Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney will be in Linn County for a visit on July 10. The meet and greet, Q&A, will be held at the Labette Bank meeting room, located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne at 2 p.m.
As you may know, many of the Kansas state elected officials will be up for re-election this year. Therefore, we believe it beneficial that all voters try to attend gatherings hosted for informational purposes before you head to the polls in August and November.
We are fortunate this year to have several candidates who have scheduled Linn County for a visit; these candidates have an entire state to cover prior to elections, thus having our county on their schedule is an honor.
It is our hope that all interested voters will plan to attend these
events:
State Senator Chris Steineger, will be at the same location, and time on May 8th.
Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on July 10th.
Links have been provided for more information.
We hope you will join us in welcoming these candidates.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Linn County 2nd Saturday Meeting - April 10
Saturday April 10, guest speaker for our county meeting is Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief Doug Barlet. Please welcome our friend Doug, as his speaking engagement will be non-partisan. The issue of the Rural Fire Department's budget should be a concern to every citizen.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
Fund Raiser plans.
New precinct lists are now available from Votebuilder.
May meeting discussion.
April 10 meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
Fund Raiser plans.
New precinct lists are now available from Votebuilder.
May meeting discussion.
April 10 meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
Monday, March 22, 2010
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT, Number 10, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
The pace picked up a lot this week in the Kansas Legislature as we are approaching the end of the 2010 regular session. Only two weeks remain before First Adjournment, so this was the last week for committees to pass out bills. However, bills that were never worked may still find a way onto legislation as amendments or provisos.
Next week the House will be on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to get as much done as possible before the end of the regular session. We will not convene on the floor Thursday and Friday, although conference committees will continue to meet. Things tend to move quickly from here on out. Stay tuned.
New Secretary of State
Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson named Chris Biggs as the new Secretary of State this week. The Office of Kansas Secretary of State performs many public service functions and plays a vital role in maintaining the fairness and credibility of our elections. Chris has been in public service for more than 20 years. Until this appointment, Biggs served as the state’s Securities Commissioner. Prior to being named Securities Commissioner in 2003, he had served as an attorney in public service including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and the KU Law School.
Kansas Agriculture Day
“If you eat today, thank a farmer.” That was the message Kansas commodity groups, along with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce shared on Kansas Ag Day, March 18th at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. Agriculture has always been a leading industry in Kansas. It’s a tradition that predates our statehood and it continues to contribute to our economic well-being.
Kansas Agriculture Facts
I’d like to share with you some important facts about agriculture in our state. Kansas has 65,531 farms; 85% of the farms are family owned; 8% are partnerships and the balance owned by corporations, estates or trusts. The average farm size is 707 acres. Kansas has 46.2 million acres of farmland and $13.9 billion market value of all agricultural products sold in 2008.
In 2008 Kansas ranked first in wheat produced and milled and in sorghum produced; second in cropland; third in land in farms, sunflowers produced, cattle and calves on grain feed, and cattle processed; sixth in cash receipts for farm marketing; seventh in corn produced; tenth in soybeans produced and hogs on farms and seventeenth in upland cotton and milk produced.
Kansas Highways # 1
Reader’s Digest has ranked Kansas highways #1 in the nation. Three Governors and four former Transportation Secretaries held a news conference this week to celebrate the great news. This accomplishment was possible because of the investments Kansans have been willing to make in their transportation system. The timing couldn’t have been better as the legislature is currently holding hearings on future transportation programs for our state.
Hunter Orange Requirement
We discussed HB 2646 again this year in an Agriculture and Natural Resources committee this week. This bill would amend KSA 32-1015 to clarify when hunter orange is required for hunting elk or deer during elk or deer firearms seasons. Fort Riley conservation officials first approached the Dept. in regard to this topic in the fall of 2008. As elk and deer seasons have expanded, the statutes have not kept pace with the expanded seasons. Firearms elk seasons and archery deer seasons now overlap completely in some areas of the state and as a result, large numbers of archery deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange in those areas for a very small number of firearm elk hunters annually. While many other seasons for other species overlap with either firearm elk or firearm deer seasons, hunters hunting the other seasons and species are not required to wear hunter orange and the Department feels that removing this restriction on deer and elk is in line with the rest of the hunting seasons across the state.
