Last week the House successfully passed our version of the energy bill, including provisions allowing Sunflower Electric another shot at approval of its application for permits to build two new state-of-the-art energy plants. Those plants would serve as models of new technology and efficiency, which could pave the way for upgrades and reduced CO2 emissions at the state’s existing plants.
I was pleased that the House overwhelmingly adopted my floor amendment that strengthened the Legislature’s role in setting energy policy. Under the House bill, with my amendment, the Secretary could not implement measures beyond existing State or Federal environmental rules without prior legislative approval. There is no question but that the Department of Health & Environment should be intricately involved in developing energy policy but no one person should be empowered to go around existing law. We can’t afford a situation where investors shun Kansas because of an unpredictable and ever-changing regulatory environment. While the House bill passed on a strong vote it’s still a little more than a handful of votes short of a veto-proof number. The Governor, whose sites are now set on the national stage and not Kansas, has threatened a veto in spite of the fact that the bill has strong bi-partisan support. I’m confident that the Conference Committee will be able to produce a final product that will earn veto-proof support in the House & Senate.
Wednesday I appeared with Buhler Schools Superintendent David Brax before the House Education Committee to testify in favor of legislation I introduced at the request of area superintendents. The proposed bill would create an alternative pathway to teacher certification to address the critically acute teacher shortage in the state. The bill would allow schools, in cooperation with local educational co-ops, community colleges and the State Board of Education to propose programs that would allow for non-traditional certification of experienced and motivated individuals who desire to offer their services in the classroom.
The hearing went well and proponents were well received. Predictably, the teachers union appeared in opposition to the bill as well as representatives of the Regents universities where traditional degrees are pursued. However, the bill is not a threat to traditional teachers or traditional education programs. It’s, as one superintendent testified, a life raft for schools while others go about building the boat. In many cases, well qualified individuals’ applications are delayed for months while unfilled positions are staffed with substitute teachers without either licenses or certificates. The superintendents’ bill offers a prudent alternative to address the critical teacher shortage.
This week is the final week for us to consider bills in the house of origin. With few exceptions bills not acted upon by Saturday will not be worked this year. Beginning next week the House will begin working bills passed by the Senate.

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