Hottest Issue in Kansas Today! The Governor denied the air permit for two coal fired plants to be built in Holcomb, KS, close to Garden City. This project is critical to economic development efforts for western Kansas. It would allow for Kansas to export electricity outside the state, provide a tremendous tax base and build the much needed transmission lines for the wind farms in western Kansas. Look for the 2008 Legislature to tackle this topic and stand up for growth in all parts of Kansas!

ABORTION
Karin advocated for unborn children by sponsoring and supporting legislation to ban both partial birth and late term abortions and supporting a ban on the sale of fetal tissue and euthanasia. She continues to support this cause to improve the effectiveness of the partial birth abortion ban.
In recent years, Karin has supported efforts to license and inspect abortion clinics in Kansas. Gov. Sebelius has vetoed this legislation twice.

BUSINESS
Support of small business legislation, which has reduced various tax burdens on Kansas businesses, earned Karin the Guardian of Small Business Award in 1999.

CONCEALED CARRY OF WEAPONS
Studies have shown that gun control laws have not been effective in reducing crime in the United States or other countries. For this reason, Karin voted for legislation what would have allowed Kansas citizens to protect themselves with the stipulation that they complete a gun safety course. After gubernatorial vetos by Governors Graves and Sebelius, the 2006 legislature over-rode the Governor's veto and passed Concealed Carry for Kansas.

EDUCATION
Throughout her time in the Senate, Karin has been involved in many issues pertaining to local school districts including:
Supporting charter schools, which allows Kansas districts to access grants from federal funds.

Sponsoring legislation which allowed local school districts to implement a ten day short-term suspension as opposed to a five day suspension.

Sponsoring “Home Rule” legislation that would have allowed school districts more flexibility in decision making before asking permission from the state legislature to implement new ideas. Unfortunately, this legislation did not pass the House Education Committee.

Karin also believes that local school districts should be allowed to raise additional funds from their community without being limited to the Local Option Budget (LOB).

GAMBLING
As several studies suggest, when new Casinos are built, there is a rise in personal bankruptcy, crime and corruption relating to gambling. It also can have a negative impact on small businesses. For these reasons, Senator Brownlee has consistently voted against measures that would expand gambling in Kansas.

HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
Karin has actively advocated for simplifying access to healthcare including supporting an effort to reduce the burden of referrals. For more information, please see FI&I Committee work under Legislative Experience.

INTERMODAL

INTERNET CRIME
At Senator Brownlee’s request, a Judiciary Committee studied various forms of Internet crime including solicitation of a minor over the Internet, stalking using the Internet, sale of prescription drugs and identity theft. Through the research conducted by this committee, the 2000 Legislature determined that stalking through the Internet is a crime and upgraded identity theft from a misdemeanor to a felony. The legislature continues to address current needs in this area. The Attorney General’s office has been addressing the improper sale of prescription drugs through the Internet.

PROPERTY TAXES
During her first term as Senator, Karin supported the reduction of the statewide mill levy from 35 mills to 20 mills.

Senator Brownlee would support exploring market based methods of capping the increases on appraised values on property values. This issue has become a backdoor tax increase for citizens in the 23rd Senate district.

Karin also believes there is a need to address the increasing burden of property taxes on our Senior Citizens. This may require a State Constitutional amendment.

TRANSPORTATION
In 1999, Karin voted for the final version of the ten year Transportation Plan. This plan utilizes $12.9 billion to build new highways and interchanges in Kansas. Widening 169 Highway to four lanes south of Spring Hill is one way this bill directly impacted constituents in the 23rd Senate District.

Senator Brownlee has also supported Legislation which increases driving time for teens before they can secure their full driver’s license.

Issues Prior to 2000

BISTATE TAX II
Karin chose to oppose expanding the use of Kansas sales tax to support sports and sports facilities. It is possible for sales tax collected from Bistate Tax II to be used for projects in both Kansas and Missouri.

SUNFLOWER ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
Transferring the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant the Oz Corporation could lead to the state of Kansas being liable for the cleanup of the contaminated site, should the Oz Corporation not successfully complete the cleanup. For this reason, Senator Brownlee has opposed the transfer.

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