I drove to Topeka this week and the early morning drive was just wonderful. The sun was coming up over the golden Flinthills and made the trip a very pleasant experience. Those of you who have not ventured through our hills via the turnpike or 177 need to make plans to do it, especially if you can time it to see a sunrise or sunset you will not be disappointed.
On Monday the Governor made her state of the state address and outlined her vision of where the legislative priorities need to be focused. Interesting enough, several projects are the same that many of you have identified because they are important to you.
Governor Sebelius wants to spend $27 million on all day kindergarten, $23 million on early childhood education, $86 million for the Kansas Health Policy Authority, unless there is a 50 cent a pack cigarette tax increase that raises an estimated $51 million and drops the price tag to $34 million.
The governor would like to see $3 million in new scholarships for higher education that would finance about 2,000 additional college students. Throw in another $1 million for new math/science scholarships for teachers. She is wanting to create a new arm of the government with the Offices of Rural Opportunities, for the paltry sum of $2.1 million this new government agency would be set up to help rural areas take advantage of federal and state assistance and programs which they might not be aware of.
Last month during a joint meeting of the Senate Ways and Means and the House Appropriations Committee we heard the proposed 2008 State Budget would top #13.054 billion with an additional $31 million in “enhancements” and 2009 would go up to $13.660 billion with an additional $397 million in “enhancements”.
Same old story spend more without any funding source identified. Do not get me wrong, I realize there will be increased expenses just because things do cost more year to year. I believe there are many valuable programs and services; however at the end of the day we have to decide priorities and at what expense we must pay.
What I do hear; is future retirement is just about out of reach for many and those of you that retired many years ago do not have enough money to keep up with all necessary expenses now without the government asking for more. The annual property tax increase is topic number one.
Retirees want a cost of living increase (COLA), teachers want more salaries, we all want to maintain or roads, bridges and highways. We want to live in secure surroundings, keep our criminals locked up, provide court services and still be able to afford daily requirements.
I am open for suggestions and want to hear from you.
My number of legislative pages and date of service have been set as follows (4) on Feb.12th, (2) on Feb. 27th, and (4) on March 6th. The rules are simple: be here from about 8:30 until 3:30 pm, be between 12 years old and not yet a high school graduate. My pages get a capitol tour, meet the governor, go to the top of the dome, see a committee meeting and work on the floor of the house chamber.
The escorts or chaperone may want to tour as well or go to other Topeka sites such as the history museum, or visit other legislators. I will buy lunch and spend time visiting and answering questions. You should to call my office (785)-296-7655 and ask Judy to sign you up, first come first served.
The offer to job shadow is open for any citizen, give me a call when you want to come up and spend a day doing what I do. To be honest, the days can get very long and may be somewhat boring, however you will get an appreciation for our routine, call Judy to schedule your visit.
I can offer our pastors a chance to offer the invocation prayer which precedes each daily session. This happens typically at 11:00 am give me a date that will work and I will see if it is available.
I appreciate the opportunity to be your representative in Topeka and I want to know what you think, contact me at my office; grange@house.state.ks.us, 785-296-7655. Thanks, Rep Grange.
Back to Updates
