Lawmakers wrap up 2008 session

By Doug Carder, dcarder@miconews.com

Rep. Jene Vickrey greeted colleagues warmly as he strolled through the House chambers last Friday in Topeka. But, inside, the Louisburg Republican was hurting from a crushing defeat the day before.

“I’ve never felt so bad about a defeat in the 16 years I’ve been in Topeka,” Vickrey said Monday evening as he reflected on the House’s second failed attempt May 1 to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ veto of two coal-fired plants in Holcomb, Kan.

“You get used to defeats, because that’s the reality of politics. Every bill you support is not going to get passed, and you have to be able to compromise,” Vickrey said. “But this one really stung. It took a couple of days to get my inner smile back.”

Maybe the third time will be a charm for Vickrey and his colleagues who support the coal-plant measure and the economic boost and affordable energy they say it would bring to Western Kansas.

On Wednesday, the House approved a bill 76-48 that would allow the two coal-fired plants to be built at Sunflower Electric Power Corp.’s Holcomb complex. A measure that Sebelius is sure to veto as she has in the past, citing environmental, health and fiscal concerns.

Earlier this week, the Senate passed the coal-plant bill by a 24-10 margin. Although the Senate has always mustered the two-thirds majority necessary to override the governor’s vetoes, the House has come up short each time.

Lawmakers could attempt to override the governor’s expected veto during the ceremonial end of the session May 29, but Wednesday’s vote indicates the House is still eight short of the 84 needed for a two-thirds majority.

Vickrey said the governor has sent mixed signals about carbon dioxide concerns. The proposed coal-fired Holcomb plants would annually generate 11 million tons of carbon dioxide.

“I find it interesting that the governor supports the Gardner intermodal (freight hub) project in Johnson County, which will have a larger carbon footprint than the proposed coal-fired plants in Western Kansas,” Vickrey said.

But Wednesday’s House action threw a curve at opponents of the coal plants. The coal-plant bill was put into an economic development package that included bonds related to the Gardner intermodal project, as well as other economic initiatives.

Opponents said it was unfair to lump the coal plants in with the Gardner project and other economic measures.

But supporters said the $3.6 billion Holcomb project would provide an economic boost to Western Kansas — just as the Gardner project would drive economic growth in Johnson County and the surrounding area.

Also, before adjourning the 2008 session late Wednesday night, Senate and House lawmakers reached a compromise on a catch-all spending bill, gave tax relief to some senior homeowners, expanded state-funded preschool programs and cut corporate tax rates.

In order to qualify for tax relief, homeowners 65 or older must have an annual income of $16,800 or less. The bill grants a 45 percent tax refund beginning this year. The refund would climb to 75 percent by 2011.

The House and Senate negotiating committee reached a compromise that added $14.3 million in general-fund spending to the $13.6 billion appropriations bill passed April 5.

For reaction from area legislators about the final day of the wrap-up session, see our coverage in the upcoming Wednesday editions of the Miami County Republic, Osawatomie Graphic and Louisburg Herald.