Topeka ? Workers this morning were spiffing up the renovated House chamber for tonight’s State of the State address to be delivered by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

The speech is the traditional opening of the annual legislative session. Sebelius will announce her priorities, talk about past accomplishments and urge everyone to work together for the good of Kansas.

And then on Tuesday, the action begins.

A top issue will be maneuvering between House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, and Sebelius, a Democrat.

Neufeld is angry over the Sebelius’ administration rejection of two coal-burning power plants in his area, near Holcomb. Several Democrats have said he has threatened to lock down the session over the issue, but Neufeld denies that and says those comments are designed to try to preempt him from trying to get the plants built.

Here are a couple of stories on that issue:

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/011408/sta_236409856.shtml

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jan/14/capitol_briefing/

Several media reported on Neufeld’s alleging widespread voter registration fraud on the part of illegal immigrants.

Here’s a radio story on his comments:

http://kansaspublicradio.org/newsstory.php?itemID=5775

Saturday, Sunday and Monday papers were full of articles dealing with issues that are sure to dominate the session. Here’s a sampling:

http://www.harrisnewsservice.com/news/economic%20outlook.html

http://www.kansascity.com/105/story/443389.html

http://www.kansas.com/news/legislature/story/279713.html

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jan/13/legislature_wrestles_spending_priorities/

This could be a sleeper issue this session. Some lawmakers are grumbling that Kansas is falling far behind other states in vocational education.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jan/14/businessman_state_needs_tech_training_overhaul/

And most media carried The Associated Press story dealing with a legislative resolution condemning gangsta rap.

http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/jan/14/legislature_see_proposal_would_condemn_gangsta_rap/