Welcome to the office of Representative Charlie Roth!

You have reached the new online home of Kansas State Representative Charlie Roth! This website will be a resource for you — both to learn about what is going on in Topeka, as well as how to help the campaign.

Charlie Roth and Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Lawton Nuss

January 10, 2011

Prior to being sworn in for his fourth term as Kansas State Representative, Charlie Roth met with Chief Justice of the Kansas Supreme Court Lawton Nuss in the House chamber. A Salina native, Justice Nuss practiced law with the firm of Clark Mize & Linville, Chartered before being appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court by Governor Bill Graves in 2002.

Thank You!

November 4, 2010

Dear Friends,

Thank you! I am grateful and humbled by your support in the November election. Your support: yard signs, campaign donations, advice and “atta boy” encouragement made all the difference.

As a coalition builder, I will continue to work with members of the Republican Party, and my fellow legislators across the aisle to create good public policy that benefits all Kansans. I consider it a great honor to represent the constituents of the 71st district. I welcome continued suggestions, advice and comments. Please feel free to contact me at any of the options you find below.

Thank you again for your support. Representing you is a privilege I take very seriously.

Respectfully,

Charlie

Session Recap

June 2, 2010

The question I am most often asked these days is “Now that the session is over, are you glad to be done?” My answer is always an emphatic “YES!” The 2010 legislative session was the most contentious and tumultuous in my six years serving in Topeka. That said it was also the most productive session I have experienced. We worked in just under 90 days (our legal limit) to resolve the large budget shortfall and we passed major legislation in transportation, unemployment, health care, traffic safety issues and leveraged tens of millions of dollars in federal Medicaid funds to support nursing home care for elderly Kansans. More on all of this below, but first I would like to give you some background on the budget situation.

In January prior to the beginning of the 2010 session, the governor and the legislature had made six rounds of budget cuts. Those cuts totaled $1B. That was from a State General Fund Budget of $6.4B, or a reduction in state spending of almost 16%. The 2010 Legislature was faced with an additional $500M shortfall in the FY 2011 budget (begins July1, 2010). As you know, state government must balance our budget (expenditures must equal expected revenue) before we can adjourn. In order to balance our budget, our choices were to continue cutting vital state services or to find additional revenue.

As the budget cuts continued to mount in the fall of 2009, and the pain of those cuts spread, I heard from constituents that were being affected by the cuts: the physically and developmentally disabled, health care workers, educators, child care providers, law enforcement officials and school board members. To a person their message was clear: “We want to do our part in this Great Recession. But we are concerned that further cuts will cost much more to fix down the road. Please consider the long-term effects of continued cuts.”

During the budget debates we explored many different revenue enhancements (a polite word for tax increases). Among them were deeper cuts to education that would have resulted in a tax increase at the local level. We also looked at the sale of state assets (a reasonably good idea, but not one to build into a responsible budget), an increase in sin taxes (cigarettes and alcohol) and adding an additional bracket for individual state income tax. Eventually the debate narrowed to just one choice, a temporary increase in the sales tax of one cent on the dollar. At 2 am on Tuesday morning May 11, the House voted to pass the sales tax increase, 64-61. It was a bipartisan vote in both the House and the Senate.

I voted for the sales tax increase having concluded that it was the best of some very bad choices. In addition to the revenue enhancement, I voted to cut spending by over $200M from the Governor’s recommendation. Positions in government were slashed and overall operating expenditures reduced in nearly every agency. Other states may continue further cuts; passage of the sales tax increase will stabilize our budget for years to come. The 2010 Legislature has done the heavy lifting. Voting for a tax increase is never politically popular, but it was the right choice for Kansas and the citizens of my district.

I am pleased to announce that I have filed for re-election. We have work to do in the years ahead. Next year we will have a new Governor who I look forward to working with. I was disappointed that we did not succeed this year in reforming campaign finances nor did we succeed in creating a “rainy day fund”. In my public service career I have a history of focusing on solutions to problems. I am willing to be bi-partisan when responsible public policy is the product. It has been an honor and privilege to serve Salina in the Kansas House of Representatives and I will work hard to continue to be worthy of my constituents’ trust.

Other Significant Legislation Passed in 2010

Comprehensive Transportation Program

Knowing that the previous two comprehensive transportation programs in Kansas were highly successful in creating economic activity, lawmakers gave their approval to a new program this year. The landmark legislation will provide $8.2 billion over the life of the program, estimated to create or sustain nearly 175,000 jobs throughout the state. A major emphasis of the program is maintenance of the state’s highway system, but it also includes funding for other modes as managed by the Kansas Department of Transportation. The CTP will be financed in part by a portion of the recently passed sales tax. Salina’s Tim Rogers was co-chair of T-Works, a group of community leaders that developed the basic plan.

