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Dave Kerr takes part in an NCSL roundtable discussion on
state issues.
Fireworks over the Kansas state Capitol.
Profiles in Legislative Leadership is a periodic feature by
NCSL's Leaders Center. |
Kansas Senate President Dave Kerr
What life experience has best prepared you for this job?
My first business was a landscape contracting partnership in
Saudi Arabia. The daily challenges, especially in language and
communication taught me the value of constant attention to clear
communication with Senate colleagues, House leadership, staff and
all interested parties. Differences of opinion are an essential part
of the process. Misunderstandings are not.
Who have been your role models?
When I joined the Senate in 1985, my brother was already serving
and eventually became Majority Leader before retiring in 1992. I
immediately noted his statewide perspective and ability to view
issues from different sides. Twenty years later, he remains the
quickest study and the most even handed, courageous legislator with
whom I ever served. I keep his example in mind as I go about my
legislative duties.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the
legislative institution?
The states have had poor success in getting Congress and
administrations to provide sufficient flexibility in carrying out
the goals of Medicaid to prevent spending on that program from
growing at several times the rate of state government in general.
Unless better controlled in the future, Medicaid spending will
absorb all growth in state revenues and essentially prevent meeting
other needs with anything but tax increases.
What is the most important state issue before Congress right
now?
The sales tax system of the states has sprung an enormous leak in
the form of internet and catalogue sales. Excellent cooperation
among states has resulted in a plan ready for Congressional action.
If Congress fails to enact the needed legislation to repair sales
taxes, the result will be greater pressure on income and property
taxes.
What have been your priorities this legislative session?
We are moving on several fronts to advance a strategy for
improved economic prosperity. Production agriculture and aircraft
manufacturing, both important industries in our economy, have been
in decline. We are attempting to invent the development of new,
rapidly growing industries based upon university and private
foundation research.
What has been the biggest challenge of this legislative
session?
After three years of holding education spending flat, the
pressures to provide new funding are growing intense. A district
judge's ruling that the thirteen year old school finance formula is
unconstitutional, in spite of a 1994 Supreme Court ruling to the
contrary, has added to the confusion. Focusing on student learning
and school performance while finding agreement for both a short and
long term funding strategy will tax this session and the next.
What do you think is the most effective way to engage citizens
in the legislative process?
In an age when citizens are assailed by instant information on
every conceivable topic, the competition for their attention is
intense. It is essential to provide easily accessible, consise,
real-time information through a variety of venues. People will
participate if they think their involvement will make a difference.
If they try and receive no feedback, they are unlikely to try again.
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