Global warming book club

State Rep. Larry Powell, R-Garden City, a strong supporter of the proposed coal-burning power plants in western Kansas, has given lawmakers on energy-related committees each a copy of “Unstoppable Global Warming – Every 1,500 Years.” The book by Fred Singer and Dennis Avery notes that manmade activities are not responsible for climate change. Powell also has argued that carbon dioxide emissions from the proposed power plants would be good for crops.

The coal-burning power plants were rejected by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ administration because of concerns about CO2 emissions and global warming.

Skip the session?

On Thursday, House Majority Leader Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, mistakenly made a motion that the House adjourn pro forma (meaning no formal action will be taken and lawmakers still get paid) until May 19. The House approved it, and then Merrick ran back to the podium to correct that date to Jan. 19.

Key senator urges caution on immigration

Some lawmakers are chomping at the bit to get tough on illegal immigration, including proposals to penalize employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. But others say employers can only do so much in checking out their potential hires.

State Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina and chairman of the Senate committee that would handle any immigration bills, said, “You don’t want to retard the Kansas economy by placing undue burdens on small businesses in the verification of who’s legal and who’s not.”

Miller appointed chair of transportation board

Kansas Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller has been named 2008 chairwoman of the national Transportation Research Board’s executive committee. Miller has more than 20 years of experience in transportation and was closely involved in developing Kansas’ 1989 and 1999 transportation programs. Lawmakers already are talking about the next major highway plan.

Quote of the week

“Betsy’s a little concerned about me having any more success.”

– Stephen Six, on his wife’s view of him taking a pay cut from his current job as a judge to become state attorney general. Six also took a pay cut when he left private practice in 2005 and became a Douglas County district judge.

What’s next

1:30 p.m. Tuesday: Discussion before the House Transportation Committee on Senate Bill 294, that deals with driver’s license age requirements; Capitol, Room 519-South