Representatives from southeast Kansas spend time at the capital in Topeka this week, teaming up to showcase the region during SEK Day on the Hill.

 

The event, organized by Southeast Kansas, Inc., is an opportunity to share the region's strengths and challenges with the rest of the state. KGGF broadcast live from the statehouse yesterday to give listeners a look into the ongoing legislative session.

 

House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R) says it's already been a busy session, but the big push right now is the budget.

 

Senate President Ty Masterson (R) says taxes are a big issue, especially in places like Montgomery County that border another state.

 

While both republicans and democrats differ on many issues at the capitol, a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in the works is receiving great bipartisan support. Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes (D) says there is a lot of agreement on this issue from both sides.

 

Full interviews with all guests from yesterday's broadcast can be heard below:

 

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, 2-3-26

 

Senate President Ty Masterson, 2-3-26

 

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, 2-3-26

 

April Nutt, Kandy Rushing, Patty Ann Sanborn, Southeast Kansas, Inc., 2-3-26

 

Candi Westbrook, Lisa Wilson, Coffeyville and Independence Chabmers, 2-3-26