If you have any questions, don't hesitate to e-mail him. And please come back for more updates in the future!

Huelskamp Expresses Concern about Kansas Budget
From Kansas.com: TOPEKA, Kan. - Many legislators are gloomy about Kansas' financial future and believe they've adopted a $13.6 billion budget that the state can't afford for even one additional year.

"How do I go home and tell folks how we're going to get out of this fix we're in?" said Sen. Tim Huelskamp, a Fowler Republican. "Obviously, in this budget, you can't spend hope."

You can read the full article by John Hanna by clicking here.

Kansas Pro-Life Group Upset at Legislative Inaction; Praises Huelskamp for efforts
From LifeNew.com: A Kansas pro-life group is disappointed the state legislature adjourned for the session without first approving a bill to limit abortions. Lawmakers put together a revised abortion reform bill after Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed the first one, but they adjourned without finishing the work on it.

Despite the failure to enact the bill, Culp said her group applauds the efforts of Rep. Lance Kinzer and Senator Tim Huelskamp who led the fight to get it approved.

You can read the full article by clicking here.

Let the Sun Shine In:
Legislature Passes Campaign Finance Disclosure
TOPEKA, KS – In a unanimous 38-0 vote, today the Kansas Senate passed its first major comprehensive upgrade to the campaign finance laws in years. “This bill is the most comprehensive campaign finance disclosure bill in years,” noted Senator Tim Huelskamp, principal advocate for the measure. “It brings a whole new level of transparency and sunshine to money in Kansas campaigns – thus affording Kansans the opportunity to know who is influencing our elections.”

Read the full press release here.

Read an article on the subject from hutchnews.com by clicking here.

Senator Huelskamp: U.S. Supreme Court Gives Green Light to Photo ID for Voters
TOPEKA, KS – In a decisive 6-3 opinion issued earlier today, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Photo Identification requirements for Indiana voters. Considered one of the strictest photo ID measures in the nation, the Indiana law requires all voters to present a Photo ID in order to vote.

Senator Tim Huelskamp, author of similar ID proposals in Kansas, stated that today’s decision to uphold the Indiana law could mean Kansas’ efforts to pass a similar measure have been made easier. “This ruling will help clear the path to pass our photo ID bill in Kansas,” Huelskamp said shortly after the decision was rendered. “I’m pleased with the decision and excited over the prospect of getting similar legislation passed here at home this year. Every major argument against Photo ID has been addressed and dispensed by the high court.”

Read the full press release here.

Capital Journal: Kansas Open Meetings Act — Let's be clear
In a recent editorial, the Topeka Capital-Journal praised Senator Huelskamp's efforts to make government more open. You can read the editorial here.

Sen. Huelskamp Co-Sponsors SB 458 to Fight Illegal Immigration
With his co-sponorship of SB 458, the legislation before the Senate dealing with illegal immigration, Senator Tim Huelskamp is continuing his defense of the rule of law. The bill is in response to growing concerns by citizens throughout the state who have contacted their legislators.

A recent article by the Associated Press highlighted the motives for legislation as well as a bill coming in the House. Senator Huelskamp addressed this issue directly:

Sen. Tim Huelskamp of Fowler said the bill isn't aimed at those in the country legally.

"We welcome and encourage those immigrants who come here legally, but those who break our laws deserve tough action," he said.

Stay tuned for developing information regarding the progress of this legislation.

Kansas Senate to Reinstitute Recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance
TOPEKA, KS – Responding to a request from Senator Tim Huelskamp, the Kansas Senate will reinstitute a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance on Kansas Day.

“It is very appropriate that the Kansas Senate will once again recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. I am excited by this overdue change in the Senate – especially fitting on the day we celebrate the statehood of Kansas,” said Senator Huelskamp. “Such a simple act of patriotism is required of our Kansas youth – we should expect the same of our elected officials.”

Although no one seems to know why and when the daily Pledge of Allegiance was discontinued, it was the request of a Kansas student that led to its resumption. “During the fall, I was contacted by a high school senior upset that his school had discontinued the recitation of the Pledge,” reported Huelskamp. “I contacted the superintendent of the school district. Shortly thereafter flags were distributed to the classroom and the daily Pledge began anew.” A few weeks later, a request was made to legislative leadership which has now been filled.

From the Kansas City Star: Kansas Senate adopts Pledge of Allegiance tradition
From the Hutchinson News: Huelskamp Leads Effort to Restart Pledge on Kansas Day

Sen. Huelskamp: Illegal Immigration Matters in the Real World
The Hays Daily News published an article here discussing the Governor's State of the State address. It references that the Governor did not discuss illegal immigration, and quotes Sen. Huelskamp's reaction:

The governor also didn't mention illegal immigration, which many Republicans contend is a big issue with their constituents.

"When you live in a mansion, it's not an issue," said Sen. Tim Huelskamp, a Fowler Republican. "When you live in the real world, it's a major issue."

Sen. Huelskamp has been a leading voice in the fight against illegal immigration.

