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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers advanced measures Thursday authorizing $1 billion in bonds to shore up the state's pension system and changing the dates of local elections to boost voter turnout during a long day of debate ahead of a key deadline.
The state Senate approved the pensions bill, 21-17. Supporters described it as refinancing the long-term debt of the pension system for teachers and government workers, much as a homeowner refinances a mortgage to drop monthly payments. Laws enacted in recent years close a long-term gap in funding for benefits, but the bill would lessen the state's annual payments for pensions.
The GOP-dominated Senate also passed, 21-18, a bill to move city and local school board elections from the spring of odd-numbered years to the fall. And senators approved a bill, 31-7, to end a requirement that people obtain a state permit to carry concealed firearms.
All three measures went to the House.
The Senate's agenda was particularly crowded ahead of Friday's annual "turnaround" deadline, when most bills must clear their chamber of origin to be considered further before lawmakers wrap up their annual session in May.
Here's a look at issues on Thursday's agenda:
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PUBLIC PENSIONS
The Kansas Public Employees Retirement System projects a $9.8 billion shortfall in funding for retirees' benefits from now through June 2033. Closing the gap under existing laws requires increasing contributions to pensions with the state burdened by budget problems.
Supporters contend issuing the bonds will give KPERS an infusion of funds, boosting its investment earnings more than enough to offset the cost of the bonds. The state could also lower its payments by $75 million through June 2017.
"We're basically refinancing this debt with a cheaper debt," said Senate pensions committee chairman Jeff King, an Independence Republican.
But the bill anticipates the state taking 10 years longer, until 2043, to close the shortfall in pension funding, which some senators disliked.
"They're extending the debt," said Sen. Rob Olson, an Olathe Republican.
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LOCAL ELECTIONS
Some GOP legislators and the state Republican Party have pushed to change city and local school board elections. They're now held in April of odd-numbered years, with primaries in late February or early March. The contests are required to be nonpartisan.
The Senate's bill would move the elections to November of odd-numbered years, with primaries in August, and allow cities to have partisan contests.
Supporters believe the bill would increase turnout because people are used to voting in November.
"People will like this in the long run," said Senate Ethics and Elections Committee Chairman Mitch Holmes, a St. John Republican.
Some Republicans want to go farther, having local elections coincide with statewide, congressional and legislative contests in November of even-numbered years, with primaries in August. That idea is likely to surface when the House considers the issue.
Critics see no need for change and worry that the bill is a step toward partisan elections at every level, seeing it as an attempt by GOP conservatives to extend their dominance in state politics to local politics.
And Sen. Marci Francisco, a Lawrence Democrat, said the changes will create administrative problems for local officials.
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GUN RIGHTS
The Senate's vote in favor of the gun bill was lopsided even though some members questioned whether it was wise to let people carry concealed guns without requiring training or whether businesses allowing concealed guns would face higher insurance premiums.
The measure now goes to the House.
Senate President Susan Wagle, a Wichita Republican, said the concerns ought to be addressed but said she voted for the bill because, "When in doubt, I believe if we err, we ought to do so on the side of freedom."
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CANDIDATE WITHDRAWALS
The House approved, 69-54, a bill to prevent candidates from taking their names off the ballot unless they die. The measure goes to the Senate.
It's a reaction to Democrat Chad Taylor's withdrawal from the U.S. Senate race last year after the August primary. The move left Democrats without a nominee — and in theory helped independent candidate Greg Orman's bid against Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, though Roberts won.
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Online:
Kansas Legislature: http://www.kslegislature.org
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Follow John Hanna on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apjdhanna .
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