January 2016
Board of Directors Approves Missouri and Kansas Legislative Agendas IBS 2016 Schedule - page 3 Economic Forecast - page 6 Legislative Agendas - page 7
2015 Award Winners Announced, pages 4-5
With Kansas and Missouri state legislators returning to work this month, the KCHBA Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors have approved the 2016 Legislative Agendas for Kansas and Missouri. The legislative agendas include long-standing policy issues that are important to HBA members and key to a strong housing industry. The legislative agendas also serve as the HBA’s guide for its advocacy efforts in Topeka and Jefferson City and are designed to adapt to any legislation that may emerge during the legislative sessions. The upcoming Kansas legislative session, which begins on January 11, will largely focus on state budget issues. The legislature faces a $354 million revenue shortfall according to November estimates, which means that all current tax exemptions and deductions might be in danger of elimination or sunset dates. However, as 2016 is an election
year for all 165 members of the Kansas legislature, drastic changes in tax policy are unlikely. The state budget will also be an important topic this year in Jefferson City, with the Missouri General Assembly entering session on January 6. Last year’s surplus will likely be spent on existing program growth, such as Medicaid’s mandatory spending requirement. Transportation will also take center stage, as legislators once again debate the best strategy for funding highway improvement. Workers’ compensation issues might arise, and will be closely monitored by KCHBA for any changes affecting the home building industry. The Government Affairs Committee,
which is charged with examining issues and legislation and recommending policy positions, reviewed the HBA’s legislative agendas in December and sent them to the Board of Directors for approval. The Committee is cochaired by Harold Phelps, Phelps Engineering, Inc., and David Elliot, Construction & Planning Services, Inc. Committee members represent a broad spectrum of the housing industry and serve as the guiding voice of the HBA in both state Capitols. HBA members are encouraged to attend the annual Kansas Legislative Day on Wednesday, January 27 in Topeka and Missouri Legislative Day on Tuesday, April 5 in Jefferson City. More information on these events can be found on the HBA’s website under Government Affairs.