Legislature still capable of doing what’s right

Several legislative moves stood out from the week’s anti-teacher and pro-gun insanity, showing that lawmakers are still capable of breaking out of lockstep partisanship and doing what’s right when it counts to Kansans. Heeding mental health advocates, 25 senators killed a bill that would have let KanCare’s insurance companies interfere with doctors’ ability to prescribe antipsychotic medications. Respecting a compromise reached by districts and teachers unions – rather than do the bidding of anti-union conservative lobbyists – both the House and Senate approved separate bills narrowing the rules for collective bargaining. And improbably endorsing an amendment offered by Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, senators voted to compel Gov. Sam Brownback to release the names of applicants for the Kansas Court of Appeals. – Rhonda Holman

This story was originally published February 27, 2015 at 6:06 PM.