Current Secretary of State Chris Biggs and State Senator Chris Steineger, both candidates for Kansas Secretary of State will be speaking and taking questions on Saturday, May 8 at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank on 501 Market St.
This meeting is open to all voters.
Light refreshments will be served.
For questions please contact Denise Cassells at 913) 795-4574.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Linn County Democratic Party Opens Meeting to All Voters
By DENISE CASSELLS
LA CYGNE, Kans. – The Linn County Democratic Central Committee, on Saturday, hosted the first of several open-to-the-public meetings scheduled for this year. State Representative Shirley Palmer and Doug Barlet, County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief shared informational updates with locals from all political affiliations who attended the meeting.
Barlet opened the meeting by clarifying that the fire department seven-man board established under county commissioners to make all decisions, “direct me on what they want me to do, then I take it to commissioners for approval because the commission maintains the authority to approve those decisions. Once the commissioners approve requests directed by the board, it then becomes my responsibility to see that it happens.”
In an effort to switch out the current 1970’s pumper vehicles, the fireboard is currently working to purchase 1990s Suburban’s that would carry the same number of people without using as much fuel.
“25 to 30 percent of calls now are emergency medical assists. Much of the time, we take a $25,000 to $35,000 pumper that carries three to four people out and it is quite expensive to maintain those trucks because of heavy fuel costs. One of our mid-seventies pumpers broke down and it was six months before we could find the parts to get it fixed and back in service. These newer vehicles would provide services to citizens at a more economical cost,” Barlet said.
The Prescott Fire Station will host a ribbon cutting when it is 100 percent completed. Barlet said he spent Friday working with county road and bridge crews to place rock around the parking and driveway areas, and the contractor has some work remaining before completion is finalized.
Prescott resident Don Johnson asked why they selected property located on the west side of the railroad tracks to build the new station.
“In looking at various locations it was felt that site would be the least costly in light of excavation and back fill costs estimates from the survey. The donated property on the east side would have required running water lines,” Barlet said.
In regards to the repealed burn resolution, “We try to provide the sheriff’s office daily with current weather and indices that suggest when it’s not safe to burn. When someone calls in, it can be recommended that it’s not safe; it does not mean you can’t burn, it only provides information that weather is not conducive for burning on a given day,” Barlet said.
Barlet discussed the new IRIS call notification system provided through the Northeast Homeland Security Council. He gave details on how the system works, how locals can sign up for emergency notification, and said he hoped everyone would take advantage of the warning system.
Barlet said that in his two plus years in his current position, he has implemented emergency operations that bring a vintage 1998 system into compatibility with current requirements. With new requirements added daily, “we are working on a vulnerable operations plan for those people in our county who need special assistance in the event of an emergency.”
Other new requirements the department is working on include controlling foreign animal disease outbreak, rescuing, and providing shelter for pets in the event of a disaster or flood, and disaster debris management. Lena Dick of Mound City asked if debris would be stored on city property. Barlet explained the process of identifying first city and county storage locations once soil test were conducted to identify possible chemicals that may not be compatible with certain elements because each type of debris would need its own specific site for storage and disposal.
Barlet earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, and master’s degree in engineering with an emphasis on explosives, both from Rolla, MO. He worked in engineering with the state for nearly ten years before working for the highway patrol as a state trooper for nine plus years, where he also worked in the accident reconstruction program before working privately doing accident reconstruction. He also spent nearly 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter.
“To facilitate all county services working toward the common good, having a background in these arenas, and being able to speak the language of various departments, I believe is helpful in my position,” Barlet said.
Representative Shirley Palmer said she believed this was the first time in nearly 20 years that the legislature has not worked a budget before wrap-up.
“We have been in session 75 days discussing issues other than budgets and taxes, leaving 15 days for wrap-up,” Palmer said.
With a current state shortfall of $433 million, trying to keep state programs operating at current levels for Fiscal Year 2011 has proven difficult.
“Every state in the union is experiencing budget shortfall issues due to the national recession. In the last 50 years, Kansas has not experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues more than one time. We are now in our third consecutive year, with a fourth year of declining revenue predicted. Because of this unprecedented decline, state lawmakers and the Governor have cut the state budget by over one billion dollars since July 1," Palmer said.
Palmer explained that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has fashioned a proposed $13.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
“However, it would require $364 million in tax increases,” she said.
When asked the number of Democrats to Republicans currently elected, Palmer responded, “There are nine Democratic senate members of 40, and 47 house members of 125 are Democrats.”