Senator Huelskamp to AG Paul Morrison: File Additional Charges against George Tiller
TOPEKA, KS – Relying on the investigation of his predecessor Phill Kline, Attorney General Paul Morrison recently filed criminal abortion charges against the late-term abortionist George Tiller. Morrison alleges a “disturbing pattern” of an illegal affiliation between Tiller and Dr. Ann Neuhaus in performing criminal abortions in the latter half of 2003. But in announcing his decision, Morrison implied there will be no more investigations or charges brought by his office against Tiller.
For the full release, click here.

Senator Huelskamp to Speak at AFP Convention
On Saturday, AUgust 18, Senator Tim Huelskamp will be speaking at the Americans for Prosperity convention in Wichita. State Sen. Tim Huelskamp will discuss the proliferation of taxpayer-funded lobbying and eminent domain reform. Other speakers at the convention include Congressman Todd Tiahrt, State Rep. Kasha Kelley, and State Rep. Lance Kinzer. Topics will range from economic competitiveness to government transparency. The event will be from 11 am to 2:00 p.m. at the Best Western Airport Inn and Convention Center.

Good News on Spending Transparency
The Americans for Tax Reform reports that there is good news on the issue of spending transparency, which Senator Huelskamp fought for successfully during the 2007 Legislative Session. ATR reports five states have passed comprehensive legislation to this effect. In three of these states, the legislation has already been signed into law by the governor, the other two are still awaiting signature. Click here for a memo from ATR detailing the current efforts to bring transparency into government spending.

Senator Huelskamp a "Champion of the Taxpayer"
Senator Tim Huelskamp was recently recognized as a "Champion of the Taxpayer" by Americans for Prosperity. AFP-Kansas granted the award to lawmakers based on their vote to reduce the Kansas tax burden as well as their vote against the bloated state budget. Representatives Beamer, Hayzlett and Senator Huelskamp were among 25 of Kansas ’ 165 state lawmakers to receive the “Champion of the Taxpayer” award. You can read the entire media release from AFP here.

Senator Huelskamp: "Of Course They'll Rebuild."
Senator Tim Huelskamp was recently quoted in an article by Denis Boyles in the National Review. You can read the entire article here.

Huelskamp Leads Concern about Overspending
Senator Tim Huelskamp is greatly concerned about overspending in Kansas Government. For an update, read here.

Huelskamp Will Continue Push against Illegal Immigration
Senator Tim Huelskamp is committed to continuing to fight against illegal immigration. For an update, read here.

Huelskamp Leads Effort to Pass Taxpayer Transparency Bill
Senator Tim Huelskamp, in conjunction with Rep. Kasha Kelley (R- Arkansas City), drove an effort to increase transparency in government spending to taxpayers. The law requires creation of a searchable web site of all state spending and revenues – due up by March 2008. It was passed in the House and after stalling in a committee, Sen. Huelskamp carried an amendment which was added to the budget, which was signed into law by the Governor.

Read the press release from the Americans for Tax Reform here.

You can read the entire original bill (as was introduced in the House by Rep. Kelley) here.

Their efforts were praised in an editorial by Sandra Fabry, who is with the Americans for Tax Reform. You can read the editorial, which talks about the effort nation wide, here.

For more on this issue, listen to Grover Norquist's "Leave Us Alone" radio show on Rightalk.

He'll discuss Government Transparency with leaders such as Kansas State Representative Kasha Kelley, Kansas State Senator Tim Huelskamp, Texas State Rep. Bryan Hughes, Edmund J. McMahon of the Empire Center for New York State Policy, and New York State Assemblyman Phil Boyle.

Judge accused of misconduct
Senator Tim Huelskamp filed a complaint against Judge Paul Clark in March. As an article in the March 23 Topeka Capital Journal noted, "The complaint by Sen. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, asserts Judge Paul Clark violated the judicial code of conduct by not revealing campaign contributions accepted from lawyers who won Clark's dismissal in December of 30 criminal counts filed against Dr. George Tiller by then-Attorney General Phill Kline."

You may read the full article here.

Measure adds photo to voter registration
A system based on honesty without verification is no longer sufficient, said Sen. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler and champion of the registration reform.

He said illegal immigrants without standing to vote in elections could easily gain entrance to voting stations.

"We are concerned about the integrity of the election process," he said. "Every Kansas citizen deserves the right to an election without voter fraud."

You can read more about this in the Feb. 19, 2007 Topeka Capital Journal by clicking here.

Huelskamp Leads Exciting Expansion of Digital Democracy
Terming it an "exciting expansion of digital democracy," Sen. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, touted the Legislature's new capability for interactive hearings Friday.

Read the full article from the Hutchison News here.

Huelskamp Honored for Open Government
The Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government has named Sen. Tim Huelskamp, R-Fowler, recipient of a 2005 Friends of Open Government award.

"Sen. Huelskamp has been a persistent and consistent friend of open government," said Randy Brown, executive director of the coalition and a senior fellow at Wichita State University.

Read the full release from the Kansas Sunshine Coalition here.