Kansas Democratic Party Chair Joan Wagnon will be in Linn County May 28, 2011

Reminder: Sat. May 28, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. KDP Chair Joan Wagnon will be in Linn County at the La Cygne Public Library Swan Room. 206 Commercial St. Plan to join us!!


Refreshments will be provided.


All Democratic and Independent voters are encouraged to attend this informational gathering.


For more information, please call: 913) 795-4574.

Kansas Democratic Party Chair Discusses Drastic Cuts to Public Schools

Joan Wagnon calls on Governor Brownback and House Leadership to stop shortchanging our kids

TOPEKA, KS - Kansas Democratic Party Chair, Joan Wagnon held a press conference today highlighting the real world impact of cuts to public schools being discussed in the State Legislature.  The following are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

I’ve been traveling the state for two months now, and every audience asks , “What is happening to our public schools.”  It is very difficult for the ordinary citizen to decipher all the conflicting information coming from this legislative session.  They are hearing that programs they care about are slated for reduction or elimination.  By next fall when school starts again, many of these cuts will be in place and parents will see the impact on their children.

The results of these cuts generally fall into these categories:

Higher pupil-Teacher ratios
Less face time for students with teachers
Reductions in programs.  Schools have already cut 1600 licensed and unlicensed personnel, and more cuts will come with the FY2012 budget.  Coaching staff are being cut as well as guidance counselors, arts, music and other programming.
Increased school fees
Reductions in Transportation services
Delaying Purchases
Particularly concerning to me are the budget cuts to the early childhood education programs such as Parents as Teachers, and PreKindergarden.  These programs have already seen a 17% reduction in funding, and if the House has its way, more cuts will come.  If we want to reduce dropouts and improve reading skills as the Governor has suggested, then kids need to be identified for early assistance.  Not funding early childhood education programs solely to preserve an ending balance is unconscionable.  The Senate’s approach to lower ending balances has kept some of the more egregious cuts from happening.

The Department of Education provided me some information about the Base State Aid per Pupil and how that has changed over the years since the first formula was instituted.

School Year            BSAPP

1992-93            $3,600
2005-06            $4,257*  (Statutory BSAPP)
2008-09            $4,400
2009-10            $4,012
2010-11            $3.937
2011-12            $3,780 (Governor’s recommendation)
If we were to fund schools at the statutory requirement of $4,257 it would require an additional $474 million.  And when you consider that the sales tax increase enacted in 2010 drops back down in FY2014 to 5.7%, and the transfer to the highway fund will increase, there will be another $308 hole in the State General Fund two years from now that will make it very difficult to increase the BSAPP.

The legislative Division of Post Audit found, ”…a strong association between the amounts districts spend and the outcomes they achieve … a 1.0% increase in district performance outcomes  was associated with a 0.83% in spending – almost a one-to-one relationship.” Districts that spent more had better student performance.

Clearly, these numbers tell me Kansas is going in the wrong direction in funding its schools.

Throughout this legislative session, the emphasis has been on economic development and job creation.  But, without a strong public school system, all the tax incentives will be meaningless.  Certainly, the trend to reducing the tax base through exemptions, credits and outright repeal of tax sources has been a major contributor to the school funding chasm that grows larger each year.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  These BSAPP numbers don’t leave much room for appreciating our teachers by paying them an adequate wage for the work they do with our children.  Kansas ranks 39th in teacher salaries.

Kansans want good public schools.  They want the legislature to make education a priority.

It is one thing to     decide in a committee to cut this or that; it is quite another to look a child     in the eyes and say they can’t participate in a program because their parents can’t     afford the fees. Or to look a hardworking, compassionate teacher in the eye and     tell them they no longer have a job.

For many rural schools     this will be a death knell. They are already pinched as tight as possible and     further cuts jeopardize their survival.

Now is the time to contact legislators and express your priorities before these decisions are finalized. As a Democrat Leader in this State I am appalled at the state of funding for public schools. As a former legislator and Secretary of Revenue I understand the fiscal constraints as well as anyone but Governor Brownback and the House Leadership are shortchanging our public schools, and it’s time to stop!

