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Minutes for SB255 - Committee on Ways and Means
Short Title
Appropriations to the University of Kansas Medical Center; creating the Cancer Research and Public Information Trust Fund.
Minutes Content for Thu, Jan 30, 2020
Chairperson McGinn opened the hearing on SB 255. Zach Fridell, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of the bill and responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 1)
Fred Logan, Chairperson of the Masonic Cancer Alliance Partners Advisory Board, testified as a proponent of the bill as it would help the University of Kansas Cancer Center achieve designation as a National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. If we look back to 2004 it would be inconceivable for KU Med to have this designation that puts us at the same level as Sloan Kettering and Mayo. The regional economic impact of this comprehensive cancer center designation will result in 195 jobs created and will allow them to invest in new cancer research. Even more important is the advancement of public health and the enhancement of cancer outreach. Mr. Logan responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 2)
Andrew Godwin, Ph.D., Deputy Director, University of Kansas Cancer Center, spoke in support of the bill. The Cancer Center now sees patients from 42 states and 16 countries because we offer top-line therapies in the world. Cancer is ongoing. We know aging is an issue as well as health issues including smoking, obesity and even HPV. Their first goal was achieved in 2012 when they obtained National Cancer Institute Cancer Center designation, which was subsequently renewed in 2017. They offer leading edge clinical trials that can't be found anywhere else in this region as well as training the next generation of scientists. The Cancer Center would not have received the NCI designation without the support of previous legislators and governors. Dr. Godwin responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 3)
Peggy Johnson, Executive Director and COO, Wichita Medical Research and Education Foundation and cancer survivor, stood in favor of the bill. She has extensive experience with cancer related organizations and advocacy groups. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer she knew she was going to need a specific plan for her. She chose to call the Cancer Center and she and her doctor met to discuss options and concerns and they made her treatment plan together. The Cancer Center is able to provide treatment that you can't get anywhere else in the region and patients no longer have to travel out of state. Clinical trials are not experimental but are a component of treatment that will bring us new treatments that may be less invasive and provides cures. KU is also looking at how to make things better when the treatment is over. Also, rural health is currently not adequate and KU received a grant from NCI to look at rural cancer care. (Attachment 4)
Chief Darren McLaughlin, Merriam Police Department and cancer survivor, testified in support of the bill. He was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Initially his tumor shrunk but then it started growing again and his doctor recommended he go to KU for treatments not available at most places. His KU doctor recommended a new therapy that had just come out of trials. Being able to go to KU was such a benefit because he was able to stay at home and receive so much support from his community. He would not have had those connections if he had to go out of state. (Attachment 5)
Written testimony in support of the bill was submitted by:
Jordan Feuerborn, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (Attachment 6)
Blake Flanders, President and CEO, Kansas Board of Regents (Attachment 7)
Kevin Walker, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 8)
There being no further conferees, Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on SB 255.
Chairperson McGinn drew members' attention to University Annual Reports that were distributed.
Chairperson McGinn adjourned the meeting at 11:50 am. The next meeting will be February 3, 2020.
