Rally Summary and Next Steps

Thanks to everyone who attended the press conference and/or hearing yesterday!

While no definitive action was taken by Chairman Brunk, it's clear that we've made the opposition work harder this time around! Also, two of the business lobbyists who were supposed to testify against SB 160 left early or didn't show up at all. The one who was left - Ron Hein from the Restaurant & Hospitality Association - technically presented his testimony as "neutral" towards the bill (and was allowed to speak for a full 15 minutes!).

See here for photos from the two events: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=621776667#/album.php?aid=2018318&id=1071433763&ref=mf (Thanks to Amy Robinson for taking photos!)

And here's a story from the Lawrence Journal World: http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2009/mar/05/increase-state-minimum-wage-faces-hurdles-house/.

The House Commerce & Labor Committee meets again on Tuesday, so we need to keep the pressure on them, particularly Steve Brunk. He represents the Bel Aire community, in the Wichita area, so if you live there, or know anyone who does, please encourage them to write to him urging that he LET THE COMMITTEE TAKE A VOTE ON SB 160. We believe there's enough support for this bill on the Committee and it would likely be voted out of committee favorably and sent to the House floor for a vote there. Once again, the contact list is below.

Thanks for everything you're doing! We'll keep you posted!

Heidi

Commerce and Labor:

Steven Brunk, Chairperson; 785-296-7645

Email: steve.brunk@house.ks.gov He's from Bel Aire (north Sedgwick county)

John Grange, Vice-chairperson; 785-296-7655

Email: john.grange@house.ks.gov ElDorado

Bob Bethell, 785-296-7616

Email: bob.bethell@house.ks.gov Alden He represents all of Rice county,

including Lyons and Sterling, and parts of Barton and Reno - (near Hutch) -

counties)

Elaine Bowers, 785-296-7644