Pine Internet proposal

Sen. Roger Pine, R-Lawrence, has his digital fingerprints on the school finance bill that is headed to the Kansas Supreme Court for consideration.

The bill includes a provision by Pine that will direct the State Board of Education to establish an Internet site where local school districts statewide will post budget information.

Pine said the site would provide the public and school officials better access to information that may help in financial decisions. He said he got the idea from Wisconsin officials.

Self-effacing

Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self told legislators last week he knew how they felt when their constituents were unhappy with them. “I kind of know what you’re going through,” said Self, whose team lost in the first round of the men’s NCAA Tournament.

Self was in the Capitol with KU’s All-American Wayne Simien, who was toasted by state officials. Simien also ran into the Washburn Lady Blues, who won the NCAA Division II women’s championship, and was photographed with them.

Kansas State’s Kendra Wecker, an All-America women’s selection, couldn’t make it to the Capitol, but legislators adopted a resolution honoring her.

Conservative prayer

Nine years ago when the Rev. Joe Wright of Wichita opened a session of the Senate with a prayer that criticized abortion rights, several lawmakers walked out, and it caused a firestorm of controversy.

Last week, the Rev. Dennis Slavens of Overland Park opened a session of the House with a prayer that said “May we never lessen the worth of human life or the sanctity of marriage.” There was no public protest.

Making camp

During a break in a meeting of the House-Senate budget committee, several House members were making plans for the wrap-up session that starts April 27.

Apparently about a dozen lawmakers will stay in their campers and RVs at Lake Shawnee in Topeka during the veto session, which is scheduled to last around three days.

They say it’s easier than checking into a motel for the short session, and that it helps them relax to leave the Capitol at the end of the day and be near a lake where they can socialize and play Texas Hold ‘Em poker.

Schedule

The Legislature is adjourned until April 27.

Quote of the week

There is no way to tell what the court will do.”

— House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, on whether the school finance plan will be accepted by the state Supreme Court.