Parkinson calls Kan. jobless rate 'discouraging'

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Gov. Mark Parkinson called Kansas' first unemployment report for 2010 "discouraging," urging legislators Wednesday to put politics aside in finding solutions.

The state Department of Labor says Kansas' jobless rate in January was 7.1 percent -- up from 6.2 percent in December and 6.3 percent in January 2009. It's the highest rate since August, when unemployment in the state hit 7.2 percent.

Those statistics explain in part why Kansas continues to see a decline in revenue collections through the first two months of 2010. Kansas is facing a gap of $88 million between tax collections and budget expenditures in the fiscal year that ends June 30. Parkinson announced a plan Friday to reduce that amount by $85 million.

"We must do all we can to prevent the additional layoffs of school teachers, civil servants and parole officers," the Democratic governor said. "Stabilizing the state budget is an important part of getting our economy back on track."

Legislators are considering several proposals to increase taxes, including the rates on sales, liquor and tobacco, aimed at avoiding additional cuts to education, public safety and social services in the 2011 budget. Critics say such increases would hurt families and businesses and delay any economic recovery.

The labor report released Wednesday said Kansas has lost 54,100 jobs over the past 12 months. The hardest hit sector has been manufacturing, which has shed 24,700 jobs, a 13.7 percent decrease, with the bulk coming from the aerospace industry.

------ Kan. school merger measure advances

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas House has approved legislation that would allow consolidation talks among multiple school districts.

The 121-1 vote on Wednesday sends the bill to the Senate for consideration.

The measure would allow three or more districts to hold talks on forming two new districts. An existing law permits consolidation talks only between two districts.

Legislators said the change would help in particularly sparse, low-enrollment districts where distance between the current district and merged schools becomes a barrier to consolidation.

If it becomes law later this session, districts would have the authority to speak with multiple districts on how best to divide their territory and students.

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------ New Kan. law will ban chemicals for synthetic pot

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- It will soon be illegal in Kansas to possess or sell two chemicals used to turn herbs into synthetic marijuana.

Gov. Mark Parkinson signed a bill Wednesday outlawing the chemicals that are key ingredients in altered herbs that are sometimes known as "K2" or "Spice." The new law takes effect March 18.

The measure also outlaws two other chemicals used for a new form of the illegal, euphoria-inducing drug Ecstasy.

The chemicals used in "K2" or "Spice" are sprayed or sprinkled as a powder on herbs, so they can be smoked and produce a pot-like high.

Law enforcement officials in northeast Kansas have said they began seeing people using the synthetic marijuana last summer. Missouri legislators also are considering a ban.

------ Ex-music director sentenced for Kan. church arson

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) -- A former church music director who admitted setting fire to the northeast Kansas church where he worked has been sentenced to 12 years and six months in prison.

Forty-six-year-old Carva Lee White was accused of setting fires at Sunflower Missionary Baptist Church in Leavenworth in October 2008. He pleaded guilty last year to attempted mail fraud and using arson in an attempt to commit mail fraud.

White, who's from Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas.

White must also pay restitution of $1,000 to the church and almost $375,000 to Wisconsin-based Church Mutual Insurance Co.

Prosecutors said White started a large fire at the church in a scheme to collect kickbacks from contractors who would be hired to repair the building.

------ Kan. gov. to sign smoking restrictions Friday

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson plans to sign a bill that will ban smoking in bars, restaurants and other public places.

Parkinson has scheduled a ceremony for 10 a.m. Friday in the south wing of the Statehouse's second floor. He's also planning to re-enact the signing Monday in Kansas City, Kan., and Salina.

Legislators approved the bill two weeks ago, and it will take effect July 1.

The bill bans smoking not only in restaurants and bars, but in retail stores, libraries, theaters and most places of employment.

It has exceptions for tobacco shops, private clubs and designated smoking areas in nursing homes. The most-criticized exception is for the gambling areas of new state-owned casinos.

------ Kan. House advances passenger rail measure

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- The Kansas House has given initial approval to a measure laying the foundation for expanded passenger rail service through the state.

The bill would establish a passenger rail program and fund within the Kansas Department of Transportation. It also authorizes the transportation secretary to enter agreements with Amtrak or other carriers to expand service through Kansas.

House members advanced the bill on Wednesday to final action, which is expected Thursday.

Kansas is among several states working to expand Amtrak service in the Midwest. Supporters say the bill would help expand service from Kansas City to Dallas.

The legislation would enable KDot to continue developing the passenger rail line and seek federal funds to establish the route.