Good Evening. I’m Doug Mays, and I have the privilege of serving as the Speaker of the Kansas House of Representatives. Tonight, on behalf of Republican leadership in the House and the Senate, I would like to take a few minutes to outline our vision of the legislative session ahead.

For the past several years, funding of public education has been at the forefront of legislative process. Last year, the Legislature requested the Division of Post Audit to undertake a comprehensive study of kindergarten through 12th grade public education in Kansas. Among other things, Post Audit was asked to determine the cost of delivering K-12 curriculum, related services and other mandated programs in accredited schools.

That report was delivered to the Legislature today, and while it is too soon to ascertain exactly what the full impact of the study will be, resulting actions could be far reaching and will require bipartisan cooperation to implement.

The state of Kansas spends over two-thirds of its budget on education, over $3 billion annually. Suffice it to say, Kansas has and will continue to have one of this nation’s finest systems of public education. And while education is obviously one of the most important things state government funds, it is not and must not be the only thing.

There must be a balance.

• Sebelius’ 2006 State of the State address
• Republican response to the State of the State address

Our challenge, therefore, is to weigh the needs of all Kansas citizens: young, old, and those unable to care for themselves. Likewise, we cannot neglect our infrastructure; we must promote law and order; maintain security; and facilitate commerce. A balanced approach is imperative.

I needn’t to remind you that the cost of living has risen. With gasoline over $2 per gallon, home heating up nearly 50 percent, and the cost of health care skyrocketing, it is difficult for most Kansas families to maintain their standard of living. And with diesel fuel even higher, along with the cost of nitrogen, many farmers find it all too often impossible to profit from their labors. The same holds true for Kansas employers who are experiencing similar pressures.

The bottom line? The very last thing that this state should do is raise taxes. To do so would rob Kansas families of much needed and hard-earned dollars – dollars that could be reinvested in your community and the Kansas economy. An increase in the rate of taxation would especially create hardships for those barely making it now.

Higher taxes would also result in an unstable job environment. It is a fact, when taxes go up, people lose jobs. I am proud to say that over the past three years, Republican legislative leadership has successfully opposed every attempt by the administration to raise the rate of taxation in Kansas. 2006 will not be an exception.

The Legislature will continue to search for ways to encourage the creation and retention of jobs in Kansas. For some time, Republicans have advocated for narrow tax policy changes in order to encourage business investment in machinery and equipment. Based on results of similar policies in other states, the changes proposed for this session will go far in shoring up our manufacturing base across Kansas. We in the Legislature are pleased to acknowledge the governor’s recent support for this cause, and look forward to her joining our efforts to pass this very important initiative.

On a separate issue, due to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, eminent domain will be addressed this session. In that regard, there are several valid proposals being offered, and likely more to come. Legislative leadership will encourage an acceptable resolution that balances public needs with traditional private property rights. In the final analysis, however, where any doubt exists, it is the individual property, business and home owner who must receive the highest consideration.

With regard to criminal law, the threat of sexual predators is one that has found its way into the public’s consciousness – and with good reason. Twelve years ago, the Kansas Legislature led the nation by passing the Kansas Sexual Predator Act, requiring civil commitment of serial offenders. Now, after a decade, it is time to revisit the issue.

Other states have passed additional statutes, such as Jessica’s Law, as safeguards against sexual predators, especially pedophiles. While it may not be possible to completely stamp out the problem, the Legislature will pass a tough, comprehensive act that will result in a safer environment for Kansans of all ages, especially for our children.

Finally, a word of caution: In our system of government, the legislative branch plays a special role, but one often taken for granted. In order to maintain a democracy, all governmental powers must be derived solely from the people. It is the Legislature, the directly elected representatives of those same citizens, that forms the heart of democracy. In Kansas, members of the Legislature sit as a body for about three months. Then they go home to resume their lives, their jobs, their place in the community. It is a system that works.

Lately, however, some who have not always gotten their way have given up on the legislative process. They have decided to go around the people.

It is a dangerous course, executed incrementally, pursued with impunity. I caution the people of Kansas, a people known for their love of freedom and democracy, to insist that the legislative branch continue to function as our forbears envisioned, giving voice to the hopes, dreams, and will of everyday Kansans who might otherwise not be heard.

Thank you. God bless you, and God bless Kansas.