The House Appropriations Committee just endorsed a proposed budget that would not replace $172 million in one-time stimulus dollars for schools.
“Specific education cuts proposed by Republican leadership include cutting public education funding by over $170 million, offset only by higher property taxes in areas that can afford them," Palmer said.
“The Republican plan removes $32.8 million to fund a $50 increase in the base budget per pupil. Their plan cuts another $85.9 million the Governor added to replace supplemental general state aid, which is money used to equalize the local option budget. Only districts below the 81.2 percentile in assessed valuation per student receive this money, which means that over 50 districts with the highest property wealth will not be affected by this reduction, while some 240 districts would lose approximately 25 percent of current LOB aid. This will equal a loss of about $130 from the current base budget per pupil for every district. This loss either would result in a budget reduction of the same amount or would require a significant increase of up to ten percent in personal property taxes. This would disproportionally harm lower income districts,” Palmer said.
Palmer believes that if these suggested cuts pass for K-12 education for fiscal year 2011, districts would face eliminating some of the most basic activities and services of the public school experience.
“Larger districts are struggling to maintain programs; smaller districts are struggling to survive. Many local schools have already closed, devastating local economies,” she said.
Already, because of funding shortfalls, 18 National Guard armories have been closed. Over 4,000 K-12 employees have lost their job. At-Risk tutoring and after-school programs have lost funding. Correctional institutions closed, and supervised parole for former inmates eliminated. College tuition has increased due to cuts. The waiting list for disabled services exceeds 5,000 people, and services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid received cuts. Countless workers employed in these fields have faced pay cuts or had their jobs eliminated, Palmer said.
LA CYGNE, Kans. – The Linn County Democratic Central Committee, on Saturday, hosted the first of several open-to-the-public meetings scheduled for this year. State Representative Shirley Palmer and Doug Barlet, County Emergency Management Coordinator and Fire Chief shared informational updates with locals from all political affiliations who attended the meeting.
Barlet opened the meeting by clarifying that the fire department seven-man board established under county commissioners to make all decisions, “direct me on what they want me to do, then I take it to commissioners for approval because the commission maintains the authority to approve those decisions. Once the commissioners approve requests directed by the board, it then becomes my responsibility to see that it happens.”
In an effort to switch out the current 1970’s pumper vehicles, the fireboard is currently working to purchase 1990s Suburban’s that would carry the same number of people without using as much fuel.
“25 to 30 percent of calls now are emergency medical assists. Much of the time, we take a $25,000 to $35,000 pumper that carries three to four people out and it is quite expensive to maintain those trucks because of heavy fuel costs. One of our mid-seventies pumpers broke down and it was six months before we could find the parts to get it fixed and back in service. These newer vehicles would provide services to citizens at a more economical cost,” Barlet said.
The Prescott Fire Station will host a ribbon cutting when it is 100 percent completed. Barlet said he spent Friday working with county road and bridge crews to place rock around the parking and driveway areas, and the contractor has some work remaining before completion is finalized.
Prescott resident Don Johnson asked why they selected property located on the west side of the railroad tracks to build the new station.
“In looking at various locations it was felt that site would be the least costly in light of excavation and back fill costs estimates from the survey. The donated property on the east side would have required running water lines,” Barlet said.
In regards to the repealed burn resolution, “We try to provide the sheriff’s office daily with current weather and indices that suggest when it’s not safe to burn. When someone calls in, it can be recommended that it’s not safe; it does not mean you can’t burn, it only provides information that weather is not conducive for burning on a given day,” Barlet said.
Barlet discussed the new IRIS call notification system provided through the Northeast Homeland Security Council. He gave details on how the system works, how locals can sign up for emergency notification, and said he hoped everyone would take advantage of the warning system.
Barlet said that in his two plus years in his current position, he has implemented emergency operations that bring a vintage 1998 system into compatibility with current requirements. With new requirements added daily, “we are working on a vulnerable operations plan for those people in our county who need special assistance in the event of an emergency.”
Other new requirements the department is working on include controlling foreign animal disease outbreak, rescuing, and providing shelter for pets in the event of a disaster or flood, and disaster debris management. Lena Dick of Mound City asked if debris would be stored on city property. Barlet explained the process of identifying first city and county storage locations once soil test were conducted to identify possible chemicals that may not be compatible with certain elements because each type of debris would need its own specific site for storage and disposal.
