To the editor:

Guess our state legislators like plastic bags fluttering in our trees since they recently passed Senate Bill 493 banning local governments from regulating in any way plastic bags and similar single-use containers that stores give us to take our stuff home in.

Two major problems with this bill. The first is based on the state constitution section often described as “home rule.” Article 12, Section 5(b) of that constitution stipulates that “Cities are hereby empowered to determine their local affairs and government…” and Section 5(d) strengthens that by stating “Powers and authority granted cities pursuant to this section shall be liberally construed for the purpose of giving to cities the largest measure of self-government.” The Kansas Chamber of Commerce claims that businesses need statewide uniformity on plastic bags. Although businesses easily comply with differing local sales taxes and routinely adjust advertising, promotions and products to local markets, this special interest group pushed our Legislature to pass this bill.

The second problem with SB493 is that it propagates the single-use plastics, a major contributor to global warming. Just as bad, plastics don’t decompose into harmless substances but break down into tiny pieces that are found in our air, water and soil. We eat, drink and breathe these small bits of toxic plastic.

Gov. Laura Kelly can veto SB493 to support our constitution and allow local governments to reduce toxic plastic waste. It’s time to stop poisoning ourselves with plastics!

Nancy Muma,

Lawrence