31 March 2006

Sebelius says Legislature has unfinished business
Legislature leaves for break, yet issues of concern to Kansans still unresolved

Kansas has an opportunity to move forward, but only if legislators address the unfinished business before them, says Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

“Back in January, I set out several common-sense ways we can make Kansans safer, healthier and more prosperous. We’ve seen the Legislature make progress on some of those fronts, but not nearly as much as Kansans are expecting,” said Sebelius.

Sebelius said the Kansans she’s talked to say they hope legislators will finish their job quickly when they return from their April break.

“Kansans are looking for results, and so far they haven’t seen the results they were expecting from this legislature,” she said.

The biggest issue facing legislators is how the state will uphold its responsibility to Kansas students. The House saw legislators from both parties, and from all areas of the state, work together with the Governor to pass a school plan. Meanwhile, the Senate killed all three school proposals it considered.

“I’m going to continue to work together with legislators, and I’m confident we’ll see an agreement that gives every Kansas child the opportunity for a first-class education,” said Sebelius. “I’m also going to talk to parents and business leaders over the next month about how they need to make their voices heard. All Kansans should urge their senators to uphold our state’s commitment to our children.”

Other issues of importance to Kansans have also not made it out of the legislative process. For example, a crackdown on sex offenders has passed both the House and Senate, yet is now stalled in a legislative conference committee.

“Tougher penalties for the perpetrators of these horrible crimes are too important to be derailed. We have to take action to protect our children and families by putting these criminals behind bars, and I hope legislators will reach an agreement soon,” Sebelius said.

Additionally, in December and again in her January State of the State address, Sebelius proposed eliminating the property tax on new business machinery and equipment. Her proposal would encourage businesses to invest in new technology and create jobs in Kansas. The House has passed this incentive, but uncertainty involving the school plans has prevented passage in the Senate.

Support for mentoring and health insurance for all Kansas children from birth to age 5 was not included in the House’s budget. Finally, a tax check-off to help military families in need has passed the Senate but it has yet to pass the House.