Maybe it was because of spring break or the nice weather, but turnout was smaller than average at the legislative update Saturday morning at the Chamber’s Visit Salina Annex.

Redistricting, and taxes took up much of the conversation . Senator Pete Brungardt said in his 12 years in Topeka, this session has the least determined at this point of the session, and that the wrap up session in May will be epic, because redistricting has yet to be completed.

108th district representative Steven Johnson says a lot of issues are still on the table and progress needs to made on a number of issues. Concerning the state budget, Johnson says additional revenues coming into the state, there should be a reasonable ending balance for Kansas at the end of the fiscal year. Johnson not sure what will be done on taxes before the end of the year.

69th district rep Tom Arpke said he is pleased that the state is ranked in the top ten in the nation when it comes to transparency in government. Arpke also said he is hopeful for legislation that will make language on ballots easier to understand.

71st district representative Charlie Roth said there are only two issues that need to be addressed before the end of the session is the state budget and redistricting. Roth said that needs to be the focus of the legislature.

The Salina delegation took questions concerning voter registration, taxes, the Kansas religious freedom act , the new transportation secretary, immigration issues, and the use of funds from the Kansas Department of Transportation that goes to other state spending.

On the issue of the Kansas Religious Freedom Act, Charlie Roth is concerned it will take away local control on issues like one that is being discussed in Salina. The addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to protected classes against discrimination. Roth says it is also a concern that Kansas could place spending lids on local government with some of the tax reform proposals before the state.

The legislature will adjourn at the end of the week and return for the wrap up session in May.

The next legislative update from the Salina delegation is scheduled for Saturday May 12th at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce “Visit Salina” annex. from 8:30 till 10am.