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My Two Cents of Common Sense
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 "Northwest Kansas holds some truly inspiring scenery, contains a wealth of Old West history, possesses some of the finest educational institutions, promotes an entrepreneurial spirit, and is home to some of the most hard-working, genuine people I've ever met!" ~ Adam Smith |
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1970 RD 3 Weskan, KS 67762
785-821-2568 (Cell)
300 SW 10th St, Suite 512N Topeka, KS 66612
785-296-0715 (Office)
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New Lieutenant Governor Named
 On Tuesday, Governor Jeff Colyer announced Tracey Mann as Kansas’ 50th Lieutenant Governor at the Kansas Livestock Association Legislative Social & Dinner event at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. Lt. Governor Mann is a fifth- generation Kansan from Quinter, Kansas, and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University in 2000. He currently serves as the managing director and principal of Newmark Grubb Zimmer, a full service real estate company headquartered in Kansas City and is a board member of the City Teen Center in Salina. Previously he served on the boards of directors for the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership program and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce. Mann, his wife, Audrey and their four children live in Salina.
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Four of the Republican gubernatorial candidates - Wink Hartman, Mark Hutton, Kris Kobach, and Ken Selzer - met in Wichita at the Kansas Republican Convention for their first debate. Governor Colyer, who has also proclaimed his candidacy, was absent due to illness. Unlike the Presidential debates seared into recent memory, this debate was very cordial and respectful with no mudslinging and attacks on other candidates. In fact, the candidates actually complimented each other at tiimes on good similar ideas!
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Convention of States
What is a convention of states? Perhaps you’ve read a news article or seen a snippet on social media about Kansas joining the effort. There was a hearing this week on Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611 and it may receive a vote soon. Before that happens, I would like to hear your opinion!
I’m not an expert scholar in theory and practice of amending our constitution, but I would like to provide a basic overview of the issue in hopes that it may peak your curiosity to learn more and make an informed decision on your opinion of the matter.
A convention of states is one of two methods outlined in Article V of the U.S. Constitution for proposing amendments. It requires approval from two-thirds of state legislatures (34). A convention of states is essentially the collective voice of the nation’s state legislatures. It has never been done before. All of the nearly 12,000 amendments that have been proposed since 1789 have gone through the other method where a resolution is introduced in Congress and is adopted by a two-thirds majority. You can see that a vast majority of the congressional resolutions die – most never even receive a committee hearing.
So why the effort for a convention of states? Wouldn’t it be easier to use the standard process? I agree it would be easier, but two proposals are congressional term limits and a federal balanced budget. Those issues have been attempted multiple times over the years but cannot get approval, regardless of which party is in power. Apparently, it’s not popular for Congress to put restrictions on themselves.
The balanced budget amendment is by far the most popular - 44 states have adopted it. Unfortunately, some applications expire or get rescinded, so there have never been 34 states at the same time to trigger the convention of states for that amendment. There are currently 28 states with applications on this amendment, and there are efforts to further target 8 more states this year.
One issue of concern with a convention of states is delegation. Federal law does not specify how many delegates are allowed per state. The last congressional attempt to define limits on state delegates was the Constitutional Convention Implementation Act of 1991. It went nowhere in Congress. Some states have included delegation directives in their application. In 1957, the very first application for a balanced budget amendment stated one delegate per state and that it would be the highest ranking official in either the Senate or House. Some have argued it should match the number of congressional members from each state… mirroring a process similar to the electoral college. With no standard definition, it would remain to be decided by congress if a convention is called.
As you can see, a convention of states is not a new idea, so why has it never been successful? In my historical research, as the states get close to the required two-thirds majority, Congress usually takes notice and jumps into action because it essentially takes Washington out of the process. It allows the state legislatures to force a convention, then any amendments adopted by that convention go back to the states where three-fourths majority (38) are needed to ratify. In my opinion, it would be a slap in the face to Congress if the Senators and Representatives in Washington won’t even consider an amendment, but the individual states will pass it!
Some agree with the concept of a convention of states, but fear a “runaway” convention where radical and dangerous amendments will be created. However, a convention of states is typically limited in the resolution to specific topics it can address. Even if a potential harmful amendment did come out of a convention somehow, it would still have to be ratified by 38 states to become law. As difficult as it has been to even get 34 states for the sensible balanced budget amendment, I believe it is a very low risk that 38 states would ratify an extremely unfavorable amendment. It is not unprecedented. Since 1789, there have been 33 amendments to the U.S. Constitution approved by Congress. However, there are only 27 amendments. The most recent was added in 1992 – but it was actually one of the first amendments approved by Congress in 1789. It took over 200 years to be ratified by the requisite number of states… but that’s a good story for another time.
I do not intend for you to use my article as your sole source of information. Please take the time to perform due-diligence research in contemplating the convention of states idea, and I would appreciate hearing your opinion!
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Local 4-H'ers hold session
 Citizenship in Action is for Kansas youth to learn how the state legislative process works and how their voice and participation in decision-making can make a difference in their communities. Delegates arrived and worked through a committee process on three different bills. After a banquet and keynote address, it was off to the Capitol for debate in the chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives late into the evening hour. They will also tour the Capitol on Monday.
 These young men and women will have a great impact in our communities someday soon!
This is, by far, my most favorite part of this job! I continue to be impressed with the quality of the young individuals I meet from northwest Kansas and across the state! |
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House of Representative Page Opportunity
These are just a few of the Pages I sponsored during the 2017 legislative session.
Do you know any young adults who may be interested in being a Legislative Page for a day? I am taking requests for the new session!
Here's some quick info:
- You must apply - there are limited spots available.
- Check in at 8:00 a.m. with the Page Coordinator.
- Serve as an assistant to the Kansas House of Representatives, running small errands as necessary for myself and other legislators.
- Take a photo at 9:30 a.m. with the Governor (if available).
- Observe the House Chamber as we gavel in and debate legislation on the agenda.
- Receive a $5.00 voucher for the snack bar.
- Tour the Capitol, including the inspiring "Dome Tour", as your time allows.
A certificate of appreciation recognizing your service to the state!
Recommended for young adults at least 12 years of age through High School Seniors, the Legislative Page program offers a memorable experience in the Kansas Capitol. Learn how the state government process works by becoming a part of it for a day!
Each legislator is allowed a limited number of Page sponsorships per month on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to get your requests in as soon as possible. If you have further questions, please contact me at 785-296-0715 or Adam.Smith@House.KS.Gov
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Newsletter Sign-up
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