April 18, 2006
Governor signs budget representing Kansas values
Tracking of sex offenders, school accountability, energy assistance all included
Saying it represents the values of Kansans and closely follows our shared priorities, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed the budget bill into law.
Among the highlights are funding for GPS tracking of repeat child sex offenders, more school audits to increase accountability, and help for Kansans seeking lower energy bills.
“This budget represents the values of our state. It stays within our means, while still promoting public safety, efficient and effective schools, and help for Kansans in need,” said Sebelius. “There’s still unfinished business legislators need to tackle, but this is good progress.”
For the fourth year in a row, the Legislature passed Governor Sebelius’ budget largely unchanged.
The budget includes funding for electronic tracking of repeat child sex offenders, a top priority for Sebelius and something she called for in her State of the State address this year.
“These tracking bracelets will allow law enforcement to keep tabs on these offenders at all times. When coupled with the longer prison sentences I’ve called for, we can help keep our children safe and give moms and dads more peace of mind,” said Sebelius.
Additionally, Sebelius’ call for increased school accountability has finally been answered by the Legislature, which included her request for more school audits in the budget. Legislators had previously declined to support the accountability audits, but the Governor obtained private funding for the effort, which began last year.
Sebelius’ proposals to help Kansas children start school off right were also included, including early childhood learning projects in 30-60 Kansas classrooms and elimination of the waiting list for Early Head Start.
The budget also includes the WARM Kansas initiative, announced by Sebelius in January, which will provide loans and grants to low-income Kansans for home insulation and weatherization. This will help them save on energy costs.
The Legislature still has unfinished business to address, the Governor said, including taking action to strengthen Kansas schools and ensure businesses have a well-trained workforce. She used her budget signing message to pledge to continue to work with legislators “as we seek to guarantee every Kansas child has the opportunity to go to a first-class school.”
Sebelius also called on legislators to act on several proposals they removed from the budget, including health insurance for all Kansas children from birth to age five, expansion of health insurance coverage for small business employees, and the mentoring initiative being led by Coach Bill Snyder.
The budget bill is SB 480 and it will take effect after publication in the Kansas register. Governor Sebelius’ budget signing message is below.
Bill Signing Message for SB 480:
“This budget represents the values of Kansans and closely follows our shared priorities. Therefore, I have made no line-item vetoes and I am pleased to sign it into law.
“The budget is still missing several key proposals, however.
“Health insurance for Kansas children from birth to age five was not included in the budget passed by the Legislature, and neither was expansion of health insurance for small business employees. Similarly, support for the mentoring initiative being led by Coach Bill Snyder was absent. These tools would help Kansans make the most of their own lives, and I again urge you to support them.
“Additionally, I still look forward to creating an incentive to bring jobs to Kansas by signing into law property tax relief for new business machinery and equipment.
“Most importantly, I encourage legislators to continue to work together to solve the greatest challenge facing our state: the need for strong schools and a well-educated workforce. I pledge to continue to work with you as we seek to guarantee every Kansas child has the opportunity to go to a first-class school, regardless of whether that child lives in Johnson City or Johnson County, and I look forward to signing a school plan into law.”
