“When my brother and I built the first man-carry flying machine we thought that we were introducing into the world an invention which would make further wars practically impossible” Orville Wright, 1917
I will begin this update and let you all know that we really do appreciate all the correspondence and comments that you send our way. I would definitely say the wide variety of issues has literally something of interest for everyone.
Many of us have received comments about, not cutting any funding, not raising taxes or fees, and they want us to reduce “wasteful spending”. I would hope that you send along examples of what you consider “wasteful spending” and where we might be able to come up with additional financing without a tax increase of some kind.
I get letters requesting additional funding from the proponents that support no additional cuts for the frail and elderly, no more cuts for Medicaid, additional nursing home subsidies, more help for those with physical and developmental disabilities and etc.
The authorization for strong beer sales in grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations and etc. has once again been brought forward. The liquor retailers say it will be a “horrible injustice”. Liquor storeowners are only allowed to sell liquor, no other supplies are allowed in the stores.
This legislation would allow the grocery and convenience stores to sell liquor along with cigarettes, gas, groceries, and prescription drugs. This could possibly allow them to sell the liquor at a discount or at cost and make up the loss with the sale of the other items they sell.
It is noteworthy that most liquor stores are smaller operations and they do not have the space for additional items without removing products from their sales area or by costly remodel or expansion. Many believe this will force many small liquor storeowners out of business.
Back by popular demand is a segment from my legislative intern and KU Senior, El Doradoan; Sara Freeman. The following is her description of the past week.
“I was excited to see the state wide smoking ban reach the house last week, for no reason other than I enjoyed watching the debate on the floor. Seeing such a heated issue is practically the Holy Grail for all Political Science students! Actually witnessing something go through the legislature that has an effect on all of us, as Kansans was exhilarating. We have a lot of good people up here fighting for our best interests, and that much was evident in the house last week.
I attended a lunch with Rep. Grange last week sponsored by Youthville and DCCCA, which are both child welfare organizations in Kansas that I became somewhat familiar with while interning at the Butler County Attorney's last summer. Since I have an interest in pursuing a career in Child Advocacy, this was right up my alley and I really enjoyed listening to what they had to say and learn a little bit more about their organizations.
I hope everyone is enjoying this burst of sunny weather, I'm very jealous to learn it’s about 7 degrees warmer at home than it is up here”!
Thanks for allowing me to be your representative in Topeka, I consider it an honor and privilege to work here on your behalf and I want to know what you think.
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