Where were you eight years ago when the attacks on the United States occurred? I hope you took the time to reflect on that tragic day and have further strengthened your resolve to do your part to make this a stronger nation.
The State of Kansas continues to face financial issues and the Appropriations Committee will continue to meet and work with the Governor and the heads of the agencies to come up with a budget for FY 2010. This of course is the fiscal year we find ourselves in today.
The governor has asked for additional savings to be put into effect this year. Next year the numbers show that an additional “budget adjustment” (deduction ) of close to $585 million may be required. I am sure the agencies will look to cut more services, saying that is the only place we can cut expenses.
The consolidation or “agency efficiency realignment” must be considered. The schools, the courthouse, the townships, state agencies and even the total number of elected officials need to be re-evaluated. I have for years suggested to the general public the necessity of consolidation for cost savings.
I am again asking for everyone reading this to consider a different approach to governance, changing the organizational chart to gain efficiency and to offer suggestions on how to proceed with the reorganization plan. I would offer that the reorganization must come from the lowest level up. When you can determine your own future, the results are far more palpable.
The brain trust in Topeka is more than willing to direct the changes for you, I do not think we want that to happen..
Does Butler County really need nine school districts? I am curious what the answers might be so give it some thought and give me your view. Do not hesitate to think outside the box on this one. I assure you my colleagues in Topeka have their own plans in the works and if we are not proactive, we will be reacting to a painful reality. Let me know and I will report back to you on the suggestions as they were offered.
Hall talk in Topeka includes requests to take a close look at sales tax exemptions. Many thousand of organizations and entities pay no sales tax on goods purchased. Some would think rather than have the legislature set the standards for this exemption, the Secretary of Revenue should decide the merits of granting a sales tax exemption to anyone or group. What do you think?
Another train of thought centers on use-taxes to fund services. This includes an increase in gasoline sales tax to be used exclusively for the highway maintenance. This would include bridges, repaving, and new bypasses, improving shoulders, adding four-lane expressways.
Extend this to schools for a pay-to-play for activities such as athletics, band, drama, school plays. A student would be required to pay to participate in these types of activities. The amount of the subsidy to participate should be the at the discretion of the individual school district.
What other areas out there can we use help in funding? The ability to pay is always an issue and that has an element that needs addressed as well. Raising property taxes to help support activities that some find unnecessary is a very unpopular idea. Essential services must continue! What some would call essential, others may disagree with.
I hope this short message has set you to thinking and talking among your friends, I want to know what is on your mind..
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your representative in Topeka and I really want to know what you think we can to do to improve our way of life here. You may contact me in person, or at home 1115 Rim Rock Road, El Dorado, 316-321-2087, johng@carlisleinc.net, or www.johngrange.net. Thanks, John
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