Highlights of Tuesday’s activities at the Kansas Legislature:

¢ The Senate Transportation Committee endorsed a plan to issue $150 million in bonds to keep the Department of Transportation’s 10-year highway program on schedule.

¢ Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee began working a bill that would increase penalties for persons convicted of sex crimes, including a lifetime sentence for third convictions.

Also:

¢ Gov. Kathleen Sebelius signed a proclamation making January “Mentoring Month” in Kansas in a brief ceremony with former Kansas State football coach Bill Snyder. Snyder, who retired after 17 seasons, also was honored by the House and Senate. “He’s one of the greatest football coaches of all time,” said Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton.

¢ Rep. Scott Schwab, R-Olathe, said he’s running for the 3rd District seat held by U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat.

Clock is ticking:

Tuesday was the ninth day of the session, out of 90 scheduled. The count includes weekends because legislators still get paid.