Central Committee Meeting March 19, 2011

The Linn County Democratic Central Committee will meet on Saturday, March 19 at 2 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Pleasanton Labette Bank office located at 911 Main, on the west entrance of the building.
This meeting will cover planning for an upcoming fundraiser for our county party that is scheduled for a weekend in April.
We will need all hands on deck.
Please contact me if you have any questions.

Please note the change of date for this meeting originally scheduled for March 12.
Sorry for any inconvenience.

Getting Involved

Yesterday Sam Brownback was sworn in as Governor and a new legislative session began. In the days, weeks, and months ahead we will witness the most extreme government in Kansas history. Our schools, communities, and our entire state will feel the impact.

Today we start to fight back, and we need your help.

Washington Days, our annual convention, will be the first time Democrats have been together since last year's election. It will be held in Topeka on February 25 and 26, 2011, and will be our first opportunity to organize and build a foundation for success in the 2012 elections and beyond.

We are excited to announce this year's Washington Days keynote speaker, Senator Claire McCaskill. We are also excited to welcome back Kathleen Sebelius, who will be our special guest and will introduce Senator McCaskill.

Senator McCaskill and Kathleen Sebelius know what it takes to win elections and defeat Republicans. After their words of wisdom on Friday night, we will spend the weekend organizing and training to strengthen our party. Will you join us?

Fight back at Washington Days: purchase your tickets today! KSDP.org

Our schools, our communities, and our state are now controlled by the most extreme government in Kansas history. We can't afford to wait for even one moment. Help us fight back by attending this year's Washington Days.

Sincerely,
Larry Gates Kansas Democratic Chair

Democratic Values

Although Shirley Palmer did not receive the support to continue on as our state legislator we must begin the next two years with a fresh perspective and a new will to continue fighting to elect Democratic representation in our state.
A recent report revealed that 20 states are now controlled by Republican majorities. We have much to do if we hope to continue the cause of making sure that residents in Kansas and fellow Americans are receiving the proper resources for what our state and federal Constitutions mandate: Protecting the welfare of our citizens - every American should have the right to affordable health care coverage. Our seniors have worked hard to receive and maintain benefits through Social Security and Medicaid. Republicans are threatening to reduce those payments that retirees have come to rely on. Seniors who are now receiving a 50 percent discount on prescription drug costs, will once again be paying too much. Parents who have been given the opportunity to add their children to their health care coverage while students are still in college and looking for jobs face losing that ability if the GOP has their way. Those people who now receive coverage face being refused any health care coverage due to preexisting conditions if the GOP have their way in repealing health care reform.
In the first week of Jan. 2011 our national unemployment rate dropped from 9.8 to 9.4 percent and while these numbers are still high and many are still seeking work, experts have made it clear that the economy is on the right track and spending levels have increased. President Obama, has in two short years, taken a monthly job decline of over 700,000 jobs to an increase at its best level since May of 2008, adding hundreds of thousands more jobs.
Here in Kansas we take pride in our high school graduation rates of nearly 80 percent of our youth. Governor Sam Brownback threatens to lower that rate over the next ten years to a mere 30 percent through underfunding our schools and pushing to restructure our state tax system to fund individual vouchers for private (for profit) schools and taking the experience of school years away from our children by allowing a virtual school system to overrun and outsource our school districts. People in rural Kansas take much pride in their schools, a loss of a weekend football game, other sports, musicals, plays, etc., have already been impacted from reduced funding. Further cuts threaten to eliminate these programs all together. Democrats can be proud of the knowledge that our party stands for supporting the betterment of the lives and services provided to our communites. We will continue to fight for funding for not only our schools but our law enforcement, our fire departments, and our county works departments to keep our roads and bridges properly cared for. These sources are what communities thrive on and a lack of funding will weaken our viability as a community we can be proud to call home.

Voter Support for Democrats Exceeds Support for Party in Power in 1994 and 2006

While history would suggest that the 2010 elections stand to be challenging for Democrats, a variety of recent polls suggest that the barriers to success for Democratic candidates this year may not be as high as some have suggested. While pundits are now commonly comparing this year's elections to those of 1994 and 2006, years in which the minority party took control of Congress, voters today express greater support for Democratic leaders and more trust in Democratic leadership than for the political party in power in either of those election cycles, In fact, an analysis of the relative strength of the party in power, the temperature readings of the incumbent president and the approval ratings and generic ballot tests for the party out of power for 1994, 2006 and 2010 proves that comparisons between those election cycles and today are at best poor.