Budget Proposal
Despite the fact that the budget has been dramatically cut six times in the last 18 months, the majority party continues to assert that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Ten weeks into the legislative session, House Republican leadership offered on Thursday a FY 2011 budget proposal. It basically cuts approximately $361 million from state services, in addition to $200 million in cuts to Kansas public school districts. Here are some key components of the proposal:
* $200 million in cuts to Kansas public education
* $5-7 million in cuts for mental health programs impacting 90,000 Kansans who need mental health assistance.
*A 5% across the board salary cut to all state employees. (There is also a proposal to begin closing state offices at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, which is essentially a 12-day furlough).
*$37.9 million freeze on KPERS employer contributions
*1% cut in all state agency budgets, resulting in more layoffs and service cuts
* Increased premiums for children’s health insurance
We all know this is a difficult year and tough choices are inevitable. In the past, we have worked through the budget process in a bipartisan manner. After 67 days with no proposal from the majority party, this plan was passed out of committee on a straight party line vote, after about an hour of discussion. I am concerned about the deep proposed cuts. The budget debate is just getting started. This proposal will come to the House floor for full consideration early next week at which time we will have opportunities to add amendments. The bill could be voted down altogether and sent back to the drawing board. Whatever passes must be reconciled with the Senate budget bill and signed by the Governor. We will then reconvene in late April-after the most recent revenue estimates are announced – to make more adjustments through the Omnibus Budget. We have a long way to go!
Education Rally
Approximately 1,000 teachers, students and parents from across the state – as far away as Colby – took advantage of Spring Break last Tuesday by marching to the Capitol to protest further cuts to public schools. Education funding has been slashed by at least $300 million (about 10 percent) over the last year.
State Employees
More than 250 members of the Kansas organization of State Employees came to the Statehouse on Wednesday to visit with legislators. Since state employees receive their paychecks directly from the State of Kansas, their jobs, wages, and retirement are directly linked to what happens in the Capitol. State employees work in every county of Kansas. They work in agencies that keep our state running efficiently. They include social workers, psychologists, mental health techs, correctional officers, transportation workers and investigators, to name a few. Their work helps keep you safe and provides the basic services that you depend on every day. Kansas is near the bottom in state employee wages. Kansas taxpayers cannot receive their money’s worth if quality state employees are not kept on the payroll to answer the public’s call.
Mental Health Advocacy
On Thursday over 300 people arrived in Topeka as a group in an umbrella coalition of more than 30 organizations that represent consumers of mental health services, their family, community mental health centers, individual providers of mental health services, advocacy organizations, and child welfare providers. Many of these organizations operate under a state mandate to serve everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of a patient’s inability to pay. As a result, they heavily rely upon Medicaid funding to provide the treatment and care of Kansans in need. They have been deeply impacted by the 10 percent Medicaid cut imposed by the Governor in November. The coalition lobbied for the restoration of that funding in FY 2011.
Keep in Touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and or questions. My Topeka office telephone number is 785-296-7646. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105.
Additionally, you may e-mail me at shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. You may call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
The pace picked up a lot this week in the Kansas Legislature as we are approaching the end of the 2010 regular session. Only two weeks remain before First Adjournment, so this was the last week for committees to pass out bills. However, bills that were never worked may still find a way onto legislation as amendments or provisos.
Next week the House will be on the floor all day Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in an effort to get as much done as possible before the end of the regular session. We will not convene on the floor Thursday and Friday, although conference committees will continue to meet. Things tend to move quickly from here on out. Stay tuned.
New Secretary of State
Citing his experience, professionalism and dedication, Governor Mark Parkinson named Chris Biggs as the new Secretary of State this week. The Office of Kansas Secretary of State performs many public service functions and plays a vital role in maintaining the fairness and credibility of our elections. Chris has been in public service for more than 20 years. Until this appointment, Biggs served as the state’s Securities Commissioner. Prior to being named Securities Commissioner in 2003, he had served as an attorney in public service including 14 years as Geary County Attorney. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and the KU Law School.
Kansas Agriculture Day
“If you eat today, thank a farmer.” That was the message Kansas commodity groups, along with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce shared on Kansas Ag Day, March 18th at the Kansas Capitol in Topeka. Agriculture has always been a leading industry in Kansas. It’s a tradition that predates our statehood and it continues to contribute to our economic well-being.
Kansas Agriculture Facts
I’d like to share with you some important facts about agriculture in our state. Kansas has 65,531 farms; 85% of the farms are family owned; 8% are partnerships and the balance owned by corporations, estates or trusts. The average farm size is 707 acres. Kansas has 46.2 million acres of farmland and $13.9 billion market value of all agricultural products sold in 2008.
