The 2021 Kansas legislative session got underway this week in Topeka.

Preparing for session in the House with the risks of COVID was a huge task for our staff and leadership. They have done a great job figuring out physical logistics and technology in the Capitol to make it possible to do our work more safely. Several members and staff have complicating health factors which makes the protocols important. The Senate has established its own policies.

With fewer visitors in the Capitol, it is generally quiet. That is a stark contrast to the bustle and noise echoing through the halls during previous sessions.

The members of House leadership remain largely the same as last year. The Senate has new leaders in most positions.

Several issues also carry over from last year. With the new session, the issues are in new bills.

The Value Them Both (VTB) amendment regarding abortion was a key focus last year and remains at the front of the legislative agenda.

Over a year ago, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled our constitution includes a right to an abortion. The VTB amendment would give voters a chance to weigh in. Hearings were held in both the House and Senate committees in our first week.

I believe the bills are very similar to last year, except for the voting date. Last year, voting was to be held during the August primary as there was a concern about waiting until the general election in November. This year’s measure would be voted on in the August 2022 primary. While I support putting this important question to Kansans, I would welcome your thoughts on when that vote should occur.

The Truth in Taxation bill is the second key initiative often cited by legislative leaders. SB 13 would establish a new method for calculating property taxes which would be revenue neutral each year. The tax lid would be removed and local leaders would vote for any change in taxes collected.

The Senate in particular has worked very hard on this issue. It was introduced, heard and passed from committee, debated and passed in the Senate, and is scheduled for a hearing in the House on Wednesday. While I think the method makes sense, change is not always easy. I am not an expert in systems or local government but I would like to confirm if local governments are able to comply with the changes and what cost it may require.

In government, much of our implementation happens at the local level. Despite the title, it is important for us to work together in good faith across government entities.

Recent events in Washington have caused many of us to stop and consider our present and future as a nation. What is happening in and around government? Is it still of, for and by the people?

We are fortunate to have many good and trustworthy public servants in Topeka. We also have people and entities that operate primarily in their own self-interest. Asking questions and seeking the answers are important. Some of our most valuable relationships in a democracy can be with those we trust who have different views than our own. To fully understand all details of large issues is rarely ever possible. To pretend I have the truth is often arrogant and can prove fool hardy. Each of us can seek the truth, and we will get a more complete picture if we are able to do it together.