“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong; because, someday in your life, you will have been all of these”-- George Washington Carver
On last Tuesday I attended the monthly USD 375 Circle School Board meeting where we had a public discussion on items of mutual interest. I find my job as your state representative is very rewarding when I am invited to discuss issues with all the extremely dedicated and talented people that provide local grass roots leadership. You should be proud of these elected officials that give up their evenings and other free time to work for the common good.
Superintendent Jim Keller invited me to discuss the state budget and to brief the board on possible legislative action that could take place during the 2010 session. I shared some preliminary results of my latest survey that shed some light on the thinking of local taxpayers. We shared some thoughts on what we consider important funding priorities. I do appreciate the board and will pass those comments to my colleagues.
Since the Kansas Lottery’s start-up in November 1987, through May 31, 2009, Lottery ticket sales have produced $1,114,574,667 in revenues transferred to the State of Kansas. By law, 45% of total sales must be paid back to the players. In FY 2008 the Lottery paid back 56% in prize money. The State Gaming Revenues Fund received 29% of ticket sales; cost of sales was 5%, 6% was paid to Lottery retailers for commissions and bonuses; and 4% covered administrative costs.
The Lottery’s Fiscal year 2008, which ended June 30, 2008, was the second-best year in Lottery history with $237 million in sales and $70 Million transferred to the state. The Lottery’s fiscal year 2007, which ended June 30th 2007 was the best year in Lottery history with $240 million in sales and $71 million transferred to the state.
The first $50 million is divided by a formula which first transfers $80,000 to the Problem Gambling and Addictions Grant Fund. Then 85% of the balance is transferred to the Economic Development Initiatives Fund, 10% to the Correctional Institutions Building Fund, and 5% to the Juvenile Detention Facilities Fund. Any receipts in excess of $50 million must be transferred to the State General Fund.
Data recovered from www.kslottery.com.
Last march, NASBE (National Association of State Boards of Education) signed the first MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the US Army, recognizing that partnership between public education and the premier provider of Career and Technical Education in the US, the Us Army, makes very good sense.
A key thing to remember is that High School dropouts cannot enter the military. Also, nationwide 70% of high school graduates are not eligible to enter the military and access the wonderful educational opportunities available top military members because of health, educational deficiencies, illegal drug involvement and other similar reasons.
A visible tattoo can be a reason to disallow entry to the military as well. When we make poor choices early in our lives the repercussions can last forever. Many times what seemed like great fun at the time, can eliminate an opportunity for advancement or a career choice.
Yet the US Army understands that, even though less than 20% of JROTC participants actually join the Army, participation in JROTC dramatically decreases the propensity to drop out of High School, and greatly increases the likelihood of a student moving from High School into post secondary education, whether a tech school or university.
The US Army is now offering a new program for middle schools that is focused on high dropout schools. We are hoping to get on one of the new programs in at least one school district in Kansas.
The Commander of the US Army Accessions Command, Lt. General Benjamin Freakley has recently met with Gov. Parkinson about the possibility of a program in Garden City or Dodge City, largely because of the high minority student drop out rate.
During this time of financial crisis and funding shortfalls within our state, I think it prudent to look at all possibilities for collaborative efforts with agencies, schools, and businesses to produce a positive outcome. We need to produce a graduate that has the skills to be successful in life. That graduate will continually seek self-improvement, embrace personal responsibility and understand his/her duty to our country is to be self-sufficient.
The career paths are varied and have a certain appeal to many different people. I do not think any school can provide all the possible career choices. I do believe it is our mission to provide the tools and the opportunity to develop skills such as critical thinking, self-motivation, curiosity, communication skills and problem solving.
The military does offer the possibility to learn skills and teamwork that will go a long way in providing a basis for a person to have a successful life. You just have to have the motivation to prepare yourself for that option. Maybe the JROTC program might be one step closer for some students.
“The world does not owe you anything, it was here first”, Mark Twain.
I consider it an honor and privilege to be your Representative in Topeka and I want to know what you think. If I can be of assistance please give me a call.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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