I know it is hard to believe that today is the 25th day of the 2009 Legislative Session. I am sitting in the house chamber as we debate the FY 09 recision bill. As you know we have to make some reductions on a budget we approved only a year ago. When we updated expected revenues against known spending the wheels started to fall off the wagon.
So now we are trying to negotiate a position that our House Republicans and Democrats can agree on, our Senate counterparts will endorse and that the Governor will sign into law.
I have received advice from every group that has a budget. The special interest groups represent, K-12 schools, higher education, social services, roads, construction, child services, corrections and prisoners as many others. Several individuals have sent e-mails and phone calls to express their views. I do appreciate hearing from everyone and I would like to hear suggestions as to any optional approaches.
I do not like to cut services anymore than the next guy. My interest and support of education, social services, child care, have all been questioned and this criticism is taken to heart. I would like you to understand that we make cuts in budgets that affect critical services only after our due diligence. We know everyone will be affected.
In our budget hearings at the agency level we are briefed on policy and expenses. The agencies all have the opportunity to bring their wishes to us and after our hearings a report is sent to the appropriations chairman and other committee members. Each agency is given the opportunity to justify expenses and given a chance to offer their own version of budget cuts.
As of this writing there are many options and courses of action. I ask your patience to allow us to get the plan placed before the chamber and after we vote and move forward I will comment on the results. You may hear rumors and the fear merchants will spread the word of change as gospel. When you hear anyone comment on the proposed budget cuts and possible affect, I would suggest you ask; “How do you know”?
There have been some issues reported with collection of unemployment (UI) benefits. Secretary of Labor Jim Garner, presented an update that addressed many issues. In December of 08 there had been 37 thousand first time claims for unemployment benefits. This compares to the same period one year ago that saw 18 thousand claims. The backlog these applications created led to delays in receipt of cash payments.
President Bush and Congress authorized extended UI benefits beyond the normal 24 weeks. A backlog of 5-7 weeks occurred and the number of those waiting for extended payments reached 5700 individuals in Kansas. As of this week there are fewer than 300 and they expect to be cleared up by this weekend.
Secretary Garner offered some tips to expedite the process for first time UI applicants. When possible, use the website and e-mail rather than call on the hotline. Have your employer forward to the department your most recent employment data information at the time you are terminated.
The department has initiated upgrades to their computer systems and have established links to assist those attempting to contact DOL employees. The added links include debit card information, 1099 tax information, and the extended benefits issue.
They have added 10 full time and 20 part time staff to assist in filing UI benefits. In addition they are extending their hours of operation beginning Feb 9th. The call center will operate from 7-7 Monday through Friday and 8-5 Saturday.
The agency will regularly update the process and will make a determination in 60 days as to how well the added employees, enhanced call center operations and computer upgrades have benefitted the process and provides more efficient service to our unemployed.
The contact information from the Wichita area is as follows: www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov,
316-269-0633, 1-800-292-6333, the hearing impaired should use 877-457-5432. (TTY).
Recent visitors to Topeka included the El Dorado Mayor, City manager, El Dorado Inc. Executive Director, City Commissioners, County Commissioners, Economic Development representatives, The 2009 Class of Leadership Butler, BCC Representatives and several businessmen.
I consider it an honor and privilege to serve as your Representative in Topeka and I want to know what you think. You can e-mail me in the capitol at john.grange@house.ks.gov, call at 785-296-7655. You can reach me at home on johng@carlisleinc.net, or 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado, 67042
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