The Kansas legislative session continued into its second week. It was a big week in our nation with the inauguration of President Biden.

Security concerns were unfortunately high in capitals across the country. State leaders were made aware of threats in Topeka during the days around the inauguration. I was present in the Capitol on Jan. 20 for committee meetings. It was a very quiet, calm day. There were only two or three protestors on the Capitol grounds and there was no threat or indication of violence. Topeka capitol police were and remain well prepared. The threats did affect the legislative session so members could participate online vs. being in the Capitol Jan. 19 and 20.

Due to the COVID pandemic, another complicating factor in the House is using a new online voting system. We had training on it the first week and put it to work the second week.

The Value Them Both amendment related to abortion did not initially pass in the Senate, but passed the House as expected on Friday. The Senate is expected to take it up again soon.

The commerce committee reviewed what has been going on with unemployment insurance issues and the department of labor.

Kansas is among the highest states in the percent of the population applying for unemployment. We have had some issues with how fast (or how slow) we respond to some requests. In recent months, it has become clear that the number of fraudulent claims has really grown.

While the department feels they have a good handle on the issues, we are concerned about the growing number of identity thefts for unemployment claims. We will work with them to see if there are ways we can better serve and protect Kansans related to unemployment. If you have an issue, contact the department of labor or my office and we will help direct you.

The Insurance committee looked at some of the issues our state department of insurance needs to consider that help with their accreditation this year. We also were brought up to speed on efforts from both insurance agents and the department to streamline some insurance licensing and registration issues.

Last week’s Independent/ Reporter printed several responses from Mr. Coonrod’s government class. I was encouraged to see the thought and approach to issues these thoughtful leaders demonstrated. Both their comments and the questions they raised did a good job describing how we need to move forward.

We have worked to con tinue our conversation on civil discourse among several legislators. Our first event will be online and is planned for Kansas Day, Jan. 29.

We are again working with the National Institute for Civil Discourse. Their executive director, Keith Allred, will be our presenter. He will be talking about our founding fathers and the ideals that brought, and perhaps can keep, us together.

The Kansas Leadership Center and others are working with us to help discuss deep issues and not just repeat partisan reactions to those whose opinions differ. If this is something you would be interested in, send an e-mail and I will send a registration link.

If you would like to reach me during the session, my office phone number is (785) 296-7696 and my e-mail is steven.johnson@house. ks.gov.

Have a great week and Happy Kansas Day!