Legislative Coffee Provides Opportunity To Meet Legislators

Representative David Younger, Representative Dr. Bill Clifford, and Senator John Doll were on hand at the Grant County Chamber's Legislative Coffee February 18 in Ulysses.

Younger started by describing the four committees he is currently active in. 

In the Legislative Modernization Committee, Younger helps look at how to modernize the Kansas legislature; “From technology, lighting in the parking garage, speeding up elevators, and making things more productive in Topeka.” Younger said. 

In the Veterans and Military Committee, Younger plans on carrying his first bill on allowing disabled veterans the ability to get a free hunting and fishing license. Younger is using his 36 years in public education knowledge for the Education Committee. 

“I am going to advocate for public education,” Younger said, “There are a lot of bills out there that I don’t believe are good for public education.” Younger wants to support special education to the 92 percent, and he wants to clarify misinformation about education. “Do we have some work to get better, absolutely!” Younger said. 

In the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Younger said he knows how important agriculture is to Southwest Kansas, mentioning he regularly visits with local individuals for feedback on issues. 

Dr. Clifford started by explaining the areas of Southwest Kansas he represents in the 122nd District. Clifford is a part of the Health and Human Services committee, “Which is a great place for me to be,” Clifford said. 

Clifford is vice-chair of Financial Institutions and Pensions, which is “all things banking and financial,” according to Clifford. He works with the Social Services Budget Committee, which is responsible of $22+ Billion, and he helps decide where to disperse funds between the State social services; such as KDOT. Clifford considers himself “adjunct” on the water committee, saying he had attended all of the meetings last year. 

Senator Doll started by discussing the 280 page water bill introduced to legislatures, saying this issue needed to be done as much as possible at a local level. Doll said, “We don’t need a bunch of bureaucrats, Topeka or Washington, telling us how to do it in Ulysses, Kansas.” Doll explained a “flex program” for agriculture with water, sort of like a bank account. Doll said, “If you are allowed 15 inches per year, and you only use 10, next year you are allowed 20.” Doll also mentioned his support for independent pharmacies, saying they are crucial for communities. Doll mentioned his research into “Rank Choice Voting,” in which voters will vote for their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice for a public office, and the votes will be “moved on” to the favored candidate. 

Bob Dale Passini asked for some clarification with the “Axe the Food Tax,” stating there has been some confusion with local vendors on what items to tax and not tax. After some discussion, it was defined that pre-packaged food items would not be taxed, but prepared foods would be. 

Marty Long mentioned a bill that would allow rural ambulances to be driven by individuals without medical training. Although, a trained EMT would be required to respond with the ambulance. Senator Doll said he was confident this bill would be passed. 

The next legislative coffee is scheduled for 1 pm, March 18, at Grant County Fire Department.