This was the week of meetings in that I had several opportunities to meet with constituents in many different locations. The El Dorado Senior Center continues to draw a good crowd every 4th Saturday of each month with its scrambled eggs and biscuits-n-gravy breakfast 7:00 to 9:00 am. Lots of good food and fellowship at a reasonable recommended donation price of $3.00.
On Monday the Kansas Corporation Commission through its State Energy Office came in to discuss the process to gain benefit from the federal stimulus package. The program called, “Efficiency Kansas Loan Program” has set up a revolving loan account to help consumers gain access to low interest loans (max. 4%) to purchase energy efficient upgrades to their homes and businesses.
Following a thorough inspection by a state certified energy auditor who will provide a list of prioritized recommended upgrades, the consumer can then request quotes from the area contractors to install the upgrades.
The building in question will receive a very thorough evaluation to evaluate the air tightness, insulation value, and furnace and a/c efficiency. The findings have to be addressed in order of priority, such as #1 add attic insulation, # 2 caulk or install new storm windows, # 3 install a new furnace, etc.
The loan will be awarded based on these findings and a scheduled “payback period” that is shorter than the loan period. The bank or lending institution will be able to access the federal money and will be paid a fee for making the loan, however the bank would be responsible in case of a default.
For more information contact Liz Brosius, Public Information and Outreach Coordinator; 785-271-3264, lbrosius@kcc.ks.gov. www.efficiencykansas.com.
Wednesday night at Circle High School the Butler County Farm Bureau Association held their annual meeting and ice cream social. Jeff Varner representing “The Varner Family Farms” of Towanda was awarded the Farm Family of the Year Award by Farm BUCO Farm Bureau President, Damien Korte.
Greg Wiley received recognition and represented a family that was awarded a Century Farm Award from Ralph Claassen, Secretary-Treasurer. Miss Kansas 2008 Emily Deaver from Augusta capped off the evening with a vocal presentation. She is a talented and delightful young lady and all those present appreciated her musical ability.
I learned that the American family pays 12% of its annual income to purchase food. Compared to the rest of the world that may spend close to 70% of their income for the same purpose. This translates as having to work until Feb 8th to accumulate enough money to put food on the table in the US.
On Friday the 28th, I was in Topeka for a Legislative Post Audit Committee, where we heard audit reports;
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a. “Children in Need of Care, which included reviewing selected issues related to handling their cases,
b. State Universities: Can state Universities Provide Postsecondary education More Efficiently to Reduce Costs?
In addition we heard reports on our own performance evaluation of the committee, budget requests, possible changes in committee rules, update on audit issues relating to federal Recovery Act funds, Audits in process, and status of requested audits previously approved.
Late on Friday afternoon I am to meet with the Secretaries from Corrections and Wildlife and Parks to discuss possible uses of the now vacant El Dorado North Unit. I previously requested input as to possible uses of the facility that I intend to discuss with these leaders and hopefully we can come up with a workable solution for temporary use (24 months or so).
The House Appropriations Committee has met for a couple of days this past week and we are interested to hear what the budget forecasts are now. These meetings are important to see what our revenue status is and what we can expect when we return to Topeka for Session on January 11th 2010.
Last we heard there is a $185 million shortfall to get us through this year to June 30th, 2010, revenue is forecast to be $580 million or so short for FY 2010. When the economy free-fall stops and we level out we have to be ready to fund those very necessary functions of state government.
I am hopeful that the recession can be halted, confidence restored and priorities reset. Currently we have so many programs and entitlements that touch many people, so that many people feel any reduction. I am quite confident that increasing our taxes to bail us out is not the only answer.
The department of Labor has reported the hiring of part time staff to help with the processing of unemployment claims. We have been used to issuing $2-$3 million a week in UI benefits and when the total hit over $80 million a month we were caught with long delays in processing the claims.
I have helped many of you so if you need assistance please get in touch with me, I am here to help.
School has started so be extra careful in the school zones and if you wish to help your area school do not be afraid to give them a call and offer your assistance. Your support is appreciated.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your representative in Topeka and want to know what you think.
You may contact me in person or at home, 321-2087, 1115 Rim Rock Road, 67042, johng@carlisleinc.net, www.johngrange.net. Thanks John.
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