakers dealt with two governors as Republican Sam Brownback joined President Donald Trump’s administration, paving the way for Jeff Colyer to assume the governor’s chair. This year, Democrat Laura Kelly will take the reins for the first time. Longbine says there shouldn’t be any concerns in knowing where the new governor stands on the issues.
For Longbine, it’s a session of change in another manner. Longbine was offered a chance to chair the Assessment and Taxation Committee instead of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, but he declined, saying the change was unwarranted and he didn’t want to take a chair seat away from a fellow Republican. Senate President Susan Wagle then decided against giving Longbine either seat, but Longbine says this move is for the best.
Some observers say Wagle’s move was designed to thwart a potential run for governor by Longbine. He squashed any talk of that during Monday’s interview:
Longbine sees several issues demanding attention this session, including education funding, mental health, transportation and Medicaid expansion. Longbine expressed his support for continuing adjustments on education funding to meet the Kansas Supreme Court mandates from last year.
Longbine also mentioned work to add funding to mental health initiatives. Longbine also said work continues for a new 10-year transportation plan, and that could lead to enhancements for US Highway 50 travelers from Emporia to Newton.
Longbine does not see recreational marijuana taking off this session, although he believes lawmakers may be more favorable to medical marijuana. Sports gambling, an issue that gained a lot of attention last year, may be approved but might not be a large money-maker for the state if that happens.
KVOE’s Morning Show legislative previews continue this week. On Tuesday, 51st District Representative Ron Highland joins the Newsmaker 2 segment at 8:20 am. On Wednesday, our previews conclude with 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber.