In 2008 Kansas ranked first in wheat produced and milled and in sorghum produced; second in cropland; third in land in farms, sunflowers produced, cattle and calves on grain feed, and cattle processed; sixth in cash receipts for farm marketing; seventh in corn produced; tenth in soybeans produced and hogs on farms and seventeenth in upland cotton and milk produced.
Kansas Highways # 1
Reader’s Digest has ranked Kansas highways #1 in the nation. Three Governors and four former Transportation Secretaries held a news conference this week to celebrate the great news. This accomplishment was possible because of the investments Kansans have been willing to make in their transportation system. The timing couldn’t have been better as the legislature is currently holding hearings on future transportation programs for our state.
Hunter Orange Requirement
We discussed HB 2646 again this year in an Agriculture and Natural Resources committee this week. This bill would amend KSA 32-1015 to clarify when hunter orange is required for hunting elk or deer during elk or deer firearms seasons. Fort Riley conservation officials first approached the Dept. in regard to this topic in the fall of 2008. As elk and deer seasons have expanded, the statutes have not kept pace with the expanded seasons. Firearms elk seasons and archery deer seasons now overlap completely in some areas of the state and as a result, large numbers of archery deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange in those areas for a very small number of firearm elk hunters annually. While many other seasons for other species overlap with either firearm elk or firearm deer seasons, hunters hunting the other seasons and species are not required to wear hunter orange and the Department feels that removing this restriction on deer and elk is in line with the rest of the hunting seasons across the state.
Budget Proposal
Despite the fact that the budget has been dramatically cut six times in the last 18 months, the majority party continues to assert that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Ten weeks into the legislative session, House Republican leadership offered on Thursday a FY 2011 budget proposal. It basically cuts approximately $361 million from state services, in addition to $200 million in cuts to Kansas public school districts. Here are some key components of the proposal:
* $200 million in cuts to Kansas public education
* $5-7 million in cuts for mental health programs impacting 90,000 Kansans who need mental health assistance.
*A 5% across the board salary cut to all state employees. (There is also a proposal to begin closing state offices at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, which is essentially a 12-day furlough).
*$37.9 million freeze on KPERS employer contributions
*1% cut in all state agency budgets, resulting in more layoffs and service cuts
* Increased premiums for children’s health insurance
We all know this is a difficult year and tough choices are inevitable. In the past, we have worked through the budget process in a bipartisan manner. After 67 days with no proposal from the majority party, this plan was passed out of committee on a straight party line vote, after about an hour of discussion. I am concerned about the deep proposed cuts. The budget debate is just getting started. This proposal will come to the House floor for full consideration early next week at which time we will have opportunities to add amendments. The bill could be voted down altogether and sent back to the drawing board. Whatever passes must be reconciled with the Senate budget bill and signed by the Governor. We will then reconvene in late April-after the most recent revenue estimates are announced – to make more adjustments through the Omnibus Budget. We have a long way to go!
Education Rally
Approximately 1,000 teachers, students and parents from across the state – as far away as Colby – took advantage of Spring Break last Tuesday by marching to the Capitol to protest further cuts to public schools. Education funding has been slashed by at least $300 million (about 10 percent) over the last year.
State Employees
More than 250 members of the Kansas organization of State Employees came to the Statehouse on Wednesday to visit with legislators. Since state employees receive their paychecks directly from the State of Kansas, their jobs, wages, and retirement are directly linked to what happens in the Capitol. State employees work in every county of Kansas. They work in agencies that keep our state running efficiently. They include social workers, psychologists, mental health techs, correctional officers, transportation workers and investigators, to name a few. Their work helps keep you safe and provides the basic services that you depend on every day. Kansas is near the bottom in state employee wages. Kansas taxpayers cannot receive their money’s worth if quality state employees are not kept on the payroll to answer the public’s call.
Mental Health Advocacy
On Thursday over 300 people arrived in Topeka as a group in an umbrella coalition of more than 30 organizations that represent consumers of mental health services, their family, community mental health centers, individual providers of mental health services, advocacy organizations, and child welfare providers. Many of these organizations operate under a state mandate to serve everyone who walks through their doors, regardless of a patient’s inability to pay. As a result, they heavily rely upon Medicaid funding to provide the treatment and care of Kansans in need. They have been deeply impacted by the 10 percent Medicaid cut imposed by the Governor in November. The coalition lobbied for the restoration of that funding in FY 2011.
