Staying after school

Kansas isn’t alone in litigation over school funding. Half of the 50 states are facing lawsuits challenging public school funding, including California, New York and Texas, and two neighbors, Nebraska and Missouri. In nine of the 25 states in litigation, the state supreme courts have ruled the funding systems unconstitutional for equity concerns, a situation similar to the Kansas case.

Sticker shock

Anticipating astronomical heating bills, David Springe, consumer counsel for the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, is urging Kansans to conserve as much as possible during these times of high natural gas usage. “You really need to turn the thermostat down and wear a sweater,” Springe said. He also advised upgrading insulation and closing off heating vents and rooms when not in use.

Family preservation

Kansas spends about $10.5 million on programs and services to help families stay together, and according to a group that delivers those services, the state is getting its money’s worth. Research commissioned by the Family Preservation Collaborative indicates that for every $1 the state spends on family preservation services, it saves between $1.75 and $2.80. The study showed that of families that refused family preservation services, 16.1 percent of the children in those families eventually were placed in foster care within one year. Of those families who engaged services, 8.6 percent of children were placed in foster care. The study was done by GRI Research, a Lawrence-based firm.

Minors drinking

Johnson County officials have asked the Legislature to make it a crime to be host to parties where minors consume alcohol. Law enforcement was running into instances where parents would allow their children and their friends to drink at their house. Sometimes the adults would say it was better than letting the youngsters drive around town drinking. But making adults liable for the “basement parties” is much easier said than done. A legislative subcommittee tackled the issue and wondered whether the proposals would hold a parent criminally liable for leaving the house while there was beer in the refrigerator, or make a farmer liable whose land may be used without his knowledge for beer parties. Motel owners also are concerned they would be liable if minors rent a room and have a beer bash. The bills are HB 2319 and SB 197 and are in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee.

Stop the presses

The copying machines on the fourth floor of the Capitol have been going full speed as secretaries get lawmakers’ newsletters ready for mailing. The newsletters usually deal with local and statewide issues under consideration, provide tips in dealing with the government and a schedule of events, such as places where Kansans can meet and talk with the officials. State representatives get $800 per year for newsletter postage, and state senators get $2,400 per year.

Bambi, look out

If 25 percent of all motor vehicle accidents in a county are caused by deer, the state could open up a hunting season in that county where anyone with a hunting license could take one antlerless deer per day. That’s according to House Bill 2668 by state Reps. Clay Aurand, R-Courtland, and Sharon Schwartz, R-Washington. A hearing on the bill is to be held by the House Tourism and Parks Committee at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Things to watch:

• Senate Commerce, 8:30 a.m. Monday, Room 123 — U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., talking about the Homestead Act and life science research.
• Senate Federal and State Affairs, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Room 241 — Overview of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ gambling proposal.
• Senate Judiciary, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Room 123 — Hearing on SB 355, which changes requirements for determining mental retardation for purposes of applying the death penalty.
• Senate Judiciary, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Room 123 — Hearing on SB 442, which provides a sentence of life without parole.
• Legislative Post-Audit, 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Room 527 — Review of performance audits, including cost-effectiveness of abolishing Central Motor Pool.
• House Appropriations, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Room 514 — Hearing on HCR 5024, which limits the duration of legislative sessions.
• House Federal and State Affairs, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Room 313 — Hearing on HCR 5033, which recognizes only marriages between a man and woman.
• House Corrections and Juvenile Justice, 1:30 p.m., Room 241 — Hearing on HB 2693, which would increase the punishment for mistreatment of a dependent adult.