FISCAL CHALLENGES

Although many have approached me with requests for additional funding for programs, it looks like we are facing hard times ahead. According to the United States Government Accountability Office "Large and recurring fiscal challenges for the state and local sector will begin to emerge within a decade". There are no "quick and easy fixes". Governor Sebelius has reduced in her budget $147 million for education and cut more people who serve our veterans. She has added $81 million to the budget from projected casino revenue to give the appearance of a balanced budget. The hopeful gaming revenues she is bargaining on are yet to be seen since there is a court challenge to the legality of state owned casinos. It is uncertain as to when the Court will decide. The governor has also added to her budget programs which will be hard, if not impossible, to fund. As a legislator, it is important for me to understand the potential future fiscal conditions of the state sector for policymaking, and to act responsibly.

COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY

There is a push in the House and Senate, by both Republicans and Democrats, for increased energy efficiency in state buildings. These facilities must be designed to meet energy and water use efficiency standards. If passed, the Air Quality Act would be amended and would create more stringent, restrictive or expansive terms than the already standing federal requirements. The bill has been worked on by both sides of the isle for some time and has stringent limitations on CO2 emissions for new electricity generating facilities using fossil fuels. It also creates an offset program for allowing investments in expansion of environmentally friendly programs such as no till farming, transmission system improvements and new nuclear or hydro-power electric generating projects located in the state. The new bill also allows for net metering for solar power electricity generating units that are interconnected with a retail electricity supplier.

Finally, the bill limits the authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment to act without substantial review and will assure their action will prevent imminent and substantial danger to the public. Many feel this is necessary to prevent political influence on decisions in the future.

PRIORITIES

As we deal with issues coming up in the Capitol, it is difficult to focus on things such as naming highways and a state fish. My heart turns to the problems facing my people back home. I struggle to help find answers for those who have lived in the area for so many years and had steady employment with first IBP and now Tyson Meats. I worked there for two years and enjoyed it, as well as the many people I worked with. My younger brother worked there for thirty-three years and the company was very good to him. He is now disabled, but has a nice retirement because of the company. The reality is apparent that the layoff will affect many outside the plant as well as a community striving to compensate for the loss of business, classmates, and neighbors. I will do all I can to help restore the community back to vibrancy.

My heart still goes out to the community of Jacob’s Creek as well. I know the log jam in Coffey County still has the attention of many in the state and it is distressing to know it has still not been addressed. There is one strong hope. If we can look to further development of nuclear energy at Wolf Creek, the demand for a stable and reliable source of water will be a top priority on the Federal level as well.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity" -- George W. Bush 2003