<table> </table> Let&#8217;s look at what Kansas lawmakers stuffed into their legislative stocking before wrapping up the 2008 session this week. Caution: It&#8217;s not a pretty picture.</p><p><em><strong>What&#8217;s missing:</strong></em></p><p>&#8226;Progress on health care. The Legislature not only ignored bold proposals like a statewide smoking ban and a tobacco user fee to fund expanded access to medical care, it backpedaled on a pledge made last year to help more low-income families afford insurance.</p><p>&#8226;Movement on a comprehensive energy policy. Lawmakers consumed the session with repeated and futile efforts to obtain a permit for two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas over the objections of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and her administration. They didn&#8217;t work with the governor to clarify regulatory authority or develop goals for a balanced energy portfolio.</p><p>&#8226;A saner licensing method for teenage drivers. The Legislature ended another session without raising age limits and adding restrictions that have proven elsewhere to avert highway tragedies.</p><p><em><strong>Objectionable items:</strong></em></p><p>&#8226;A budget that plays tricks by cutting taxes for Kansas businesses at the expense of out-of-state corporations that do business in the state. It unwisely deletes money proposed for community health centers, and it continues to ignore the pressing need for services for developmentally disabled citizens on waiting lists.</p><p>&#8226;A bill requiring Kansans show a photo ID, government-issued in most cases, in order to vote. The bill exempts senior and disabled citizens and active-duty military personnel and their families. But it still represents an unecessary barrier for many citizens, and supporters have provided no evidence that voter fraud is a problem in Kansas. Sebelius should veto the bill.</p><p><em><strong>A few welcome gifts:</strong></em></p><p>&#8226;Help for children. The Legislature freed up $11.1 million to expand preschool programs, and smaller amounts for child-care assistance and after-school programs.</p><p>&#8226;A pass on immigration legislation. Many of the proposals were unworkable and would have burdened legal immigrants. The Legislature avoided trouble with employers and likely court battles by showing discretion in this arena.</p><p>Overall, 2008 will be remembered as the session when lawmakers spent more time posturing than legislating, and presented the state with a lump of coal. Fortunately, it won&#8217;t be burned in excessively large emission-producing plants in western Kansas anytime soon.