President Obama is much more popular than President Bush was in 2006 or President Clinton was in 1994.

According to a Washington Post/ABC Poll: President Obama’s approval rating is 50%-47% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], while a Bloomberg poll measured President Obama’s approval at 52%-44% [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].


In comparison, a November 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll measured President Bush’s approval at 40%-57% [ABC/WP Poll, 10/13/08] and, according to an October 1994 Gallup poll, President Clinton’s approval rating that fall was 41%-52% [Gallup President Approval Rating Index]. Considering the current state of the economy, a country engaged in two wars, the oil spillin the Gulf and united and politically motivated Republican obstruction in Congress, President Obama’s job approval ratings remain relatively strong and are much stronger than either those of President Clinton or President Bush when their party’s lost control of Congress.


Similarly, more voters trust the President and Congressional Democrats to lead the country than trust Republicans to do so.


According to a recent Washington Post/ABC poll, 43% of voters have confidence in the President and 32% have confidence in Congressional Democrats to make the right decisions for the country’s future. In comparison, only 26% have confidence in Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country’s future. [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10] While much has been made of the result on this question for the President, politics is a comparative exercise and President Obama and Congressional Democrats remain in a stronger position with the public and are held in higher esteem than are Republicans.


In fact, on what may be the most important issue of this election – the economy – Democrats lead Republicans in voter trust, and do so by a similar margin to Democrats in 2006 and a larger margin than Republicans in 1994.


According to a Washington Post/ABC poll, registered voters trust Democrats over Republicans 42% to 34% to do a better job handling the economy, an 8 point margin [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].


In October 2006, when the Washington Post/ABC asked the same question, registered voters picked Democrats over Republicans by 50%-41% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a nine point margin. And when they asked the same question in 1994, registered voters picked Republicans over Democrats 43%-38% [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10], a five point margin. So, in the two most recent elections where control of Congress flipped from one party to the other the party out of power held the advantage on the economy while the party in power holds that advantage today.


And voters don’t just trust Democrats on the economy; they support Democrats’ legislative efforts to improve the American economy and to move our country forward in other ways. And voters are more likely to support candidates who back the Democratic agenda.


A recent Washington Post/ABC poll found that 39% of voters are more likely to support a candidate who supports the Recovery Act, compared to 37% who are more likely to support a candidate who opposes the Recovery Act [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10]. Similarly, a recent Bloomberg poll found that 58% of voters are more likely to support a Congressional candidate that “supports spending government money to create jobs and stimulate employment,” while just 24% said they would be less likely to support that candidate [Bloomberg Poll, 7/14/10].


According to NBC/WSJ, 51% are more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who says they will give health care a chance while only 44% say they would be more likely to vote for a Republican candidate who says it should be repealed. (NBC/WSJ, 6/21)



And a recent Bloomberg poll found that 45% of voters say they are more likely to support a Congressional candidate who supports “tougher regulations on Wall Street firms,” while only 15% would be less likely to support such a candidate.

Polls Indicating Republican Electoral Potential Fail to Make the Case for a Major Republican Victory

Despite voter support for Democrats on key issue tests like the economy, some polls do show narrow support for Republicans over Democrats on the generic congressional ballot. However, Republicans hold only a tenuous lead in such polls, with generic support for Republicans this year nowhere near that of Democrats in 2006.

In the latest Washington Post/ABC poll, Republicans led Democrats on a generic congressional ballot by 47%-46%, a one-point margin with little statistical significance [ABC/WP Poll,7/13/10]. In contrast, in an October 2006 Washington Post/ABC poll, voters preferred Democrats over Republicans on a generic Congressional ballot by 54%-41% – a much larger 13 point gap[ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].

Similarly, Republican cheerleaders have cited polling showing support for GOP control of Congress as an electoral boon; however, such polling has proven an unreliable indicator of electoral results.

In the current Washington Post/ABC poll, voters by 51%-43% say it’s important for the GOP to control Congress as a check on President Obama’s policies. But although a September 2002 Washington Post/ABC poll found that voters supported Democratic control of Congress “as a check” on Bush’s policies by 56%-34%, more than 20 points, Democrats in that election actually lost seats [ABC/WP Poll, 7/13/10].

