Chairman Peck opened the hearing for SB36.

Tamara Lawrence, Revisor, presented an overview of the bill and stood for questions.(Attachment 1)

Dan Meyerhoff, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. spoke in support of SB36.   This bill amends the funding formula for local county conservation districts..The bill would change the county-state match from 1-to-1 ratio to a formulat that allow for up to 2-to-1 state county funding with a state match of no more than $50,000 per county. (Attachment 2)

Josh McGinn, Assistant Secretary, Kansas Department of Agriculture, spoke in support of SB36.  With the match level raised to $50,000, over 90 counties would meet or exceed a full match. By increasing the state's contribution, KDA believes that counties may feel encouraged to provide additional local funding to further support local Conservation Districts. (Attachment 3)

Justin Cobb, The Nature Conservancy presented Written-only testimony in support of SB36. (Attachment 4)   

Chairman Peck closed the hearing on SB36 and adjourned the meeting at 8:58 a.m.