Parkinson opposes block on health reform

Gov. Mark Parkinson, a Democrat, criticized a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at blocking any federal requirement to purchase health insurance. He said the amendment struck him as a “political” statement that shouldn’t be embedded in the Kansas Constitution. The measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1626, is being pushed by a group of Republicans. If approved by two-thirds of the House and Senate, the proposal would be placed on the November ballot for Kansas voters to decide. Similar proposals have been introduced in numerous states by opponents of the health care reforms supported by congressional Democrats.

Brownback hush-hush on plans for 2012

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., is running for governor this year. In 2007, he sought the Republican Party’s presidential nomination but dropped out after his candidacy failed to gain any traction. Some have wondered whether Brownback continues to have presidential ambitions. If elected governor of Kansas this year, will he commit to serving through the end of his four-year term, which would mean skipping the 2012 presidential campaign? So far, Brownback’s campaign refuses to answer that question.

Quote of the week

There is no if about this; this is insane.”

— Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, speaking against a bill that would reduce the liability of home inspectors.

What’s next:

• Hearing on HB 2258, adding charitable contribution solicitations by professional solicitors to the Kansas no-call act, before House Energy and Utilities, 9 a.m. Monday, Room 785, Docking Building.

• Hearing on HCR 5028, establishing a three-year moratorium on granting new tax exemptions, before House Tax, 9 a.m. Monday, Room 783, Docking Building.

• Hearing on SB 483, primary seat belt law, before Senate Transportation, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Room 152-S, Capitol

• Joint meeting of House and Senate health committees to hear and possibly act on SCR 1626, a constitutional amendment to block any federal requirement to purchase health insurance, 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Room 346-S, Capitol.

• Hearing on HB 2642, smoking ban with exemptions, before House Health and Human Services, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Room 784, Docking Building.

• Hearing on HB 2549, elimination of sales tax exemptions for non-profit and charitable organizations, before House Tax, 9 a.m. Thursday and Friday, Room 783, Docking Building.

• Possible vote on HB 2517, on domestic violence offenses, before House Corrections and Juvenile Justice, noon Friday, Room 144-S, Capitol.

• Hearing on SB 456, creating the Kansas robo-call privacy act, before Senate Judicary, 9:30 a.m. Friday, Room 548-S, Capitol.