18 January 2006

Governor: Kansas military bases vital to state’s economy
Sebelius works to protect state’s gains through Governor’s Military Council

At a time when many other states are losing troops, Kansas stands to gain 13,000 new military and civilian personnel at its four military bases under the Pentagon’s realignment plan.

To protect these gains and fulfilling a promise made as part of the Governor’s Military Bill of Rights, Governor Kathleen Sebelius is recreating the charter of the Governor’s Military Council (GMC), formerly called the Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council.

“The military presence in Kansas, including the men and women in the military, and their families, are important to our state. The four major military bases in Kansas provide thousands of jobs and add more than $2.5 billion annually to our economy,” Sebelius said.

The Governor’s Military Council may have up to 30 members. By Executive Order 06-02, the council will continue in operation until May 1, 2007.

“We must continue to strengthen the presence and expansion of our military facilities. It’s essential to preserve all military and related jobs for the benefit of Kansas families and the Kansas economy,” said Sebelius.

Governor Sebelius has tapped Lieutenant Governor John Moore to serve as the GMC Chair. “Service to country is a core value for Kansans. Around the world, thousands of Kansans are courageously serving in the armed forces,” said Moore.

“The Governor’s Military Council will work tirelessly to protect and grow these gains made under the Base Realignment and Closure process by working with local leaders and the Pentagon,” said Moore. “While at the same time the GMC must work to continue to improve the quality of life of military members and their families stationed in Kansas.”

The Governor’s Military Council has been charged with:

• Optimizing the military presence in Kansas, including recruitment and retention of new missions and force structure;
• Actively fostering close, effective cooperation among the installations and private and public sectors throughout the state;
• Pursuing initiatives to enhance the quality of life for all military personnel, active and retired;
• Promoting Kansas as a desired location for all Department of Defense retirees;
• Assisting in the transfer of technology between the military and the private sector to enhance the competitive posture of both in the national and global market;
• Exploring and developing outreach opportunities for individuals retiring from military service to use their talents as members of the Kansas workforce; and
• Assisting in the development, coordination and execution of strategy required by any future change in missions proposed by the Department of Defense.

The Governor’s Military Affairs Coordinating Council was first established in 1998 by Governor Bill Graves.