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Sports: Iola High School cheer camp concludes See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
One more tax fix... By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators aren’t quite done with their work for the year because they inadvertently passed two conflicting versions of a new law aimed at holding down local property taxes, House Speaker Ray Merrick’s office said Friday. Merrick spokeswoman Rachel Whitten said legislators will reconvene Friday to pass a bill addressing the problem. Legislators already were scheduled to have a brief adjournment ceremony that day, their last piece of official business after adjourning June 12. “There is going to be a reconciliation bill,” Whitten said. “It’s a technical clean-up.” This year’s 113-day legislative session was the longest in state history, as the Republicans who control both chambers were deeply divided over how to balance the budget. GOP lawmakers increased sales and cigarette taxes as part of a package expected to raise $384 million during the fiscal year that begins July 1. The higher taxes closed the last part of a projected $800 million budget deficit after numerous other adjustments. The package encompassed two bills. To attract support, GOP leaders included the property tax proposal, intending it to take effect in 2018 to give local officials time to adjust. Cities and counties will not be allowed to spend an increase in property tax revenues above the rate of inflation as measured by the consumer price index without the approval by voters. There will be some excepSee FIX | Page A4
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Monday, June 22, 2015
Senator espouses rural America
By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register
As a U.S. Senator based in Washington, D.C., Jerry Moran knows most people, and certainly those who control the nation’s business, don’t have a clue about small-town life. A native of Plainville, out in the far reaches of Kansas, Moran knows first-hand the unique character of small towns. “Rural America is special,” he said. “And I am commited to see your way of life is not lost. Together, we must do what we can to make certain good things happen in our communities and state and that our kids and grandchildren would see this as a good place to live.” Moran, who has served as a U.S. Senator since 2010, and before that as a representative See MORAN | Page A4
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran visits Saturday with Allen Community College President John Masterson, left, and Mary Kay Heard, chairwoman of Iola Industries, on Saturday during Iola Industries’ 60th anniversary celebration at the Allen County Country Club. REGISTER/SUSAN LYNN
PRIMETIME PLAYERS
The annual Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop was capped Saturday with a number of skits and plays at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Above, in the elementary age group, Titus Jones, seated at center, Dallyn McGraw, standing from left, and Cara Porter compose part of a space monster. At right, middle school level students Kassy Shelby, standing from left, Josie Plumlee and Emily Long improvise a skit. The students acted under the direction of instructor John Higginbotham. The performance was sponsored by the Whitehead Trust. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Health goals largely unmet in 2015 session By ANDY MARSO KHI News Service
When the 2015 legislative session started in January, public health advocates had reason to be optimistic they could reach some of their most ambitious goals. The Kansas Hospital Association was ramping up efforts to expand Medicaid coverage to about 100,000 uninsured Kansans, with the political implications of the 2014 election over. Newly re-elected Gov. Sam Brownback had proposed to almost triple the state cigarette tax — a prospect that won quick support from groups that fight cancer and heart disease. Groups that had pushed for years for a mid-level dental provider license to allow Kansans more access to oral care had a new and powerful ally in Americans for Pros-
Quite a catch
Scores of youngsters descended upon Abbott’s Pond in north Iola Saturday for the annual Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs fishing derby. Above, 6-year-old Zander Reed watches his line following a busy stretch, in which he landed three bluegill and a bass. At right, a group of youngsters and their parents find a cool fishing spot in the shade. The derby was sponsored by the Iola Police Department. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 159
“Voters quickly forget what a man says.” — Richard Nixon 75 Cents
perity. But by the time the dust settled on Friday — Day 113 of the traditionally 90day session — those health policy goals and others were unmet. By then the state’s cash-strapped budget also had opened a series of new battles for hospitals and other health care providers. “I guess it’s time to lick our wounds and move on,” Rick Cagan, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Kansas, said of his organization, which saw its grant funding reduced. Cagan said this session included a couple notable successes, including a bill to allow tax-exempt savings accounts for young Kansans with disabilities. He said another bill that strengthens prohibitions on seclusion See GOALS | Page A4
Hi: 93 Lo: 74 Iola, KS