NAACP says thanks

The Kansas chapter of the NAACP issued a news release thanking legislators in the House who helped defeat a proposed state constitutional amendment to block federal health care reform.

The measure failed to get the required two-thirds majority that is needed to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot.

Supporters of the measure called it the “Kansas Health Care Freedom Amendment.” But the NAACP called it “the ‘Kansas doesn’t need health care reform according to what they said on FOX’ act.”

Flint Hills burning

Last week, the Legislature was putting the finishing touches on a resolution urging the EPA to exclude burning of the Flint Hills from its monitoring of ozone and other pollution restrictions. The burning is done this time of year to help grow better grass for cattle.

The legislative action came at the same time that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued an “air quality health advisory,” which said the burning could affect people in the Flint Hills and noted the smoke can drift long distances to more populated areas. “If you are healthy, you’re usually not at a major risk from short-term exposures to smoke. Still, it’s a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it,” the KDHE advisory said.

Insurance commissioner receives AMA award

Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger is the 2010 recipient of the American Medical Association’s top government service award for an elected statewide official.

She received the Dr. Nathan Davis Award earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

“Sandy’s passion for championing parity in the health care system distinguishes her impressive career,” said Roger Sevigny, past president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and the New Hampshire insurance commissioner.

Praeger also won the Davis award as a state senator from Lawrence in 1999.

Malone placed on committee to review juror instructions

Douglas County District Judge Michael Malone has been appointed to a statewide legal committee that reviews and recommends instructions that are given to jurors.

Any recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the Kansas Judicial Council and may be considered by the Kansas Supreme Court or Legislature.

Quotes of the week

You do not put clunkers in a forever document like the Kansas Constitution.”

— Rep. Ann Mah, D-Topeka, speaking against a proposed constitutional amendment to block federal health care reform

This is the best chamber of commerce news possible — for China, Brazil and everywhere else.”

— Rep. Marvin Kleeb, R-Overland Park, criticizing federal health care reform

What’s next:

• House Select Investigative Committee meeting on complaint filed against House Speaker Mike O’Neal, R-Hutchinson, 1:30 p.m., Room 159-South, Capitol.

• Votes on proposed comprehensive transportation plan in Senate Transportation Committee, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Room 152-South, Capitol.

• Hearings on state pharmacy benefit manager contract before House Government Efficiency and Fiscal Oversight, 3:30 p.m. today and Tuesday, Room 546-South, Capitol.