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CONTACT MARK

mark@marksamsel.org
785-418-4962
508 E. 4th Street
Wellsville, KS 66092

Dear Neighbor,

Before diving into the meat of this issue, I want to thank the MANY good people of #HD5 who have generously volunteered their time, energy, and expertise for the benefit of our entire District and State. David Fisher, Dr. Wendy Belcher, Mike Burns, and Miami County Commissioner Rob Roberts immediately come to mind, on issues ranging from wind turbines and zoning regulations to APRN regulations and the 911 system.

Please take this last opportunity to complete my 2019 legislative survey.

Especially on difficult and complex issues, I greatly appreciate the ability to speak directly with YOU about what’s best for our District and our State. We have many experts here at home, and I’m proud to report that our efforts, energy, and ability to work with everyone from Mound City to La Crosse to Winfield to Atchison is not going unnoticed in Topeka. More on that to come.

I’ve quickly learned that a better understanding of OUR legislative process and better communication will help make a better Kansas for all of us. In this issue, I offer a broad primer (or refresher!) on the procedure that governs all issues that are near-and-dear to our hearts.

Remember Schoolhouse Rock’s “I’m Just A Bill”? It’s remarkably on point:

As you can gather, any particular bill requires a LOT of time and work to go through the entire process of getting from an idea into the format of a bill and, ultimately, into Kansas law. As a practicing attorney where communication is vital, and efficiency is critical (we bill to the nearest tenth of an hour, i.e. 6 minutes!), these first few weeks have quickly taught me that WE have substantial room for improvement in both. Thus, over the coming newsletters, my goal is to help inform YOU of the most effective and efficient methods of communication to help my colleagues and ME represent all of US here in the State Capitol.

In light of the rapid pace that legislation can move here in Topeka, my hope is that with better communication we can achieve better results and assure that your voice is being heard, while minimizing frustration and avoiding unnecessary conflict and confusion that may otherwise result. In my short time here in the People’s House, it has been very encouraging to see that when we operate on facts and information—communicated honestly and effectively—that WE (all Kansans) agree far more often than we disagree, and the entire State wins in the process.

What the Heck is a Committee?
When done most efficiently with our taxpayer dollars, the real work and most hours in legislation comes from a committee of diverse individuals focused on a particular subject matter. For instance, I serve on our House Judiciary Committee, where I’m able to offer my multiple years of civil litigation experience on a wide range of issues.

With the simple click of a button, you can find a wealth of information about our meeting times, location, committee members, and bill information. As you will see, our Judiciary Committee has a broad range of experience and backgrounds to focus on the MANY bills that are brought before us. Here’s just a sample of the info you will see to your left.

As recently covered in our local newspapers, I was honored to carry, on behalf of the Judiciary Committee, my first bill—HB 2038—to the House Floor on February 6, 2019. You can read more about it here. While I didn’t come up with the idea, House leadership asked me to use my legal background to advocate an improvement in Kansas law in the area of inheritance rights for divorced spouses.

As you may have caught on my Facebook page, the bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a 114-5 vote. As with any bill, you can always check its status—and any final action vote—on the Kansas Legislature website. To see the breakdown on HB 2038, just click here.

HB 2273: Wind Turbines in Kansas
Our neighbors in southern #HD5 know especially well the contentious nature of wind energy in Kansas. The Anderson County Review and Dane Hicks have covered the issue extensively, including in their February 12, 2019 issue. Like above, you can see the current status of HB 2273 by searching the bill number on the Kansas Legislature website. As you’ll see, we had two full days of extensive hearings, with proponents going on February 19, and opponents on February 21. To be sure, I received approximately 600-700 emails on this topic alone, from individuals from all over Kansas.

The topic is complex, subject to existing local laws such as zoning regulations that may vary by county and for zoned versus unzoned areas. Proponents, such as our very own David Fisher, persuasively advocated for a statewide system to address multiple concerns like health issues, “gag orders,” quality of life, economic and business growth, property values, and many others. Opponents, on the other hand, pointed out perceived flaws in the bill, such as a 1.5-mile setback restriction, which they argued would effectively kill the development of any future wind farm in Kansas.

After careful consideration and working closely with our local experts such as David Fisher and Mike Burns, we mostly agreed that Kansas DOES need a statewide framework with minimal procedural safeguards. In the eyes of the majority of my colleagues, they found the flaws with HB 2273 to be too pervasive to fix for the time being, so the bill did not pass out of committee.

Voting with two of my conservative Republican colleagues, I voted to move HB 2273 out of committee without recommendation so that it would receive continued attention and work on the House floor. Although that motion failed, we were able to shed much light on the many problems in this area, and I am optimistic that we will be able to carry the good work forward such that we can put together a better bill in the next session which will benefit all Kansans, and our neighbors in Linn County in particular.

