Education Reform Pension Reform Tax Reform KS schools are stockpiling cash only 4% of carryover balances used in 2011 operating cash reserves top $868 million why won’t school bureaucracies use this in classrooms? compare spending and achievement (from KS Assn. of School Boards & KS Policy Institute) KPERS shortfall may reach $20 billion Kansas may face pension-related bankruptcy is reforms aren’t made defined contribution plan strongly encouraged why Kansas has to borrow $5 billion just to pay benefits in the short-term Reduce taxes to create jobs and economic growth state & local taxes are growing 2x rate of inflation higher marginal tax rates had a negative impact on economic growth why income growth is the goal we should be seeking

Follow-up from education forum in Leavenworth

A packed house heard two top state authorities on education in Kansas present different viewpoints on education reform in Kansas -- Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute and Mark Tallman of the Kansas Assn. of School Boards. Their viewpoints are different, and their facts and figures are essential for understanding the real picture of educational achievement and spending in Kansas. Get their presentations and see the facts that are setting the stage for education reform in Kansas. >>

 

A call for integrity in leadership
Kansas deserves better

I recently shared my concerns with my fellow legislators about actions taken by the Speaker of the House in Kansas that have compromised the integrity of the People's House. The area news media covered it, and now the national media has seized the story. Read an example >>

As a constituent, you deserve to have a transparent view of these developments. Read the stories below and ask your representative what he or she will do to restore integrity to the Kansas House.

Read Lawrence Journal-World article >>
Read Kansas City Star article >>

Share this with your Kansas representative >>

Find your legislator (by map) >>
Find your legislator (by name) >>

 

Legislative Progress in Kansas
Staying the course with fiscal discipline & reform

I remain optimistic that, despite a staggering state debt and limited budget trimming last year, legislators can enter the 2012 session with the resolve to reduce spending and reform bloated and ineffective bureaucracies.

 

---

It’s Time for Action
Study the facts and learn how you can help

• Put students first with education reform, choice read more here >>
• Reform the tax code
• Reduce wasteful spending
• Reduce the state deficit
• Protect the vulnerable – elderly, unborn & disabled citizens

We cannot provide a better future for the next generation of Kansans if we do not get our fiscal house in order today. The consequences of doing nothing to reduce our mounting debt are too great. Join me in support of tough, but prudent, decisions to put the children and grandchildren of Kansas first.