Unemployment Issues

Businesses had faced a $209 million increase in unemployment taxes they pay to help finance the fund that covers jobless benefits in the state. That steep increase was avoided when legislation enacted earlier this year was crafted, giving the most relief to companies with little or no claims history.

Providers of Health Services

Last year, budgets became so tight Governor Parkinson ordered a series of allotments or cuts at various points to keep the state’s budget balanced. One of the most severe of those cuts was a 10 percent reduction in reimbursements to doctors, nurses, aides and other allied health providers who care for Kansans reliant upon Medicaid programs. The balanced budget agreed to by the legislature restored that cut for FY 2011. In addition, the 2010 legislature passed a Nursing Home Provider Assessment which will serve to allow Kansas to leverage additional federal funding for long term care. This funding will stabilize nursing home rates and improve quality of care.

Health Care Issues

I supported and am very pleased at the passage of the statewide indoor smoking ban which will have a positive effect on health care in Kansas. I am proud that Salina city officials were leaders in the smoking ban. The state’s new policy is not as restrictive as our city ban. I promise to work to make the state ban more restrictive over the next few years.

Traffic and Safety Issues

We passed a primary seat belt law meaning you can be stopped for not wearing a seat belt. The first two years the fine is $5 and no court costs, the minimum allowed by federal law. This allows us to access $11 million per year in federal money. We also passed the no texting while driving law and increased the penalty for a second DUI.

As always, I am grateful to represent the citizens of the 71st district. You can reach me by e-mail or by telephone at 785 827-3712.

Salina Journal Editorial: Ben Wearing

May 12, 2010

The “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” rule states that sometimes you have to pay for doing the right thing. That rule might come into play now that the Kansas Legislature has passed and sent to Gov. Mark Parkinson a three-year, 1 cent increase in the sales tax that he requested back in January.

One of those who helped usher the sales tax through the House and past the conservative House leadership was Rep. Charlie Roth, R-Salina. The question is, will Roth and others pay the price for doing the right thing.

By a 64-61 vote early Tuesday, a coalition of Democrats and Republicans raised the tax from 5.3 percent to 6.3 percent, beginning July 1. The Senate approved the measure on Saturday.

Roth, who represents the 71st District, and others believe that education, social services and other segments had been cut enough. We agree, but there is a sizeable number of tea party types who don’t, and those people will vote.

On Tuesday, Roth said he was “absolutely” aware of the political risk he took. He’s been getting e-mails and calls from people who’ve promised to work tirelessly to defeat him if he voted for the tax increase.

“The threat there was very real,” Roth said. But given that the alternative to the higher tax was “massive cuts” to education, law enforcement and the elderly, “Frankly, the political consequences were a minor factor in the decision.

“These were the most difficult choices I have ever made. There were no good answers.”

The irony is that Roth, who’s filed for re-election, didn’t have to take this risk. He could have hidden behind the House leadership, which opposed the increase, and kept his mouth shut.

While “cowardly” might be too strong a word to describe going along to get along, Roth said, “I couldn’t have lived with myself.” Now, the question is whether the voters – especially in a primary where conservatives have a stronger voice – can live with the decision by Roth and others. Or will this good deed be punished?

Ben Wearing is the Executive Editor of the Salina Journal

Governor Parkinson visits Salina to sign Kansas Smoking Ban

March 12, 2010

Salina State Representative Charlie Roth, alongside his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Sally, stand with Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson in Salina, shortly after Gov. Parkinson ceremoniously signed Kansas’ first statewide smoking ban. Hailed as a victory for people concerned about clean air, the new law bans smoking in restaurants, bars, offices, and other public places.

Parkinson visited Salina March 15, 2010, to ceremoniously sign the bill, saying that he selected Salina for two reasons: one, Salina was the first community in Kansas to enact a smoking ban; and two, Roth was instrumental in getting the statewide ban passed.

The ban takes effect on July 1, 2010. Health officials estimate that 4,000 Kansans die from smoking-related disease every year, about 300 through exposure to secondhand smoke.

My Take on the Massachusetts Senate Election

January 22, 2010

Fourteen months ago, November 2008, America voted for change. We were promised that there would be a bipartisan effort with greater transparency to enact this change. We believed the promise and the political pendulum swung from the right (Bush/Cheney/DeLay) to the left (Obama/Pelosi/Reed). But we didn’t get change. What we got was the same partisan, heavy-handed politics we have seen from Washington before, only this time it was from the Democrats instead of the Republicans. We got Cornhusker Kickbacks, cash for cloture, the Louisiana Purchase, earmarks too numerous to choke down, a new mountain of debt that we will leave our grandchildren, a health care bill voted on straight party lines, government ownership of our largest domestic auto maker, and an activist EPA ready to enact climate change policy without legislation.

