Moran opposes Social Security proposal

Count U.S. Rep. Jerry Moran, of Hays, as a Republican who opposes President Bush’s proposal to divert Social Security revenues into private investment accounts.

“I dislike the connection of those accounts with the Social Security system,” Moran said during a visit to the state Capitol.

Moran said he feared the transition costs of diverting money from Social Security would add to the deficit and that taxpayers who didn’t do well with their investments would eventually seek help from Congress.

Moran declined to say whether he planned to run for governor of Kansas in 2006.

“At this point, politics is premature,” he said.

Closing SRS offices

State welfare officials defended their reorganization that has resulted in the closing of 58 Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services offices and shifting staff around, but some lawmakers questioned the moves.

Acting SRS Secretary Gary Daniels told the House budget writing committee the reorganization was improving customer service.

“Most complaints have been from the staff who have been displaced rather than the customers,” he said.

But Rep. Bill McCreary, R-Wellington, criticized the move. “I just really can’t buy into the fact that we can provide service to more people by doing these closures,” he said.

Lights out amendment

Rep. Jim Yonally, R-Overland Park, tried to change House rules to cut off debate at midnight, unless two-thirds of the House voted to keep going. Yonally said the measure was aimed at stopping sessions that go into the early morning hours and result in legislation getting passed that hasn’t been closely scrutinized.

But Rep. Peggy Mast, R-Emporia, said Yonally’s amendment was aimed at making life easier for the Legislature, and she didn’t appreciate that.

“We have soldiers in Iraq in dust storms working through the night. I get a little weary when we think about our own comfort,” she said.

Yonally’s proposal failed.

Bipartisan appeal issued on Medicaid

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a Democrat, and Senate President Steve Morris, a Republican from Hugoton, agree when it comes to the threat of cuts in federal dollars to Medicaid.

Sebelius and Morris sent a letter to President Bush urging him to reject any proposals to cut Medicaid.

“Any cuts to Medicaid would have serious, negative repercussions for the 313,000 Kansas residents who depend on it for basic medical care,” the letter said.

Pay to no-pump

A proposal by Sebelius would provide $1.3 million to pay irrigators to stop depleting parts of the Ogallala Aquifer. The measure is winding its way through the budget process. Some western Kansas legislators are praising the proposal, saying it will help sustain the region’s economy. But others say in a tight budget the state can’t afford it.

Quote of the week

A homosexual has a right to get married, just not to someone of the same sex.”

— The Rev. Terry Fox, of Wichita, on the proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage that is on the April 5 ballot.

Today’s schedule

9:30 a.m.: Senate Judiciary Committee, final action scheduled on various bills affecting the death penalty.

10:30 a.m.: Senate Ways and Means hearing on SB 74, allowing regents universities to convert classified positions.

3:30 p.m.: House Higher Education Committee, hearing on HB 2020, another version of converting classified positions.