Inside: Pittsburg students lauded for article See A2
2017 1867
Sports: Mustangs sweep past Independence See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
Monday, April 10, 2017
Legislature still has lengthy ‘to do’ list By STEPHEN KORANDA Kansas News Service
TOPEKA — Kansas legislators hit adjournment Friday with some big tasks left for their wrap-up session that starts May 1. At the top of the list is a tax and budget plan, which largely will be influenced by the amount of school funding that legislators decide to add in light of the Kansas Supreme Court’s ruling last month. In the health policy arena, Medicaid expansion supporters are regrouping after the governor’s veto — and holding out hope for another shot this session. Here’s a look at what legislators have accomplished and what remains to be done during the 2017 session regarding budget, education and health issues. Coming To A Budget Compromise?
Lawmakers have made progress on balancing the current budget for the fiscal year that ends in June, but solutions for the coming years have eluded them. Revenue shortfalls are projected to total around $1 billion over the next two budget years. Republican Senate President Susan Wagle said the slow progress is to be expected. “Coming to a compromise, an agreement on a tax package is probably the most difficult thing any state Legislature would have to do,” she said. In February the House and Senate did advance a tax increase, but Gov. Sam Brownback vetoed the plan and lawmakers didn’t have the votes to override. Sen. Laura Kelly, a Topeka Democrat, said legislators may consider a modified version of that plan.
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“The issue, quite honestly, is the governor,” she said. “Can we get anything past him?” This week Brownback made an unexpected announcement that he was endorsing a “flat tax” plan from a Senate committee. It would have eliminated the current 2.7 and 4.6 percent income tax brackets and imposed a 4.6 percent tax rate on all Kansans. That bill failed by a wide margin in the Senate, 37-3, and gave legislators a bit of insight, Kelly said. “We have found out what won’t work. I guess that’s progress,” she said. Sen. Dennis Pyle, a Hiawatha Republican, is among the lawmakers who want to consider spending cuts before tax increases. “People in here generally like to spend money — especially other people’s money,” Pyle said.
A night to remember Marmaton Valley High School’s Junior-Senior Prom brought glitz and glamour to downtown Moran. Among the participants were, above, Makayla Brooks escorted by Trevor Wilson; at right, Bailey Griffeth, who used a stepstool to get out of a pickup while being assisted by Josh Wise; bottom right, Taryn Covey, who shows off her corsage to young Hadley Church-Miller; and Shelby Yoho and Tony Jefferis, who got the red carpet treatment. Additional photos are on the Register’s Facebook page. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Court Ruling Steers Education Funding
Budget negotiations have been complicated by the need to develop a new school funding formula, as spending on K-12 public education takes up about half of the $6 billion state general fund. The optimism about education funding in Kansas really started in last year’s elections when moderate Republicans and Democrats unseated conservative legislators. Many of the new lawmakers had eduSee STATE | Page A4
‘Scrappers’ gather to honor old friend By SHELLIE SMITLEY The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — Crafters galore gathered Saturday in memory of Kathy Young at the annual “Scrapping for Kathy” craft fest held at Humboldt High School. Proceeds from the event will fund scholarships for HHS seniors seeking to further their education. There are no other requirements for students to be eligible for the assistance. “Every senior should apply for this scholarship,” said Young’s daughter, Sheila Fitzmaurice. The size of the scholarships vary depending upon the amount of money raised. However, eight years after Young died from bone marrow cancer, the event continues to grow. This year’s event was the biggest one yet, with 97 ad-
The annual “Scrapping for Kathy” craft fest has awarded more than $16,000 in scholarships in honor of Kathy Young. From left, Young’s daughters Karen Cornish and Sheila Fitzmaurice and Young’s friend Glenda Aikins-Hill. REGISTER/SHELLIE SMITLEY vance registrations, according to Glenda Aikins-Hill, founder of the event and a friend to Young. “Thus far we have awarded over $16,000 worth of scholarships in my mom’s memory,” said Young’s daughter, Karen
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Cornish. The event honored Young’s three greatest passions: family, scrapbooking and students. A former HHS business teacher, Young was passionate See SCRAPPERS | Page A2
Happy hunting Emery Sigg, Iola, assisted by her dad, John, gathers Easter eggs Saturday at The First Baptist Church’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. REGISTER/SHELLIE SMITLEY
“The old days were the old days. And they were great days. But now is now.” Don Rickles, comedian, 1926-2017 75 Cents
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