Keep in Touch
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and or questions. My Topeka office telephone number is 785-296-7646. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105.
Additionally, you may e-mail me at shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. You may call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also follow the legislative session online at www.kslegislature.org.
Friday, March 19, 2010
February 13 Meeting Minutes
Linn County Democratic Party met Feb. 13 at the Labette Bank meeting room in La Cygne. Due to illness, the featured speaker, Kenny Johnston was unable to attend.
The meeting was called to order by Denise Cassells, Linn County Democratic Chair.
Treasurer's report was given by Jim Dale and approved. Secretary's report was read by Alice Widner and approved. Joe Wurtz, vice chair led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussions centered around announced state candidates for the party.
Cassells urged those you could to be sure and attend Washington Days in Topeka.
Due to the Legislative Forum to be held Sat. March 13, at 10 a.m. in Mound City, the March meeting of the Democratic Party scheduled for that day was canceled.
Refreshments were served by Chaplain and event organizer Skip Childress.
April meeting speaker will be Doug Barlet, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief.
The meeting will be held on Sat. April 10, at 2 p.m. in the Labette Bank meeting room in La Cygne. The meeting was discussed as a non-partisan event welcoming information from the county fire chief.
The meeting was called to order by Denise Cassells, Linn County Democratic Chair.
Treasurer's report was given by Jim Dale and approved. Secretary's report was read by Alice Widner and approved. Joe Wurtz, vice chair led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Discussions centered around announced state candidates for the party.
Cassells urged those you could to be sure and attend Washington Days in Topeka.
Due to the Legislative Forum to be held Sat. March 13, at 10 a.m. in Mound City, the March meeting of the Democratic Party scheduled for that day was canceled.
Refreshments were served by Chaplain and event organizer Skip Childress.
April meeting speaker will be Doug Barlet, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief.
The meeting will be held on Sat. April 10, at 2 p.m. in the Labette Bank meeting room in La Cygne. The meeting was discussed as a non-partisan event welcoming information from the county fire chief.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT, Number 8, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
Budget
There is tension in the capitol as the budget continues to be of great concern. Revenue estimates continue to come in below expectations, further increasing the budget shortfall. On Friday, Governor Parkinson announced $85 million in additional cuts, transfers and adjustments to the FY 2010 budget. As people file their taxes this spring, it is hoped that revenues will rebound a bit later in the year. If that is the case, the Governor’s actions and recommendations today should prevent a seventh round of cuts in FY 2010.
Several adjustments are directed at the Kansas Department of Transportation, freezing maintenance work on bridges and highways and halting new projects that are not federally funded. The governor kept true to his word that no further cuts would be imposed onto safety net services, public safety, or public schools.
Looking to FY 2011, some legislators continue to insist that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Some legislators believe that we need to continue to make more cuts. The Legislature is constitutionally required to balance the budget. It is highly unlikely that the state budget –for FY 2011–will be balanced without a responsible review of BOTH expenditures and revenues.
Rail Service in Kansas
On Wednesday, the House Transportation Committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 409, regarding the implementation of the Passenger Rail Service Program Act. The rail service aims to connect the Amtrak service from Kansas City, to Lawrence, Topeka, Oklahoma City and then finally Fort Worth, Texas. The bill would help get the program rolling by allowing the Secretary of Transportation to start initiating talks and plans with Amtrak, the counties and other states involved with the line, as well as the rail operators.
This transportation system should not require any immediate money out of the state budget, and actually is expected to generate funds (as well as new jobs, tourism, and economic development projects in the state). Rail stations and railways are already standing and can be used currently. Few upgrades will be needed for the Amtrak system, and the upgrades would cost significantly less than upgrades to smaller sections of highways. The bill would allow the program to become eligible for the next round of federal funding.
While no opponents spoke against the bill, many supporters came out to voice their approval of this form of public transportation. Fifty-five communities and their city councils are in support of an inner city passenger service. Trains are 18% more efficient than airlines and 24% more efficient than driving. Energy efficiency reduces dependency on foreign oil, as well as a decrease in pollution. By allowing commuters to travel via railway, congestion on highways is also lessened, which would also lessen highway maintenance expenses.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has already started working on a feasibility study of a rail program. There will be further discussions with Amtrak in the near future to help move this project forward.