Barlet earned a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, and master’s degree in engineering with an emphasis on explosives, both from Rolla, MO. He worked in engineering with the state for nearly ten years before working for the highway patrol as a state trooper for nine plus years, where he also worked in the accident reconstruction program before working privately doing accident reconstruction. He also spent nearly 25 years as a volunteer fire fighter.
“To facilitate all county services working toward the common good, having a background in these arenas, and being able to speak the language of various departments, I believe is helpful in my position,” Barlet said.
Representative Shirley Palmer said she believed this was the first time in nearly 20 years that the legislature has not worked a budget before wrap-up.
“We have been in session 75 days discussing issues other than budgets and taxes, leaving 15 days for wrap-up,” Palmer said.
With a current state shortfall of $433 million, trying to keep state programs operating at current levels for Fiscal Year 2011 has proven difficult.
“Every state in the union is experiencing budget shortfall issues due to the national recession. In the last 50 years, Kansas has not experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues more than one time. We are now in our third consecutive year, with a fourth year of declining revenue predicted. Because of this unprecedented decline, state lawmakers and the Governor have cut the state budget by over one billion dollars since July 1," Palmer said.
Palmer explained that the Senate Ways and Means Committee has fashioned a proposed $13.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
“However, it would require $364 million in tax increases,” she said.
When asked the number of Democrats to Republicans currently elected, Palmer responded, “There are nine Democratic senate members of 40, and 47 house members of 125 are Democrats.”
The House Appropriations Committee just endorsed a proposed budget that would not replace $172 million in one-time stimulus dollars for schools.
“Specific education cuts proposed by Republican leadership include cutting public education funding by over $170 million, offset only by higher property taxes in areas that can afford them," Palmer said.
“The Republican plan removes $32.8 million to fund a $50 increase in the base budget per pupil. Their plan cuts another $85.9 million the Governor added to replace supplemental general state aid, which is money used to equalize the local option budget. Only districts below the 81.2 percentile in assessed valuation per student receive this money, which means that over 50 districts with the highest property wealth will not be affected by this reduction, while some 240 districts would lose approximately 25 percent of current LOB aid. This will equal a loss of about $130 from the current base budget per pupil for every district. This loss either would result in a budget reduction of the same amount or would require a significant increase of up to ten percent in personal property taxes. This would disproportionally harm lower income districts,” Palmer said.
Palmer believes that if these suggested cuts pass for K-12 education for fiscal year 2011, districts would face eliminating some of the most basic activities and services of the public school experience.
“Larger districts are struggling to maintain programs; smaller districts are struggling to survive. Many local schools have already closed, devastating local economies,” she said.
Already, because of funding shortfalls, 18 National Guard armories have been closed. Over 4,000 K-12 employees have lost their job. At-Risk tutoring and after-school programs have lost funding. Correctional institutions closed, and supervised parole for former inmates eliminated. College tuition has increased due to cuts. The waiting list for disabled services exceeds 5,000 people, and services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid received cuts. Countless workers employed in these fields have faced pay cuts or had their jobs eliminated, Palmer said.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT, Number 12, 2010
By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative
First Adjournment
The 2010 Legislature worked long hours on Tuesday, March 30th and adjourned at 1:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 31, until April 28th. The recess came earlier than expected but will help save the cost of legislative days that may be needed for the final veto session. On April 28, legislators will return for the wrap up session, when the budget bill, some conference reports, and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.
This will be my last news release until we reconvene on April 28. I have tried to keep you informed with highlights of the session on a weekly basis. I am grateful to the newspapers who have allowed me to do so.
PAGES
I enjoyed having four Fort Scott High School Juniors serve as PAGES for me on Tuesday. They were Austin Bailey, Kacie Brown, Jordyn Grey, and Gabe Quick.
Governor Seeks Agricultural Disaster for Linn County
Governor Mark Parkinson sent a letter March 29 to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking that he declare Allen and Linn counties agricultural disaster areas for crop production losses due to severe weather between September 1 and December 31, 2009. The severe weather consisted of excessive rain that delayed harvest of fall crops and prevented wheat from being planted.
A secretarial disaster designation will make farmers eligible for low-interest loans through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, as well as any other aid that may be available through the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program approved in the 2008 farm bill.
The PEAK Bill
The PEAK bill, (providing employment across Kansas) which provides some employers with up to 90% of the state income tax withholding they pay new employees, has passed both chambers, after amendments in conference that appear to have reduced its cost to the state to virtually nothing next year. The tactic: take money from some relatively little-used economic development programs to balance out the loss of income tax revenue. The bill is a major eco-devo effort among some legislators. It is on the way to the governor for his signature.
