Date
MINUTES OF THE SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Karin Brownlee at 8:30 A.M. on March 14, 2007 in Room 123-S of the Capitol.
All members were present.
Committee staff present:
Amy Deckard, Kansas Legislative Research Department
Kathie Sparks, Kansas Legislative Research Department
Jason Long, Revisor of Statutes
Jackie Lunn, Committee Assistant
Conferees appearing before the committee:
David Kerr, Department of Commerce
Bob North, Department of Commerce
Others attending:
See attached list.
HB 2316-Authorizing paperless payroll methods for employers
SB 148-KAN-ED act; department of corrections; department of health and environment
SB 342-Enacting the Kansas investment credit act and the Kansas jobs credit act
Chairperson Brownlee announced the Committee would be holding a confirmation hearing for the position of Secretary of Commerce. She introduced David Kerr to give some information about himself. Mr. Kerr stated that for the past 28 years he has worked in a number of capacities for one of the best corporations in the world. He feels that his business experience in strategic planning, marketing, sales and regulatory legislative affairs provide a firm foundation for effectively marketing and selling all the attributes and quality the state of Kansas has to offer. In closing, he stated he was looking forward to working with the Senate Commerce Committee to building a healthy and expanding economy.
Questions followed from the Committee for Mr. Kerr.
Senator Jordan made a motion to forward the nomination of David Kerr as Secretary of Commerce to the Senate. Senator Reitz seconded. Motion carried.
Chairperson Brownlee introduced Bob North, Department of Commerce, to review the annual STAR Bond report. Mr. North presented written copy. (On file Department of Commerce) Mr. North highlighted on the following projects STAR Bond projects:
• Kansas Speedway/Village West district
• Heartland Park Racetrack/Topeka
• Kansas Underground Salt Museum/Hutchinson
• Schlitterbahn Vacation Village/Unified Government of Wyandotte County
• Flint Hills Discovery Center/Manhattan
Mr. North stated that the Department of Commerce continues to work with cities and developers on potential projects throughout the State. These projects not only create jobs and spur capital investment; they also become quality of life recruitment tools and enhance the state’s image. In closing, he stated they are working on at least three other projects at this time.
Questions and discussion followed with the Committee and Mr. North.
Upon the conclusion of the questions and discussion, Chairperson Brownlee announced that tomorrow the Committee would hear a report on State Use Law; have a hearing on HB 2316; have a review of the E911 Post Audit Report and work SB 342; and on Friday a subcommittee for SB 148 will meet at 8:30 a.m. in room 123 S; with no meeting scheduled for Monday.
Senator Reitz made a motion to approve the Committee minutes for:
February 9, 2007
February 12, 2007
February 14, 2007
February 15, 2006
with a correction on February 12, 2007, Page 2, 1st line changing the name Mr. Hein to Mr. Sanchez.
Senator Teichmen seconded. Motion carried.
Chairperson Brownlee adjourned the meeting at 9:25 a.m. with the next scheduled meeting tomorrow, March 15th at 8:30 a.m. in room 123 S.