Kansas legislature passes transportation funding bill

Heart of America ATSSA Chapter members lobbied for passage during Feb. visit

Today, both houses of the Kansas legislature voted to pass a transportation funding bill and sent it to Gov. Laura Kelly’s desk.

Members of the Heart of America-ATSSA (HOA-ATSSA) Chapter leadership participated in the Economic Lifelines Coalition Advocacy Day in Topeka on Feb. 12. They had a booth in the state Capitol highlighting the work that ATSSA members do throughout Kansas. Additionally, they met with Transportation Committee leaders and the state Secretary of Transportation and participated in a press conference with the governor.

“The HOA-ATSSA Chapter was thrilled to be part of the process and coalition that got this bill over the finish line and to the governor’s desk for her signature,” said HOA-ATSSA Chapter board member Kevin Shelton, owner and estimator at C-HAWKK Construction Inc. “Between meetings with legislative leadership and KDOT executives, the chapter was instrumental in ensuring that the voice of roadway safety was heard loud and clear in Topeka.”

The legislation, SB 173 – the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Plan, becomes the state’s 10-year, $10 billion transportation plan, with a focus on safety and economic growth. The bill passed in the House by a vote of 112-3 and in the Senate by a vote of 37-2.

“The work done by HOA-ATSSA Chapter Board is a perfect example of how ATSSA members can have a direct and forceful impact on the legislative process at both the federal and state level,” said Nate Smith, ATSSA Vice President of Government Relations. “Our members and chapters ensure that safety isn’t just a politician’s talking point; they make certain that words and promises become legislative actions.”