Agriculture Bills
The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard Senate Bill 497 this week. This legislation would define “assisted opening” knives in statute, as law enforcement frequently confuse them with switch blades. Opponents to the bill, including law enforcement, stated that the Attorney General’s office has specifically outlined the difference between the two blades, which is the only necessary information for carrying out their duties. They contend that this is more of an internal training problem, not a statutory issue.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 396, would allow the Dept. of Agriculture the ability to take any surplus money from their fee funds (up to 10%) and put it in the existing Laboratory Equipment Fund. The Laboratory Equipment fund has no funding mechanism because the fees that sustained it have sunset. However, every agricultural program administered by the department still needs the equipment, which means they need money for maintenance and upgrades. Most of the fee funds across the state government were swept in FY 2010, essentially leaving them bankrupt. Legislation like this would give agencies a bit more flexibility to manage their money. There were no opponents. Proponents did speak to the bill because equipment is invaluable to their programs.
Senate Bill 395 proposes raising some fees associated with milk production until 2015. If the fees are not raised then the inspection program will not be funded past 2012 and Kansas would not be able to sell its milk to other states. Right now most of Kansas’ milk is exported to the southeast region of the United States. The bill also has language allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the fees as necessary up to a certain cap. There were no opponents to the bill.
Although these are fairly “low profile” bills, these are some examples of the extent to which state agencies have been cut, and the somewhat creative measures that must be taken to get by until conditions improve. All state agencies are struggling, and it has significant “trickle down” effect on every Kansas citizen.
2010 Census
Census Day, which occurs once every 10 years, is April 1, 2010. The census is the country’s most accurate source of quality data about our people and our economy. The United States has been issuing a census every 10 years since 1790.
The 2010 Census questionnaire will be mailed to you at your home. It is quick, easy and confidential, consisting of ten short questions. I hope you will do your civic duty by taking about ten minutes to complete it. The goal is to accurately represent your household and community, which can only be accomplished with your participation.
The census will create up to 4,000 jobs nationwide. If you are in need of part time work, you can go to work for the Census Bureau and help out your community, with wages starting out at $9.50 per house with $.50 reimbursement per mile. You can collect data in your own neighborhood and set your own hours. You can become a temporary federal employee, for anywhere from six to eight weeks, and all that is required is a simple background check. If you are interested you may call the toll free job hot line: 1-866-861-2010, or visit the census job website: http://2010.census.gov/2010 censusjobs/ and find job opportunities in your area.
The census is important for a number of reasons. The data collected will guide planning for hospitals, roads, schools, district zones, and reapportionment seats in Congress.
Budget
There is tension in the capitol as the budget continues to be of great concern. Revenue estimates continue to come in below expectations, further increasing the budget shortfall. On Friday, Governor Parkinson announced $85 million in additional cuts, transfers and adjustments to the FY 2010 budget. As people file their taxes this spring, it is hoped that revenues will rebound a bit later in the year. If that is the case, the Governor’s actions and recommendations today should prevent a seventh round of cuts in FY 2010.
Several adjustments are directed at the Kansas Department of Transportation, freezing maintenance work on bridges and highways and halting new projects that are not federally funded. The governor kept true to his word that no further cuts would be imposed onto safety net services, public safety, or public schools.
Looking to FY 2011, some legislators continue to insist that Kansas has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. Some legislators believe that we need to continue to make more cuts. The Legislature is constitutionally required to balance the budget. It is highly unlikely that the state budget –for FY 2011–will be balanced without a responsible review of BOTH expenditures and revenues.
Rail Service in Kansas
On Wednesday, the House Transportation Committee heard testimony for Senate Bill 409, regarding the implementation of the Passenger Rail Service Program Act. The rail service aims to connect the Amtrak service from Kansas City, to Lawrence, Topeka, Oklahoma City and then finally Fort Worth, Texas. The bill would help get the program rolling by allowing the Secretary of Transportation to start initiating talks and plans with Amtrak, the counties and other states involved with the line, as well as the rail operators.
This transportation system should not require any immediate money out of the state budget, and actually is expected to generate funds (as well as new jobs, tourism, and economic development projects in the state). Rail stations and railways are already standing and can be used currently. Few upgrades will be needed for the Amtrak system, and the upgrades would cost significantly less than upgrades to smaller sections of highways. The bill would allow the program to become eligible for the next round of federal funding.
While no opponents spoke against the bill, many supporters came out to voice their approval of this form of public transportation. Fifty-five communities and their city councils are in support of an inner city passenger service. Trains are 18% more efficient than airlines and 24% more efficient than driving. Energy efficiency reduces dependency on foreign oil, as well as a decrease in pollution. By allowing commuters to travel via railway, congestion on highways is also lessened, which would also lessen highway maintenance expenses.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has already started working on a feasibility study of a rail program. There will be further discussions with Amtrak in the near future to help move this project forward.
