The Kansas State Senate entered day 107 today, equalling a prior record for the longest session in Kansas History. The senate began their day preparing to debate HB2109, a measure that was opened for discussion last night before a discovered 'technical issue' caused the senate to adjourn to revisit today.
Upon reopening the bill this morning, many legislators noted substantial changes to the prior reading a few hours before. Without a return to conference, the bill had added provisions for ratchet triggers on taxes, cleanup of voucher issuances and other changes.
Sen Holland (D-Baldwin City), took to the floor to demand to know what happened "this is not the same", he argued, asking senators to come forward who had proposed the changes "I want to know who proposed these changes.. Will anyone take credit?"
The body fell still as no senator responded. Standing for questions, Sen Donovan pointed out he "did not know" who proposed the changes.
Sen Holland took over and noted if no one knew who changed the bill between 130am and 10am, were special interests involved? The senator noted his belief that the state chaplain was a good man and "I believe he has more work to do. I call on the chaplain to exorcise ALEC who is infecting this chamber"
Senator Tye Masterson (R), responded "I haven't heard from ALEC. I don't know the Koch brothers. It's all conspiracies and not true. I favor this bill to represent our interest."
In the end, though the senate failed the bill with 34 against and 5 in favor. We now start over, and the governor has signed onto sb11, a provision which will keep state employees working despite a budget.
This led Sen Jeff Melcher (R Johnson County) to comment "we now have a few weeks to get this right"