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Minutes for SB262 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Authorizing the construction of a statue honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 6, 2018
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on SB262.
Chairperson Barker recognized Senator Elaine Bowers as a proponent of SB262 (Attachment 1). Legislative approval is required in order to place a statue on the capitol grounds, and that is the purpose of this bill. No money is being requested as the funds have been raised and the project can begin in 2018.
Chairperson Barker stated that he allowed Senator Bowers to testify first since she chairs a committee at 9:30 that she needs to get to. He asked the revisor to give an overview of the bill. Jason Long, Revisor, then gave an overview on SB262 (Attachment 2). Questions were asked by Representatives Miller and Houser.
Senator Randall Hardy was recognized by Chairperson Barker as a proponent on SB262 (Attachment 3). He believes it is proper and fitting to have a statue of President Eisenhower on the statehouse grounds since he was from Abilene, Kansas, he loved the state of Kansas, and his contributions to both this state and the nation were significant.
Chairperson Barker then called upon Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, great grandson of Dwight D. Eisenhower. President Eisenhower is an example to everyone of what hard work and true dedication can do to shape the world we live in. He grew up dirt poor, yet he became the Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and then President of the United States. This statue will serve as a constant reminder of his character and accomplishments and provide inspiration to everyone, no matter their race, color, religion or economic status. (Attachment 4)
John Milburn, Department of Administration, testified as a proponent of SB262 (Attachment 5). He gave an overview of the project and provided a map of the statehouse grounds that shows where the statue would be placed. The statue is a replica of the statue created by Jim Brothers located in the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol. It depicts Eisenhower the day before the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II. He is talking to paratroopers about fly fishing. They hope to have the statue installed prior to Eisenhower's birthday in October. In response to a question by Representative Houser, Mr. Milburn stated that any money that is left in the fund for this statue would either be returned to the donors or put into a fund that is strictly for the maintenance of the monuments on the statehouse grounds.
Mack Teasley was recognized by Chairperson Barker as a proponent of SB262 (Attachment 6). He worked 34 years with the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Eisenhower Foundation. During that time he witnessed first-hand the steady rise in stature of President Eisenhower. Recently historians have placed him fifth in the presidential rankings. He is also one of the most admired American historical figures around the world. The proposed statue would be a fitting tribute to him.
Dawn Hammatt, Director of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, testified as a proponent of SB262 (Attachment 7). Eisenhower was very proud of being from Abilene, Kansas, and he chose to have his museum, library and final resting place in Abilene. It is fitting for there to be a statue of him on the capitol grounds.
Chairperson Barker asked if there were any opponents or neutrals to SB262. Seeing none, he closed the hearing on SB262.
Representative Ruiz made a motion to suspend the rule and work SB262, seconded by Representative Highland. A vote was taken, and the motion carried.
Representative Ruiz moved to recommend SB262 favorably for passage, seconded by Representative Whitmer. Following an oral vote, SB262 was favorably passed.