The political pendulum swung too far to the left and the voters of the very blue state of Massachusetts said “STOP, ENOUGH!” And now the pendulum is starting to swing back to the right. This is where Americans need to be cautious. We need to be cautious that the pendulum doesn’t swing all the way back to the extreme right as an over reaction to the left. America has always been a center right political nation. Most people claim to be fiscal conservatives in their personal life. Most people care about the well being of their neighbors and the most vulnerable amongst us. Most people want to reduce the high cost of health care and expand benefits to those not covered by health insurance. Most people want to minimize the effects of climate change. Most people want these things but our choices for solutions seem to come from the extremes of the political spectrum and not from middle ground forged by consensus and compromise.

Our current two party system tends to purge those that want to reach out and work with the other side for compromise. Arlen Specter and Joe Lieberman come to mind on the national level. Voters vote for ideologues who claim to be confident in their solutions to the problems we face. That tendency is most evident in the primary season when candidates appeal to the base of their party. Conservatives become more conservative and liberals become more liberal. Woe be the candidate who says, “When elected I want to work with all members to find solutions to our problems.” And when we elect ideological candidates the pendulum swings to the extreme right, or left, poised to swing the other direction the next election cycle.

The message from the Massachusetts election is not that the voters want more Republicans in office. The message is that voters want solutions and less partisan politics. The message is that we want less noise from the edges and more solutions from the middle, even if those results are slow and incremental. And yes even if they mean we have to experience a bit of sacrifice. The nation and state deserve more elected officials willing to work with, and form coalitions with, members of the other party to find balanced solutions to our common problems. Are you willing to vote for them?

Charlie Roth — Front & Center

Listen to Charlie and his opponent debate the issues

Recorded Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at KSAL radio (a Salina Media Group station), Salina, KS, you can listen to Charlie Roth debate his opponent on Friendly Fire.

Charlie Roth Answers Salina Journal Questionnaire

Recently, Charlie Roth answered a questionnaire from the Salina Journal. You can now view his answers on the Issues page of this website.

George Bernard Shaw — A Splendid Torch

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

— George Bernard Shaw

A note from Charlie...

Hi, I am Charlie Roth, member of the Kansas House of Representatives in the 71st District. The 71st district is mostly east Salina, from 9th street east to the city limits. It has been my honor and pleasure to represent you in the House for the last five years.

I have lived in Salina all my life. While this does not qualify me to serve in the legislature, it does qualify me as an expert on the bounties that our city has to offer. I have raised a family, had a terrific job, and grown up spiritually and emotionally in the best city in Kansas. I will continue to give back to the Salina community what has so freely been given to me. Let me tell you a little about my background: I served on the Salina City Commission and the Salina Airport Authority, and had a term as mayor of our city. During that time, I helped keep taxes low, and brought new business to Salina.

For 36 years I owned a small business. As many of you know, owning your own business requires weekly if not daily decisions on changing conditions and how best to meet those changes and stay competitive, decisions that effected the lives of our employees and our customers. I made a twice monthly payroll for some twenty employees for all of those years. I have had the privilege of and felt the yoke of collecting and paying taxes. I have paid payroll taxes, state and federal withholding taxes, sales taxes, unemployment taxes and corporate taxes, to name just a few. In short my business experience has helped me make decisions in the Legislature that will help our citizens lead more prosperous lives.

I believe strongly in limited government and a strict adherence to the Constitution. I don’t believe in the redistribution of wealth, and therefore I am reluctant to raise taxes, and will lower them whenever possible. I voted to reduce taxes three times and helped businesses and employees by reducing the burden of the State Unemployment tax while securing additional benefits for unemployed workers. I believe that our citizens prosper when our economy and businesses are expanding. I voted for the expansion of Wichita’s Cessna Aircraft and the National Bio and Agro Defense facility proposed for Manhattan. Both projects would create thousands of new jobs, millions in new construction, and increase tax revenues for our state.

I don’t believe that throwing money at a problem is a solution. I believe that the people’s money is better spent by the people rather than the government. I believe that government runs more efficiently when its citizens are spending their own money, rather than their legislators. I believe in the strength of the free market, and that the government should not constrain it with rules and regulations, especially regulations made on the fly with no basis in law. I strongly believe in the value of property rights.

As your representative I support:

1. A comprehensive energy policy that includes the expansion of renewable energy as well as the development of clean coal and nuclear. We must leave all of our energy options open.
2. Working within our revenues and holding down taxes that will leave more money in the pockets of citizens.
3. A strong education system for our children, including early childhood programs.
4. Development of economic policies that encourage the growth of business in Kansas.

I am a family man, with a new found humility and respect for God. I admit I don’t know the answers to all the state’s problems but I have and will base my decisions on my past business and civic experience, my strong beliefs in the importance of a free market, lower taxes, limited government, and the traditional values I grew up with in Saline County.

Sincerely,

Charlie Roth