The 2019 legislative session begins Jan. 14, and local lawmakers are getting ready for the session to begin.
KVOE News began its annual legislative previews Wednesday with 76th District Representative Eric Smith of Burlington joining the Newsmaker 2 segment. Smith says there is a different atmosphere in Topeka — one, because Democrat Laura Kelly begins as governor, ending eight years of having a Republican in the office — and two, because the House shifted a bit more conservatively after the November election.
When committee assignments were recently announced, Smith was named to the Federal and State Affairs and the Corrections and Juvenile Justice committees. He was also announced as vice chair of the Agriculture Committee. He says he’s looking forward to the new assignment.
Smith says there are several top-end priorities this legislative session, including education funding.
Medicaid expansion is another major concern for Smith.
KVOE News will continue legislative previews next week:
*Monday: 17th District Senator and Senate Vice President Jeff Longbine of Emporia
*Jan. 8: 51st District Representative Ron Highland of Wamego
*Jan. 9: 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia
Find the full interviews in the KVOE.com Audio Vault.
