The fifth week of the 2020 legislative session proved to be a contentious one while we continued to work diligently and pass bills. However, the leadership proved to be a stumbling block to the process in slowing progress. The path toward compromise has been a rough journey due to special-interest groups threatening action against legislators who do not share their views on several issues. It is not a good situation, but my sincere hope is a solution will be reached this week. It is a very negative situation at this time and my only comment is that we need an election.
The Rural Revitalization Committee heard a presentation from a company offering to install super- charging stations for electric vehicles in communities throughout the state. A tax credit is being requested to help with the cost due to the low use in rural locations. Interstate highways and urban centers are already witnessing the installation of these chargers, but rural Kansas is not included in the new technology. Time is running out to get these chargers installed as auto manufacturers switch to electric vehicles. People will not travel to areas which do not have fuel for their vehicles and the economy in rural communities will undoubtedly suffer. We are experiencing a decline in non-urban population and not having this technology in place will accelerate the exodus. Countries throughout the world have passed laws mandating the switch to replace vehicles that burn fossil fuels. This will be a major change, but the cost of operating and maintaining electric vehicles is substantially less than current models. Change is difficult, but we need to move forward. Oklahoma has installed these charging stations and I am planning a trip to see the results. Rural electric providers will see an increase in demand of electricity during off-peak hours since electric vehicles are primarily charged at night.
The current trend of less consumption will continue as households install more efficient with LED lights, high-efficiency appliances and have fewer teenage children leaving lights on. Our rural electric providers need volume or rates will go higher and higher. Broadband Internet continues to be a major hurdle for many locations and the pressure to resolve the situation is intensifying as manufacturers install equipment with technology requiring connectivity. Several plans have been introduced and there is no single solution. But it is time to get the fiber installed and fast forward into the future. Internet service at a high level is a necessity as we continue the transformation to a digital society. I was reminded recently that: “Faith is like WiFi, it’s invisible, but has the power to connect you to what you need”.
I have participated in several pubic forums this month and the interest in what we do in Topeka is encouraging. An educated and informed electorate is critical to the success of our state and country. My goal is to provide timely and accurate explanations to all questions. Laws requiring transparency in government have made obtaining accurate information easier and everyone needs to do their own research. Television is a source of entertainment not news. I read a quote recently that stated “People are sheep. TV is the shepherd”. Some people don’t sleep because they have insomnia, I can’t sleep because I have an Internet connection! Contact me with issues which concern you, and I look forward to seeing you in the weeks ahead.