The veto session that started Monday will be the last as a lawmaker for Ron Highland.
On Monday, the five-term representative from Wamego announced his plan to retire from the Kansas House at the end of the session. Highland was first elected in 2012 and has served the 51st district, including much of northern Lyon County, since then.
Highland has mulled retirement for at least one term before making his decision public. The decision comes as the 51st District boundaries are set to change for the 2023 legislative session, eliminating his Lyon County territory while adding parts of Riley County including Manhattan. 76th District Representative Eric Smith, who has not announced his re-election plans yet, would take over north Lyon County if he seeks and wins re-election.
Highland is currently the chair of the House Water Committee and the vice-chair of the Special Committee on Natural Resources. He also serves on the Taxation; Commerce, Labor and Economic Development; Rules and Journal; and 30×30 Federal Initiative Special committees.
KVOE News is finalizing plans to interview Highland this week.
