by Patrick Vogelsberg, KAR Vice President of Governmental Affairs
The official end of the legislative session in Kansas is known as “Sine Die.” Traditionally, Sine Die is largely ceremonial and sparsely attended by both legislators and lobbyist. That was not the case for Sine Die-2016 as the Kansas Legislature set themselves to discuss a veto override.
In the weeks leading up to the end of the session, KAR was busy consulting with legislative leaders and other stakeholders on our effort to override Governor Brownback’s veto of a bill that increases the fairness of the property tax valuation and the appeals process for all taxpayers. Governor Brownback vetoed this legislation over an unrelated state income tax dispute with one alleged Kansas income taxpayer.
Any veto override is difficult as it takes a 2/3rds vote in both the House and the Senate. On Sine Die, this is particularly difficult due to lack of attendance by legislators. A veto override needs 27 Senators and 84 Representatives to show up and vote in favor of the override. So over the past weeks, we worked with legislative leadership on both sides of the isle to encourage their members to return to Topeka for Sine Die and vote for the override. Our efforts were successful. With KAR’s urging, the Kansas Legislature voted to override the Governor’s veto by impressive margins.
KAR brings your voice to the legislature to keep the Kansas housing market strong.