#LeadTheWay: Education & Mental Health
In just a few short weeks in our State Capitol, I’m proud to report that WE here in #HD5 are #LeadingTheWay #ForTheKids. As part of my service on the House Education Committee, Chairman Steve Huebert (R-Valley Center) asked me to take the lead in addressing an issue that has been plaguing our schools and kids for decades: bullying.

Working with fellow freshmen colleagues Rep. Adam Thomas (R-Olathe) and Rep. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), we poured several hours into creating HB 2330, an act with policies and procedures to prohibit and investigate bullying. It was introduced on February 14, 2019. A public hearing was held on February 20, 2019. For those who didn’t already see it on my Facebook page, you can access my proponent testimony here.

More details to follow as the legislation moves forward, but I’m pleased to report that we’ve built a broad coalition of support (both R’s and D’s) to focus on this issue, and I’m optimistic that we will see positive results and action this session. While much room for improvement remains at every level of education and mental health, I’m encouraged by recent leadership and action on these issues.

#OneBrighter
Please send your nominations, short stories, and/or photos to me at Mark.Samsel@house.ks.gov. If possible, be sure to include their name and mailing address so we can send them a proper #HDhigh5! Please also include your own name and mailing address.

Jeff Russell: Anderson County/Prairie View Band Director
Sometimes our best and brightest are sharing the love outside #HD5! Garnett resident Jeff Russell served as our AC Bulldog band director throughout USD 365 until this school year. As appreciated by our very own M.D. (!) and Greeley resident Wendy Belcher, Mr. Russell served in that role for the duration of her three sons’ music education. That’s right, be sure to catch Cole and Garrett (juniors) AND Kyle (freshman) in action this week (and hopefully next!) as their pep band supports our basketball Bulldogs throughout KSHSAA postseason action! These young men contribute greatly to the ACHS band, in addition to many other activities and sports.

In going above and beyond the call of duty to educate our kids and support our schools, Mr. Russell has played a vital role in our entire community. For example, Jeff had directed the Community Band for many years and supported the Legion in many ways, including arranging for trumpet students to play Taps in support of our veterans at Memorial Day services and funerals. Additionally, he has spent countless hours outside of the school day contributing to the lives of students and supporting USD 365 sporting events. Without a doubt, Mr. Russell is #ForTheKids and #ForThePeople!

As a reflection of Jeff's commitment and encouragement of hard work, Garrett Belcher, on February 23, proudly represented ACHS and all of #HD5 at the Kansas Music Educator Association State Band concert in Wichita. Incredibly, Mr. Belcher was 1 of 70students trying out for 6 tuba seats. The Belcher family and all of the good folks of #HD5 are indebted to Mr. Russell for not only encouraging our young people in their music education, but also for his terrific example as a role model and support for their life as young men and women. We know he is now doing the same for students at Prairie View USD 362.

The next time you see any of these incredible folks, be sure to give them a BIG #hdHIGH5! Pictured, from left to right, are: Kyle Belcher, Chris Peine, Jeff Russell, Cole Belcher, and Garrett Belcher.

Chance Mitzner: Osawatomie Freshman Wrestler
Speaking of TOUGH, have you guys heard of our guy Chance Mitzner? Regrettably, I was a bit late to this party, but while hanging with our Anderson County Bulldog Wrestling Squad during KSHSAA Regional action in Paola, they quickly brought me up to speed that “THIS GUY IS GOOD!” In fact, he is now our UNDEFEATED Regional Champ and State Medalist. And oh yeah, HE’S ONLY A FRESHMAN. Big things ahead for this young #HD5’er!

Thirsty for more?
While I do my best to bring you many of our #HD5highlights in these newsletters, I urge you to check out the following social media for more frequent pictures and updates:
Facebook: @MarkSamsel4Kansas
Instagram & Twitter: @msamselkc
Among them, you can find more information about our Crest High School Lancers, as well as our Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), including two of our very best: Coach/now-Grandpa Kermit Deterdingand his grandson and Wellsville Senior Jackson Dwyer. Spoiler Alert: You can also read about Wellsville Senior Dawson Reeveand his trip to Hays, Kansas to support our Wellsville Eagle Wrestlers. It included a stop in Abilene, Kansas to learn about our 34th President, Dwight Eisenhower.

If you haven’t already signed up for this newsletter, just add your email address at: www.marksamsel.org. Sign up at the bottom right corner of the page, and you’ll automatically start receiving these newsletters!

#OneBrighter
Mark