View the Results of Lance's Economic Development Survey
Lance wanted to know what approach you think the state should take in regard to taxes and spending in the next session. The results have been tabulated, and you can view them here.

View Lance's 2009 Newsletter
Lance has created a special page for his 2009 Newsletter -- just click here to go view it.

Read Lance Kinzer's November 3 Legislative Update
Lance has provided an update regarding current activities in the Kansas Legislature, including an update on the current fiscal crisis in Kansas. You can read this update, which include his take on the current budget situation, by clicking here.

View the Results of Lance Kinzer's Tax & Spending Survey
Lance wanted to know what approach you think the state should take in regard to taxes and spending in the next session. The results have been tabulated, and you can view them here.

Statement: Kansas Budget Challenge Deepens
At the conclusion of the 2009 legislative session I wrote the following, "I was very disappointed with the omnibus budget that passed during the recent veto session. Leaving town with only $17,000 in the bank as a cash reserve was simply disgraceful; sadly this means that we have likely not seen the end of budget cutting even for FY 2010. Furthermore, we still face another $570 million in deficits when we return to Topeka next year. All of this is to say that the fiscal crisis that received so much attention during the legislative session was not resolved, and the tough choices we ducked this year will be staring us squarely in the face in 2010."

For the full statement, click here.

View the Results of Lance Kinzer's Tenth Amendment Survey
Two weeks ago, Lance posted a survey regarding the Tenth Amendment. The response was tremendous, and Lance has tabulated the results, which you can now view here.

Kansas Chamber Names Rep. Kinzer to 2009 Pro-Business Honor Roll
The Kansas Chamber recently released its 2009 Pro-Business Honor Roll. In recognizing Rep. Kinzer and other Honor Roll recipients the Kansas Chamber released the following statement:

The Kansas Chamber would like to congratulate the 2009 Pro-Business Honor Roll.

These legislators recognize the necessity of a strong business climate to help the state's economy recover and flourish.

For the full release, click here.

Kelsey Smith Foundation Golf Classic
As many of you know the Kelsey Smith Foundation has been actively working to educated youth and young adults on how to protect themselves from being victims of crime. If you are interested in supporting the work of this great organization please click here, where you can find information about the foundations upcoming golf tournament at Falcon Ridge in Lenexa. Please give the document a few moments to load.

A thank you and an invitation from Rep. Kinzer
I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of you who took the time to contact me with your thoughts and opinions during the recent legislative session. I always enjoy receiving your e-mails (even if I'm not quite as quick responding as I know I should be!!). This year I particularly benefited from the information shared by those who participated in the online surveys I sent out during the session. We had a great response, and for those who might be wondering I do indeed read every comment. Like every legislative session this one had its ups and downs. I was very disappointed with the omnibus budget that passed during the recent veto session. Leaving town with only $17,000 in the bank as a cash reserve was simply disgraceful; sadly this means that we have likely not seen the end of budget cutting even for FY 2010. Furthermore, we still face another $570 million in deficits when we return to Topeka next year. All of this is to say that the fiscal crisis that received so much attention during the legislative session was not resolved, and the tough choices we ducked this year will be staring us squarely in the face in 2010.

As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee I was very proud of some of the bills we were able to pass out this year. One especially important measure undid a recent Kansas Supreme Court Decision that overturned the conviction of a child rapist by excluding evidence that would have been clearly admissible in most State and Federal Courts. Correcting this decision will have a real and lasting impact on public safety in Kansas for years to come. Unfortunately in the last several weeks our Supreme Court has acted again, this time imposing reduced sentences for some child sex offenders and weakening our law on identity theft. These are matters I look forward to taking on in the 2010 session.

Sometimes the best legislative result comes in the form of bad bills that don't pass. I was proud to lead the effort to stop HB 2332 from passing in its current form. HB 2332 included provisions that would have decreased criminal penalties for a significant number of serious crimes. Under the bill as it came out of committee, drug manufacturers and distributors, along with sex offenders who fail to register, 3rd time domestic batterers, kidnappers and many others would have faced significantly reduced criminal penalties. Along with the help of other concerned legislators we were able to keep this bill from receiving a vote on the House floor.

I was especially pleased that Governor Sebelius signed the "Right To Know And See Act" that I authored and introduced. This legislation will give women seeking abortions access to more information, including an opportunity to view a sonogram and listen to the heartbeat of their unborn child. Prior to being signed by the Governor this legislation was approved by veto proof majorities of more than 2/3 in both the House and Senate. While the abortion issue can often be contentious it is extremely gratifying when we can pass good legislation that finds common ground among people with vastly differing views on the life issue. It was a great honor to be able to participate in that effort.

For those of you who live in Olathe and surrounding areas I'd like to invite you to join me at 12:30 on Tuesday, May 26th at the Johnson County Court House Pavilion as Kris Kobach announces his candidacy for Kansas Secretary of State. I'll have a chance to say a few words about Kris on Tuesday, so for now I'll just say that I believe very strongly in Kris and am exited that he has decided to seek this office.

Thank you all for your concern for our great State.

Lance Kinzer
State Representative
District 14

Rep. Kinzer Leads Effort Against Legislation to Decrease Criminal Penalties for Sex Offenders Who Fail To Register, Methamphetamine Manufacturers and Others
Rep. Kinzer is leading the effort to stop HB 2332 from passing in its current form. HB 2332 includes provisions that would decrease criminal penalties for a significant number of serious crimes. Under the bill as it came out of committee, drug manufacturers and distributors, along with sex offenders who fail to register, 3rd time domestic batterers, kidnappers and many others would have faced significantly reduced criminal penalties. For more details on HB 2332 see a memorandum prepared by Rep. Kinzer here: PROVISIONS IN HB 2332 THAT DECREASE CRIMINAL PENALTIES.

Rep. Kinzer offered more than 10 amendments in the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee in an effort to remove many of the most egregious provisions of the bill. While many of these amendments initially passed they were latter stripped out prior to the bill being sent to the floor. Commenting on HB 2332 Rep. Kinzer stated, “While there are some good reforms in HB 2332 that actually strengthen and clarify criminal law and penalties, the package as a whole simply includes too may provisions that send the wrong message to some of the most serious criminals in Kansas. I think the best alternative may be to send this bill back to committee so we can remove the many objectionable provisions, and then bring a better product back to the full House. Crimes like Methamphetamine manufacturing, drug distribution and failing to properly register as a sex offender and truly serious crimes that deserve stiff punishment. Reducing the penalties for such crimes would be a huge step backwards in the effort to protect all Kansans from crime.”

About this website...
The goal of my website is to be an online resource for you--to learn more about what is going on in the Kansas Legislature on the very important issues we deal with. Please feel free to pass this site along to friends and neighbors. If you would like to subscribe to my newsletter, send an e-mail to: newsletters@lancekinzer.com.

For questions or comments, please contact me in Topeka at (785) 296-7663, in Olathe at 913-782-5885, or e-mail me at lance@lancekinzer.com. You may also visit my office at the Capitol, Room 531N, when the Legislature is in session. I would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Lance Kinzer