Thompson stands by votes

Rep. Kent Thompson, R-District 9, stands by his vote to continue funding green energy standards, even though it may have cost him support of ultra-conservatives, including the Kansas Chamber of Commerce.
Other than that one issue, Thompson maintains he has toed the line that should please the right wing, including votes to overrule federal authority with guns, void teacher tenure, and enact property tax relief in favor of school funding.
The Renewable Portfolio Standards passed in 2009 mandated utility companies in Kansas acquire 20 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
Kansas is on track to meet that standard primarily because of its contributions to the development of wind energy.
“We’re at 16-17 percent right now,” he said, of meeting the green energy standard.
Support from Republicans and Democrats helped defeat repealing the state law. The Senate had earlier passed the measure.
“Kansas is ranked third in the nation as a potential site to develop wind energy,” Thompson said. “We know it’s clean, and I believe it also can be viewed as an economic development factor for southeast Kansas.”
Both Monarch Cement in Humboldt and Ash Grove Cement of Chanute provide the cement used to anchor the massive wind towers.
“It takes 300 cubic yards — about three semi-trailers — to construct those bases,” Thompson said. Monarch and Ash Grove are the only Kansas-based cement companies.

THOMPSON, 50, faces Chad VanHouden of Chanute in the Aug. 5 Republican primary.
Thompson said his experience as an Allen County commissioner has helped prepare him for the role of Representative. This is his first run at the position. He was appointed when Rep. Ed Bideau, Chanute, died last fall.
“As a county commissioner I learned how to understand budgets. The difference here is that we’re dealing with billions instead of millions of dollars,” he said.
The state’s fiscal forecast has Thompson “concerned,” he said.
Kansas is starting Fiscal Year 2014-15 with a balance of $343 million, about $200 million short of a year ago this time, with new tax cuts on the horizon.
Thompson said there’s always the hope receipts will pick up, but unless a special session is called he has little power to effectively address the situation.
And even then, Thompson said the reality is that the Kansas Legislature is controlled “by about 10 people who make all the decisions,” starting with Gov. Sam Brownback on down through Senate President Susan Wagle and Speaker of the House, Ray Merrick.
“They are the ones who decide what bills will be considered,” Thompson said.
The lack of moderate Republicans, and of course Democrats, in the Kansas Legislature prevents much opposition to leadership, Thompson said.
Gov. Brownback’s suggestion that “perhaps” Kansas should review Medicaid expansion has Thompson interested.
“I’d like to have the discussion,” he said. “It’s my duty to look at it to see why we can or can’t make it work.”
If expanded, the parameters of Medicaid would cover those making up to 130 percent of poverty. In Kansas, families with children can make no more than 38 percent of the federal poverty level to receive Medicaid. For a family of three, the annual income limit is $7,421.
In regards to education, Thompson said he is interested in the outcomes of a study of school district administrative costs to see if efficiencies are to be had.
He also defends his vote for Kansas to supersede federal authority in regards to gun rights.
“I think the vote gave us uniformity across the state,” he said.

THOMPSON is an auctioneer, rancher, and Realtor. He and his wife, Susan, also own State Street Liquors in Iola. They have two grown children.
Endorsements include those by Kansas Farm Bureau, the Kansas State Rifle Association, the National Rifle Association, and the Kansas Livestock Association.
The primary is Aug. 5. Advanced voting starts today.