The legislature was not in session this past week.

We adjourned two weeks early with concern about the possible spread of the Covid-19 virus and are scheduled to return on April 27. Our return will be contingent on where we are with regard to the safety of the state.

The governor issued a stay-at-home order for Kansas starting this week. The resolution we passed extending the governor’s emergency powers also required oversight by the legislative coordinating council. The seven-member council consists of the leaders of both the House and Senate, including the minority leaders. This council meets throughout the year to address issues as they arise. There was some confusion on the meeting and the intent of the legislative council regarding the governor’s stay-at-home order. Here is the last part of the message from the House Republican leaders stating their agreement with the order:

“We have said all along that our priorities are threefold. First to honor our oaths to protect and defend the Constitution, two, to protect the lives, health and safety of our fellow Kansans, and third to minimize economic disruption and loss for Kansas workers, businesses and business owners. For the reasons stated above we believe it was appropriate to allow the order to continue at this time.

As you know these are not easy times and these are not easy decisions. Some of you may second guess and others may applaud, but no matter where we each may differ let us pull together to do what needs be done for our state.”

Their full statement provided a more complete analysis. You can follow updates from them at: kansastogether. com or on Facebook at Kansas Together.

I had a chance to talk about a few issues including executive orders and tax questions on KSAL’s “Friendly Fire” during the week.

The civil discourse planning and word of the week teams have also continued working. The planning team had an online event scheduled with Pastor Adam Hamilton of the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan. The church has its own program relating to civil discourse running through the year leading up to the November election. Due to changing needs in their own congregation, this is being rescheduled and we hope to hold it in the near future. While we recognize a separation of church and state, we hope to build partners in the faith-based community where we have opportunities to work toward similar goals.

Last week’s word was community. The team has decided on “compassion” as the word for this week. Compassion is needed when working together on policy and while working through our current issues with the virus. Perhaps it is a time to be quick to show compassion and slower to judge in the political world and beyond.

Continue to take care of yourselves. If you have questions, both the governor’s office and Kansas Together are resources and I can be reached at steven.johnson@house.ks.gov.