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In regards to the repealed burn resolution, “We try to provide the sheriff’s office daily with current weather and indices that suggest when it’s not safe to burn.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.

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.

LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT Number 3, 2010

By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative

New State Library -
I attended the State Library Open House in its new location in the capitol on Wednesday. The new state librarian is from Ohio. The new location is Room 169 W., State Capitol, while the renovation is taking place. Public computers, newspapers, periodicals, audio books, legislative bills and statue books can be located there.

Kansas Day -
Kansas celebrated its 149th birthday January 29th. Hundreds of local elementary students joined Governor Mark Parkinson at the Kansas State Historical Society for the celebration. As we reflect on the history of our state, I am reminded of all the things that make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I hope we will protect all of those priorities as we work our way through our budget crisis.

Budget Shortfall -
Budgets, Cuts, and Unemployment have been the topic for lots of discussion since the legislature reconvened in January. I have been hearing from lots of constituents with concerns and comments. Thank you for contacting me and I appreciate your input.

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.
As a result of this unprecedented decline in state revenues, the Kansas Legislature and Governor have cut the state budget by almost ONE BILLION DOLLARS in the past two years. Within our state, these cuts have closed 18 national guard armories, laid off over 4,000 K-12 employees, cut much needed at-risk, tutoring and after school programs at public schools, closed correctional institutions, eliminated supervised parole for former inmates, caused tuition increases at institutions of higher learning, swept funds from the state highway plan, caused a waiting list for services for the disabled that exceeds 5,000 people, cut services for the elderly and disabled on Medicaid and cut the pay or eliminated the jobs of countless workers employed in the above fields. I could add another 5 pages delineating what damage the cuts have done, but I think you get the picture.

According to Kansas Tax Facts, a non-partisan publication put forth by the Kansas Legislative Research Dept., Kansas taxes (both state and local) as a percent of personal income have remained fairly constant.

TAXES as PERCENT of PERSONAL INCOME
State Local Both
FY 2004 6.52% 4.59% 11.11%
FY 2005 6.76% 4.73% 11.48%
FY 2006 7.18% 4.92% 12.10%
FY 2007 7.12% 4.87% 11.98%
FY 2008 6.94% 4.82% 11.76%
FY 2009 6.11% 4.72% 10.82%

In addition, the Kansas tax burden continues to be at or below the national average, depending on which sources you choose to reference.

As legislators, we are hearing from our constituents, and the overwhelming majority do NOT want to see further cuts to already devastated programs that serve Kansans well. H.B. 2475 may not be the answer we are looking for to solve our budget crisis. However, further cuts alone will not be the answer either. In order to move our state forward, we will need to put all options on the table and come up with a multifaceted approach to solving this budget shortfall.

After hearing testimony last week in support of Governor Parkinson’s proposed sales tax increase, opponents got their say on Tuesday. Overall, opponents argue that a sales tax increase would have a negative impact on small businesses in the state and decrease economic activity. Discussion also focused on maintaining competitiveness with our border states, especially Missouri, noting that some business owners may consider moving their business out of the state if the sales tax increased.
Some suggested that the problem was with excessive spending and that deeper cuts are the solution to the budget crisis. Others emphasized that an increase in sales tax would be regressive, harming those on the lowest end of the income scale the most because they have the least disposable income to spend, especially on consumable goods like groceries.

The committee passed the bill out of committee unfavorably on Wednesday. It has not been heard on the house floor. I felt the move was both premature and irresponsible. Given the inactivity of the House Appropriations Committee, it is nonsensical to vote on possible revenue streams until we know how much money we need or what that money will pay for.
I am interested in your honest feedback on these discussions. Should we maintain state services or should we seriously consider a revenue package of some kind? Please contact me and tell me what you think.

It is a special honor to serve as your State Representative. You may e-mail me at Shirley.Palmer@house.ks.gov in Topeka or rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net at home. My office telephone number is 785-296-4676 while my home number is 620-223-4105. You may also call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me.

LEGISLATIVE INSIGHT Number 1, 2010

By: Shirley Palmer, 4th District State Representative

2010 Session Underway
Hello! On Monday, January 11, the Kansas Legislature convened for the 2010 Legislative Session. It could very well be the longest, toughest legislative session in the history of our state. Although we have experienced challenges in the past, the current financial crisis is by far the most severe situation we have faced since the Great Depression. Even after five rounds of crippling budget cuts, revenues are still too low to keep the state operating at current funding levels. A $400 million shortfall is anticipated. We must put partisan politics aside and work together to pass legislation that will improve the lives of all Kansans. Lawmakers have been called on to build for the future and not continue slashing in the present. We must work together to make tough choices which I know are inevitable. This session is more than a discussion about our budget, it is a discussion about our overall quality of life. We owe it to our fellow citizens and future generations to do whatever we can to protect it.

I am privileged and honored to be your voice in the Kansas Capitol. I want to thank the people of the 4th District for allowing me this opportunity. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me at home or in Topeka. The State Capitol is still undergoing major renovations so my office is still in the Docking State Office Building which is located directly across the street (west) of the Capitol. My new office telephone number is 785-296-7646 and my state e-mail is shirley.palmer@house.ks.gov. My home telephone number is 620-223-4105 and my home e-mail is rspalmer1862@sbcglobal.net. A FAX can reach me at 785-296-2028 or 785-368-6503 in Topeka or 620-223-4105 at home.

Committees
Most committees met during the week for organizational purposes and began hearing bill introductions. My committees for this year include: Education, Transportation, and Agriculture and Natural Resources.

FY 2011 Budget Debate Begins
As a result of the recession, state funds have declined for an unprecedented four straight years while total spending has been slashed more than $1 billion in the last 18 months. To partially fill the budget hole, Parkinson said the state should raise the sales tax by 1 cent for 36 months. After that point, he said the state should cut back the tax increase to two-tenths of a cent to fund a highway program. He also said the state should raise the cigarette and tobacco tax to the national average of $1.34 from 79 cents a pack in Kansas – a move he said could both reduce teen smoking and raise revenue. It is important to note that the budget proposal does not increase state spending. The $1 billion in cuts enacted last year will stay in place. The revenue package the governor presented is only a means of maintaining current funding. We must keep open minds and have honest discussions. There is always a lot of give and take in this process. We owe it to Kansans to give every proposal a fair examination, even if it is something we are not inclined to support.

Ultimately, you elected me to make reasonable decisions that protect our communities and grow our economy. That’s what I will try to do. In that effort, I am willing to give every proposal fair consideration. Governor Parkinson’s proposed budget is a good starting point, but we are a long way from a final package.

Keep in Touch
I value and need your input on the various issues facing state government. Some issues that we will be discussing soon will no doubt include: texting while driving, public smoking ban, removing the death penalty, closing some state facilities, and issuing bonds to start a new comprehensive transportation plan to name a few. Please feel free to contact me with your comments or questions. The legislative hotline is 1-800-432-3924 and is available for you to leave a message for me. Complete daily calendars are available at www.kslegislature.org. To hear legislative proceedings, click on the “Listen in Live Link.”

With hard work and dedication, we will transform the challenges of 2010 into new opportunities for 2011 and beyond.