I would like to first thank all the constituents of the 110th District for letting me represent you for the 2011-2012 Kansas legislative session. By now, you all have learned that I will not be seeking re-election.

Even though that I returned home after the 90-day scheduled-session, I would like to impress upon you that the House of Representatives had did our work faithfully for all Kansas citizens and passed it on to the Senate, which continually dragged its feet until the last days.

Many of you know that when work calls it needs to be done, regardless at the office or home. I felt that with my job completed in Topeka, I returned home with the understanding from the speaker and the majority leader that if my assistance was further needed that I would return without hesitation. Only with their consent did I return home.

One of the major issues this last year, was the budget. The House passed HB 2117, a very modest budget plan to give education money, continue to fund state assistance programs such as KPERS, etc., and had a $4 million to $5 million ending balance and only a 3 percent to 3.5 percent increase over last year's budget. It never made it through the Senate, so the House did pass an omnibus bill, HB 2768 with a $522.5 million ending balance, or 8.5 percent of the budget.

Some of the highlights were $25 million for education from the Department of Transportation, $25 million for equalization from the Department of Transportation, $5 million for mental health grants, $239,000 from the state general fund and $561.5 from all funds to fund Medicare autism waiver -- along with funding for the Kansas Highway Patrol, Meals on Wheels, Kan-Ed, longevity payment for workers, restored CIF funding and for the developmentally disabled and physically disabled waiting lists.

I would like constituents to know I support Travis Couture-Lovelady to represent the new 110th District as he is a lifelong Republican, conservative and pro-life. Upon visiting several times with Travis, I find he is concerned with preserving Kansas values and has a strong positive character which I consider is very important.

Travis has experience in Topeka and has been an aide for then-Rep. Jerry Moran.

Again, thank you for allowing me to serve Kansas. What a great experience.

Please remember that I am still your representative until the new swearing-in January, so if you have questions or concerns, let me know.

Dan Collins, R-Plainville, represents the 110th District in the Kansas House. dan.collins@house.ks.gov