School Employee Notice
SB 362 passed by both chambers. This bill identifies the date school boards must notify teachers and administrators of non-renewal and the date by which employees must respond if they do not wish to continue their contract. Currently the dates are May 1, and May 15. The new law will set the non-renewal notice date for boards as the third Friday in May every year. The response day would be the Friday two weeks (14 days) later. The deadline of the third week in May for boards and two weeks later for teachers will be permanent unless changed by a future Legislature. The bill will be sent to the Governor. Assuming the Governor signs the bill, it will take effect when published in the Kansas Register. It appears likely that will occur before May, thus allowing the bill to take effect for the current year.
SB 359 (Education)
Three issues pertaining to education in SB 359 passed by both Houses and were sent to the Governor. First, the bill amends the special education catastrophic state aid law for the 2009-2010 school year by increasing the threshold for eligibility from $25,000 to $36,000 and by requiring that state special education state aid and federal special education state aid, including Medicaid Replacement state Aid, be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student. In school year 2010-2011 and the years thereafter, the catastrophic state-aid reimbursement threshold would increase to twice the state aid per special education teacher from the previous year. State and federal special education aid, including Medicaid Replacement State Aid, would be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student.
Second: the bill allows a pilot program that changes the special education funding formula from a teacher-based formula to a census-based formula.
Finally, the bill amends a provision in the special education law, which provides for the payment of Medicaid Replacement State Aid to school districts.
Nursing Facility Bill Sent Back to Committee
The Senate debated a bill which would have implemented a new $30 million fee on Kansas nursing homes, before sending the bill back to committee for further review.
Under S Sub for Sub HB 2320, Kansas nursing facilities would be assessed on the number of beds that the facility is licensed for as of July1st each year. The assessment amount would be $1,325 per bed annually. The money generated by the provision is intended to supplement the current 10 percent Medicaid cut that the Governor put into place earlier this year. The $30 million fee would have drawn down $56 million in matching federal funds.
Transportation Plan
On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed to the floor – where it will reside on the calendar for a month before debate – a new, $8 billion-plus transportation plan. The plan will take advantage of about $300 million of federally subsidized “Build America” bonds. The bill includes a .3-cent sales tax increase to take effect in 2013 and is believed to be worth about $120 million a year. Transportation Chair, Dwayne Umbarger, Thayer, said he wanted the bill on the calendar so people can start talking about it and get feedback from constituents during the legislative break.
Unemployment Insurance Bill
Governor Mark Parkinson this week signed legislation to protect Kansans’ unemployment benefits and ease the financial burden on businesses as the state works its way through the national recession.
Cemetery Trust Fund
The Kansas house approved legislation designed to protect Kansans against cemetery trust funds that are not able to cover the services promised. The bill would give the Secretary of State’s office broad new powers to work with cemeteries that have underfunded prepaid trust funds. Consumers who purchase pre-paid funeral plans need to be protected.
Keep in Touch
My office in Topeka will be closed during the recess. If you would like to get in touch with me please call my home telephone 620-223-4104 or e-mail me at home at rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. Enjoy this nice spring weather. Best regards, Representative Palmer.
First Adjournment
The 2010 Legislature worked long hours on Tuesday, March 30th and adjourned at 1:30 A.M. on Wednesday, March 31, until April 28th. The recess came earlier than expected but will help save the cost of legislative days that may be needed for the final veto session. On April 28, legislators will return for the wrap up session, when the budget bill, some conference reports, and any vetoes by the Governor will be considered.
This will be my last news release until we reconvene on April 28. I have tried to keep you informed with highlights of the session on a weekly basis. I am grateful to the newspapers who have allowed me to do so.
PAGES
I enjoyed having four Fort Scott High School Juniors serve as PAGES for me on Tuesday. They were Austin Bailey, Kacie Brown, Jordyn Grey, and Gabe Quick.
Governor Seeks Agricultural Disaster for Linn County
Governor Mark Parkinson sent a letter March 29 to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack asking that he declare Allen and Linn counties agricultural disaster areas for crop production losses due to severe weather between September 1 and December 31, 2009. The severe weather consisted of excessive rain that delayed harvest of fall crops and prevented wheat from being planted.
A secretarial disaster designation will make farmers eligible for low-interest loans through USDA’s Farm Service Agency, as well as any other aid that may be available through the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program approved in the 2008 farm bill.