Agriculture Bills
The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources heard Senate Bill 497 this week. This legislation would define “assisted opening” knives in statute, as law enforcement frequently confuse them with switch blades. Opponents to the bill, including law enforcement, stated that the Attorney General’s office has specifically outlined the difference between the two blades, which is the only necessary information for carrying out their duties. They contend that this is more of an internal training problem, not a statutory issue.
Another proposal, Senate Bill 396, would allow the Dept. of Agriculture the ability to take any surplus money from their fee funds (up to 10%) and put it in the existing Laboratory Equipment Fund. The Laboratory Equipment fund has no funding mechanism because the fees that sustained it have sunset. However, every agricultural program administered by the department still needs the equipment, which means they need money for maintenance and upgrades. Most of the fee funds across the state government were swept in FY 2010, essentially leaving them bankrupt. Legislation like this would give agencies a bit more flexibility to manage their money. There were no opponents. Proponents did speak to the bill because equipment is invaluable to their programs.
Senate Bill 395 proposes raising some fees associated with milk production until 2015. If the fees are not raised then the inspection program will not be funded past 2012 and Kansas would not be able to sell its milk to other states. Right now most of Kansas’ milk is exported to the southeast region of the United States. The bill also has language allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to adjust the fees as necessary up to a certain cap. There were no opponents to the bill.
Although these are fairly “low profile” bills, these are some examples of the extent to which state agencies have been cut, and the somewhat creative measures that must be taken to get by until conditions improve. All state agencies are struggling, and it has significant “trickle down” effect on every Kansas citizen.
2010 Census
Census Day, which occurs once every 10 years, is April 1, 2010. The census is the country’s most accurate source of quality data about our people and our economy. The United States has been issuing a census every 10 years since 1790.
The 2010 Census questionnaire will be mailed to you at your home. It is quick, easy and confidential, consisting of ten short questions. I hope you will do your civic duty by taking about ten minutes to complete it. The goal is to accurately represent your household and community, which can only be accomplished with your participation.
The census will create up to 4,000 jobs nationwide. If you are in need of part time work, you can go to work for the Census Bureau and help out your community, with wages starting out at $9.50 per house with $.50 reimbursement per mile. You can collect data in your own neighborhood and set your own hours. You can become a temporary federal employee, for anywhere from six to eight weeks, and all that is required is a simple background check. If you are interested you may call the toll free job hot line: 1-866-861-2010, or visit the census job website: http://2010.census.gov/2010 censusjobs/ and find job opportunities in your area.
The census is important for a number of reasons. The data collected will guide planning for hospitals, roads, schools, district zones, and reapportionment seats in Congress.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Legislative Forum Reminder/ April 10, 2010 Meeting
Reminder: the Legislative Forum will be Saturday March 13,10 a.m. to Noon.
Please plan to attend in place of our regularly scheduled March meeting.
This event will be held at the F & M Community Building in Mound City, located on the south side of Main St.
Speakers will include District 5 House Democrat Bill Feuerborn,District 4 House Democrat Shirley Palmer, District 6 House Republican Jene Vickrey, and District 12 Senate Republican Pat Apple.
The Democratic Central Committee has been asked to provide drinks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday April 10, guest speaker for our county meeting is Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief Doug Barlet. Please welcome our friend Doug, as his speaking engagement will be non-partisan. The issue of the Rural Fire Department's budget should be a concern to every citizen.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
Thanks you for your work.
Please plan to attend in place of our regularly scheduled March meeting.
This event will be held at the F & M Community Building in Mound City, located on the south side of Main St.
Speakers will include District 5 House Democrat Bill Feuerborn,District 4 House Democrat Shirley Palmer, District 6 House Republican Jene Vickrey, and District 12 Senate Republican Pat Apple.
The Democratic Central Committee has been asked to provide drinks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday April 10, guest speaker for our county meeting is Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief Doug Barlet. Please welcome our friend Doug, as his speaking engagement will be non-partisan. The issue of the Rural Fire Department's budget should be a concern to every citizen.
There will be a brief agenda to discuss upcoming events, and discussion of acquiring a booth for this year's Arts and Crafts Fair.
The meeting will be held at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank Hall located on Market St.
Precinct members please make calls to extend invitations.
Thanks you for your work.
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