Follow this link for an update on the Kelsey Smith Act in Washington, D.C.: http://sunpublications.com/201004074035/news/tiahrt-optimistic-committee...

As I travel around the 22nd District and meet with people I'm struck by the perception that people have of Topeka, as well as Washington, D.C. That perception is that the people - You - have no voice in what goes on either at the state level or at the federal level. Those we have elected to represent us have forgotten why they were elected (For the People) and who elected them (By The People).

Rep. Todd Tiahrt, the sponsor of the Kelsey Smith Act, met with House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-Va.), Rep. Lee Terry (R- Neb.) and Greg and Missy Smith, parents of Kelsey Smith, from Johnson County, Kan., to discuss the next steps in bringing it up for a vote in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Three important events occurred concerning the Kelsey Smith Act today (March 17, 2010) in three different states.

In Nebraska, the Kelsey Smith Act was signed into law by Governor Heineman.  Nebraska is now the second state to have the law.

In Minnesota, the Kelsey Smith Act cleared the Civil Justice Committee by a unanimous vote and is now ready to be heard by both the House and Senate.

The Kansas Senate voted 33-7 to amend an aspect of the school finance fund, an initiative that received heavy debate on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 359 would amend the special education catastrophic aid law by doubling the amount of cost that makes a district eligible for receiving catastrophic aid. Currently, districts can receive catastrophic aid for any special education student whose needs cost more than $25,000.

In Minnesota, the Kelsey Smith Act, continued to move toward passage. HF 2639, the House version of the bill, was referred to the Civil Justice Committee with a recommendation to pass.

SF 2470, the Senate version of the bill, cleared the Judiciary Committee and had it's second reading in the Senate.

The bill continues to pick up additional sponsors as it goes through the process.

LB 735 passed the final vote in the Nebraska Unicameral today by unamious approval.  It is now on the Governor's desk awaiting his signature to become law.  Missey and I would like to thank Senator Tim Gay of Nebraska's 14th district for sponsoriing the Kelsey Smith Act in Nebraska.

Here is a link to Senator Gay's newsletter.  http://news.legislature.ne.gov/dist14/ 

I will be on the Darla Jaye Show, Radio 980 AM KMBZ, on Friday, March 12 at 8 PM.  Call in number is 913.576.7798.  I look forward to hearing from you.

What Happened to the Constitution?