Dear Friends,

The 2012 Legislative session will begin Monday, January 9th. It will be the start of a very busy session. I would like to give a brief overview of some of the issues that we will be addressing.

Education-

We will be discussing a new formula for education funding. Some may ask, "Why change the formula?" First it is almost 20 years old and the needs of Kansas students have changed during that time. We need a formula that will end the litigation. Kansans need to work together and send our education dollars to the classroom instead of the courtroom. The current formula limits local control and flexibility. The needs of Kansas students vary by district and local school boards should be given flexibility to help their students rise to the challenges and utilize local opportunities. v The new proposed formula will look different from the old one with the expectation of the equalization mechanism that will ensure that every student receives a quality education regardless of their zip code. It will maintain the current funding levels for all districts while giving local school boards control over how they spend their money. The proposal eliminates the cap on local spending, allowing school boards to raise property taxes with voter approval and spend that money where they see fit. Another key component would be to move to a 2 year budget cycle for education spending. This would provide more financial predictability and stability for school districts.

I am cautiously optimistic about this new funding formula. The Johnson County delegation and the SMSD administration have met to discuss the proposed formula. We are waiting to see how all the pieces of the education funding puzzle will fit together. We know that it won't be perfect, but we also know by working together we can come up with a solution to benefit all Kansans.

Kansas Medicaid Reform-

With the possibility of federal cuts to Medicaid, Kansas potentially could loose 1 billion dollars in federal funding forcing the state to implement reform. Comprehensive Medicaid reform has not happened in Kansas for over 45 years. Kansas Medicaid has increased $400 million totaling $2.8 billion when federal dollars are combined with state funds. After a public input process across the state, the administration announced their reform plan that will be based on 3 criteria: improving the quality of care, controlling costs of the program and creating lasting reform that improves the quality of health and wellness of Kansans. The cornerstone of these initiatives is an integrated care system called KanCare. This program will improve coordination of care and services to achieve better outcomes and long-term savings without reducing benefits or eligibility. Multiple state agencies will be aligned so KanCare can be efficiently integrated and administered. It will provide and implement coordination structures not currently in place. The Medicaid reform plan is expected to achieve a savings of $850 million over the next five years.

Redistricting-

Every 10 years the state of Kansas adjusts its Congressional and Legislative boundaries based on the most recent census data. The redistricting joint committee finished a statewide listening tour. The House and Senate committees will begin working the maps in January. This must be done before the session adjourns so the court can approve the maps for the 2012 primary and general elections. The redistricting website can be found at http://redistricting.ks.gov. It will be updated as the process progresses.

Those are just 3 issues that will be addressed this session. Others to be included are KPERS, tax reform, immigration and last but not least the budget. Let me touch briefly on the last one mentioned, the budget. Tax receipts for November totaled $405.8 million, $2.5 million above the projection of $403.4 million. Overall estimates indicated marginally positive gains for the state economy, but should only be looked at with cautious optimism as the Legislative session approaches. There are many unknowns at the national level that could affect any gains previously made at the state level.

As always, please feel free to contact me regarding these or any other issues that are important to you. It is crucial that you let me know your views so that you are accurately represented.

I look forward to a robust session and representing Lenexa and Shawnee. In your service,

Kelly Meigs
State Representative
District #17