Conclusion

While many Democratic candidates this year may face tough races, polling suggests that this election is shaping up to be different in many respects than either 1994 or 2006, with Democrats in position to win close races across the country and to maintain strong majorities in both the House and Senate. In fact, Democrats today are in a greater position of strength than Democrats in 1994 or Republicans in 2006. Democrats have real accomplishments that benefit middle class families and small businesses to campaign on, an economy that is once again growing and creating jobs and a public that still remembers the disastrous consequences of failed Republican policies that cut taxes for the wealthy, cut rules for big corporations and cut the middle class loose to fend for themselves.

So after 18 months of Democrats governing while Republicans in Congress have stood on the sideline and rooted for failure, Democrats are in a strong position to begin the campaign season and present voters with a clear choice: keep America moving forward or going back to the same polices that created the worst economy since the Great Depression.

It's the long shadow of the failed Bush economic policies that is keeping support for Republicans at a near record lows and why support for Republicans falls short of support for the minority party in either 1994 or 2006.

Thus, Republicans’ continued weaknesses and low approval ratings are helping Democrats turn this election into a choice between the two parties rather than just a referendum on the party in power. Despite the downcast assessments of Democratic political fortunes, we believe that this election stands to be different than so-called “wave” elections of the past and that Democrats have every reason to be hopeful that we can weather a treacherous political climate and maintain strong majorities in the House and Senate.  

Meet and Greet Featuring State Treasurer Dennis McKinney

The Linn County Party will host an open meet and greet at the Labette Bank, located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne on July 10 at 2 p.m.
Our featured guest speaker will be our Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney. McKinney has been touring the state, helping residents recover unclaimed property over the past year and he has begun a new program to teach the importance of financial responsibility to our school children. McKinney recently announced his candidacy for state treasurer in his hometown of Greensburg, KS. Tribute was payed to residents and business owners who contributed to rebuilding a new environmentally friendly, energy efficient city, that has received world-wide recognition after the city was devastated by a tornado.
We encourage all residents in surrounding counties to attend, and help us give a warm welcome to our State Treasurer.
Light refreshments will be served.

Sat. June 19 Open Forum

U.S Senate Candidate Lisa Johnston, 2nd Congressional Candidates Cheryl Hudspeth (confirmed), Sean Tevis (likely attending), and Kenny Johnston, Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director, will be the featured speakers.
This event is open to the public - attendance by all political affiliates are encouraged to attend.
A true Democratic process deserves that every candidate for public office be heard so voters can make an informed decision.
The meeting will be at 2 p.m. in the Labette Bank, located at 501 Market St., La Cygne, KS
Light refreshments will be available.

Important Reminder: Precinct Filing Deadline

Please remember that the filing deadline for precinct committeemen and women is June 10 at noon.
You must file at the Linn County Courthouse by the deadline to have your name appear on the ballot this August.
Our county re-organizational meeting will be held on the second Saturday in August at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne.
Please check back for future important announcements.

June 19, Open Q and A - Features Three Speakers in La Cygne

On June 19, 2010, the Democratic Party of Linn County will host Lisa Johnston, candidate for U.S. Senate. Lisa is a dynamic voice for education with a long resume in promoting K-12 students to attend college. She has been a key member on college boards throughout Kansas in legislative policies that promote student academia.
As Assistant Dean for Baker University, Lisa has taken a leave of absence to run against the primary candidate on the Republican ticket in November. Lisa exemplifies the strong educational values of Kansans.

Cheryl Hudspeth of Girard, KS is running for KS 2nd District U.S. Congressional seat. Cheryl will be speaking at this meeting as well.

Also attending the June meeting will be Kenny Johnston, Kansas Democratic Party Executive Director. Kenny will discuss the importance of getting out the vote (GOTV), and how we as active community members can play a key role in voter turn-out.

The Democratic Party is grounded in the belief that all elections are vital in our Democracy.

We hope to have a good turn-out in welcoming speakers.

There will be a Q & A.
Refreshments will be provided.

Join us at 2 p.m. at the Labette Bank located at 501 Market St. in La Cygne, KS.

UPDATE: Public Meet and Greet Featuring Secretary of State Chris Biggs and State Senator Chris Steineger

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Guests in Linn County

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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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.