April 24, 2006

Sebelius outlines road map for progress
Governor sets out priorities for Legislature’s wrap-up session this week

An opportunity exists to move Kansas forward, Governor Kathleen Sebelius says, but only if the Legislature takes action on several important matters when it returns from break.

In a letter mailed to legislators Friday, Governor Sebelius outlined her goals for the wrap-up session, which begins Wednesday. First among them is agreement on a plan to strengthen Kansas schools.

“We need to pass a plan to strengthen our schools and ensure a well-educated workforce for years to come. I am encouraged by the progress we made on this issue earlier in the session,” Sebelius wrote, praising House passage of a school plan that follows the road map set out by the Legislative Post Audit cost study, as well as principles she set forward early in the session.

Among the principles the Governor said should be included in a multi-year plan are increased at-risk funding for children in need, particularly in large, urban districts, closing of the achievement gap through initiatives like all-day kindergarten, and the ability of local communities to exercise local control and provide enhancements if they choose.

“It is now time for both houses to come together around these principles, and pass a school plan that gives every Kansas child the opportunity to attend a first-class school,” Sebelius wrote.

Governor Sebelius also encouraged legislators to pass her proposal to eliminate property taxes on new business machinery and equipment.

“I encourage you to help Kansas employers and employees continue the economic growth that is at the heart of our prosperity by eliminating the tax on new business machinery and equipment. I first proposed this tax relief in December because it, above all other proposals, will spur business investment and create jobs here in Kansas,” wrote Sebelius.

But the Governor also cautioned legislators that, while the state’s financial situation looks brighter, we must continue to be fiscally responsible when it comes to both spending and tax relief.

She added that she believed an additional source of revenue, such as a limited expansion of gaming, remains an option legislators should consider when they look at the funding of multi-year plans.