Monday Morning Update

Monday Morning Greetings!

Welcome to the “Dance of Government” with one step forward and two steps back!

Forward
1- Last Friday Governor Parkinson signed into law Senate Substitute for House Bill 2222 – also known as the FY 2010 ‘Rescission Bill’. The bill included the amendment which shifted DD state funds to cover the 10% cut in the HCBS DD Waiver.

Back
1- Just when we thought that FY ’10 was taken care of, monthly revenue for February was released. It was less than expected causing the State to be $105 million in the red.
2- The Governor held a press conference last Friday and announced additional cuts, shuffles and savings worth $85 million.

Forward
1- The Governor did as he promised earlier, and did not touch Social Services or Education in his cuts.

Back
1- The biggest chunk of dollars came from the State Highway Fund set aside for highway maintenance. Don’t bother getting your tires balanced.
2- Two of the Governor’s suggestions can be done without Legislative approval and the other four recommendations require action from the Legislature. We have all witnessed how well this Legislature works together…

Forward
1- A sub-committee of the Senate Ways and Means Committee held hearings last week on the effects of cuts to the DD and MH (mental health) system.

Back
1- One of the conferees was a parent from the Wichita area. In my opinion, her testimony was caustic, accusatory and disrespectful of the Senators on the Committee. Providing a truthful testimony and an insolent testimony are two different things. Something for us to remember if we are ever asked to provide testimony.
2- Questions were asked how not-for-profit organizations would fare if their tax exemptions were taken away. Agencies were put on the spot. Do they risk agreeing to an elimination of their tax exemption for a potential chance that the State would put more dollars into the DD or MH system? Hard question to answer when businesses are struggling so.

Forward
1- The last question asked by the Chair of this subcommittee was “Have you talked to your business leaders and Legislators about raising taxes?” Most individuals providing testimony reported to have planted the seed.

Enough of that, I’m getting dizzy! No more steps “back” for this one!


Your TO DO list this week:

1- Give yourself a pat on the back. MANY of you wrote Representatives Yoder and Merrick last week as a result of Wednesday’s ‘call to action’. I know they heard your message but hope they share your message with the Appropriations Committee.

2- During Governor Parkinson’s latest round of cuts he said “We cannot balance the next budget or protect our schools, public safety and safety net services without new revenue. I look forward to the Legislature to coming to the table, putting politics aside, and raising the revenue we need to get Kansas back on track.”

Talk to your family, friends, neighbors, business partners and Legislators about the importance of increasing taxes. I know It’s not ideal, but neither is remaining on a waiting list of 4300 individuals, provider pay equal to that of a fast food worker or cuts so deep that companies/individuals can’t remain in business.

Let’s go to the dance, but let’s take the lead!


Warm Regards,
Lurena Mead

“You just need to be a flea against injustice. Enough committed fleas biting strategically can make ever the biggest dog uncomfortable and transform even the biggest nation.” --- Marian Wright Edelman