Kansas

Kansas to take a significant step forward on renewable energy policy

May 4, 2009 -- Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, together with Sunflower Electric Power Corporation President and CEO, Earl Watkins, have announced a comprehensive energy plan to encourage the production of more renewable energy in Kansas.

“We’re bringing people together to create hundreds of jobs, increase our renewable energy production and ensure a comprehensive energy plan for our state,” said Governor Parkinson. “Prior to this agreement, the Legislature was at an impasse on energy issues. With this agreement, we can start to move forward.”    » read more »

Remarks as prepared for delivery by Governor Mark Parkinson:

April 28, 2009 -- “At the outset, I want to congratulate Governor Sebelius: first, for her 23 years of outstanding public service to the State and second, for her confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She has served the state well and will serve both the state and country well in her new position.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as Governor of Kansas. I love this state and am excited to have the opportunity to serve during a time of real need.    » read more »

Governor calls on legislature to resend legislation without labeling provisions

April 23, 2009 -- To support Kansas dairy farmers and consumers, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed legislation concerning the labels on milk products.

“House Bill 2121 contains a number of provisions relating to pesticide and fertilizer laws and fees as well as dairy inspection and dairy-related fees. Without these fees, Kansas could lose important programs that support essential agricultural business operations in our state. I urge the legislature to send me these components in an independent bill so I can affix my signature and the Department of Agriculture can effectively administer these programs,” Sebelius said.    » read more »

April 17, 2009 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed the Kelsey Smith Act, allowing law enforcement to gather cell phone information more quickly during an emergency situation.

“While no legislation can ever bring Kelsey back, we can make sure that our dedicated police and rescue workers can now get the information they need, when they need it,” Sebelius said. “Our thoughts continue to be with Kelsey’s family, friends and community.”    » read more »

American Recovery Act funds will help out of work Kansans keep their health care

April 14, 2009 --
Kansans who have recently lost their jobs may not have to lose their employer-provided health care thanks to a bill signed by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius; HB 2052 accesses American Recovery Act funds aimed at helping out of work Kansans keep their health care through 2010.

“Our economy will never be as strong as it can be if we don’t address the burden that health care costs put on businesses, workers and families,” Sebelius said. “That’s why this section of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is critical to getting our economy back on track.”    » read more »

Governor urges legislature to implement savings to spare schools and vital services

April 13, 2009 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed the 2010 State Budget while calling on legislature to enact her proposals to save the state millions of dollars – money that can be used to guard against deeper cuts to public schools and safety net services.    » read more »

April 13, 2009 -- The following is Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ veto statement on HB 2014:

“Last year, I vetoed legislation that forced the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to issue air quality permits for two new coal fired plants which would produce 11 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. These new plants would generate 1400 megawatts of electricity, most of which would be exported to Colorado and Texas. In fact, Kansas would only get 200 megawatts of electricity, while we would get all of the new pollution.    » read more »

Parkinson: We must bridge the gap between our troubled times and a better tomorrow

March 9, 2009 -- Kansas Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Secretary Don Jordan and Kansas Department of Labor Secretary Jim Garner today announced aspects of the American Recovery Act that will help Kansans in their time of need.    » read more »

March 2, 2009 -- The following statement is from Kansas Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson:

“Today President Obama named Governor Sebelius as his nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services. It's an enormous honor for the Governor and reflects what we all know about her superb abilities and accomplishments in moving Kansas forward. As hard as it will be to send our Governor to Washington, I know she will do incredible work serving our country in the President’s Cabinet.    » read more »

Schools to maintain funding levels, more children to get health care

February 27, 2009 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has delivered to the legislature amendments to her 2010 budget recommendations that take into account resources available in the Federal Recovery Act. With these amendments, the 2010 budget is balanced, ends with money in the bank and does not raise taxes.

“A budget is based on future projections of available funds and anticipated needs. In the weeks since I first made my recommendations for the 2010 budget, we have seen passage of the Federal Recovery Act which changes our projections of available funds, but does not change the need to protect our investments in schools and protect our most vulnerable citizens,” Sebelius said.    » read more »

Governor takes action to further reduce spending and solve current budget gap

February 17, 2009 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed the 2009 budget bill and vetoed several components, solving the current budget gap and protecting public schools from the drastic cuts proposed by the Kansas House of Representatives.

“While I agree with the Legislature that reducing the 2009 budget by more than $300 million is appropriate, I believe that with so much of the school year already behind us, the cuts proposed to public schools are too deep,” Sebelius said.    » read more »

Governor’s Office creates site for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill

February 17, 2009 -- Kansas Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson, at a meeting of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Advisory Group, announced a new website to help Kansans take advantage of the federal stimulus package.

“This new website will help Kansans tap into the opportunities of the stimulus act - like tax credits, construction jobs and unemployment benefits,” Parkinson said. “As more information about the stimulus package becomes available each week, I hope Kansans check back often.”

The website, www.governor.ks.gov/recovery , currently focuses on five specific areas:    » read more »

February 16, 2009 -- The following is a statement by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius regarding efforts today by Republican Leadership to derail the State Finance Council:

“This is a difficult time for Kansas families, seniors, workers and business owners who are dealing each day with the economic challenges presented by this historic recession.

“Last week, I called a meeting of the State Finance Council to consider the issuance of a certificate of indebtedness – a routine action dealing with state cash flow, that allows us to move money from one account to another so we can pay our bills on time. The use of these certificates has been approved every year for the last decade.    » read more »

Kansas transportation task force outlines strategy

February 16, 2009 -- In the midst of tough economic times and scarce state resources, Kansas Governor Sebelius has outlined simple and no-cost steps to prepare Kansas for future transportation opportunities.

“Even though the federal stimulus bill has money set aside for states, Kansas should not build a foundation with temporary funds. We must ensure a solid and sustainable approach to move forward within our means,” Sebelius said. “The steps we take now will not cost taxpayers additional money, but will ensure that as the economy improves we have a plan in place to take advantage of every opportunity.”    » read more »

February 9, 2009 -- The following is a statement from Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

“As the energy issue continues to develop in our state and nation, it’s time we assess our current situation.

“The Kansas Energy Council, after careful study and with data from our utilities, concluded that we have enough base load electricity to power us for nearly a decade into the future.

A coal plant in Utah: Photo (CC) arbyreed    » read more »