The PEAK Bill
The PEAK bill, (providing employment across Kansas) which provides some employers with up to 90% of the state income tax withholding they pay new employees, has passed both chambers, after amendments in conference that appear to have reduced its cost to the state to virtually nothing next year. The tactic: take money from some relatively little-used economic development programs to balance out the loss of income tax revenue. The bill is a major eco-devo effort among some legislators. It is on the way to the governor for his signature.
School Employee Notice
SB 362 passed by both chambers. This bill identifies the date school boards must notify teachers and administrators of non-renewal and the date by which employees must respond if they do not wish to continue their contract. Currently the dates are May 1, and May 15. The new law will set the non-renewal notice date for boards as the third Friday in May every year. The response day would be the Friday two weeks (14 days) later. The deadline of the third week in May for boards and two weeks later for teachers will be permanent unless changed by a future Legislature. The bill will be sent to the Governor. Assuming the Governor signs the bill, it will take effect when published in the Kansas Register. It appears likely that will occur before May, thus allowing the bill to take effect for the current year.
SB 359 (Education)
Three issues pertaining to education in SB 359 passed by both Houses and were sent to the Governor. First, the bill amends the special education catastrophic state aid law for the 2009-2010 school year by increasing the threshold for eligibility from $25,000 to $36,000 and by requiring that state special education state aid and federal special education state aid, including Medicaid Replacement state Aid, be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student. In school year 2010-2011 and the years thereafter, the catastrophic state-aid reimbursement threshold would increase to twice the state aid per special education teacher from the previous year. State and federal special education aid, including Medicaid Replacement State Aid, would be deducted in determining the amount of reimbursement per special education student.
Second: the bill allows a pilot program that changes the special education funding formula from a teacher-based formula to a census-based formula.
Finally, the bill amends a provision in the special education law, which provides for the payment of Medicaid Replacement State Aid to school districts.
Nursing Facility Bill Sent Back to Committee
The Senate debated a bill which would have implemented a new $30 million fee on Kansas nursing homes, before sending the bill back to committee for further review.
Under S Sub for Sub HB 2320, Kansas nursing facilities would be assessed on the number of beds that the facility is licensed for as of July1st each year. The assessment amount would be $1,325 per bed annually. The money generated by the provision is intended to supplement the current 10 percent Medicaid cut that the Governor put into place earlier this year. The $30 million fee would have drawn down $56 million in matching federal funds.
Transportation Plan
On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee passed to the floor – where it will reside on the calendar for a month before debate – a new, $8 billion-plus transportation plan. The plan will take advantage of about $300 million of federally subsidized “Build America” bonds. The bill includes a .3-cent sales tax increase to take effect in 2013 and is believed to be worth about $120 million a year. Transportation Chair, Dwayne Umbarger, Thayer, said he wanted the bill on the calendar so people can start talking about it and get feedback from constituents during the legislative break.
Unemployment Insurance Bill
Governor Mark Parkinson this week signed legislation to protect Kansans’ unemployment benefits and ease the financial burden on businesses as the state works its way through the national recession.
Cemetery Trust Fund
The Kansas house approved legislation designed to protect Kansans against cemetery trust funds that are not able to cover the services promised. The bill would give the Secretary of State’s office broad new powers to work with cemeteries that have underfunded prepaid trust funds. Consumers who purchase pre-paid funeral plans need to be protected.
Keep in Touch
My office in Topeka will be closed during the recess. If you would like to get in touch with me please call my home telephone 620-223-4104 or e-mail me at home at rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. Enjoy this nice spring weather. Best regards, Representative Palmer.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Linn County Democratic Committee is Hosting a Non-Partisan Meeting April 10
Saturday April 10, the Democratic Party will feature two guest speakers. Doug Barlet, Linn County Emergency Management Coordinator, and Fire Chief will address attendees on accomplishments through the Rural Fire Department, and changes that impact tax dollars.
Also, State Rep. Shirley Palmer will discuss the Kansas State House wrap up session. Palmer will highlight important issues that will be taken up when the house and senate resume.
These measures will have a direct impact on taxpayers.
This speaking engagement will be non-partisan; we encourage county residents to attend this informational gathering.
Refreshments will be provided.
The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank hall located at 501Market St.
Also, State Rep. Shirley Palmer will discuss the Kansas State House wrap up session. Palmer will highlight important issues that will be taken up when the house and senate resume.
These measures will have a direct impact on taxpayers.
This speaking engagement will be non-partisan; we encourage county residents to attend this informational gathering.
Refreshments will be provided.
The meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in La Cygne at the Labette Bank hall located at 501Market St.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
