Document Actions
January 14, 2008
Welcome to the first edition of Jill’s Journal. I am your newly elected State Representative…I trust that this news does not surprise you!
Adieu to Stephanie…
When Stephanie decided to retire from the legislature this summer, we were all saddened and surprised. I have spoken with many of you and know how much you appreciated her service and her communications with you. I join you in wishing Stephanie all the best in her new job as Public Relations Officer with CommunityAmerica Credit Union. She set a high standard for representing you; she left “big shoes to fill.” I have been working hard over the past few months to grow bigger feet! I appreciate your transferred support during this transition period until I earn your support on my own merit.
My Background…
First, let’s get the introductions out of the way. Here are the basics. I grew up in Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with a BS in Nursing and the University of Michigan with an MS in Nursing. I have lived in Lenexa for 23 years with my husband, Jim, and our three children, Matt, Andrew, and Emily. I have been a long time community volunteer, active in the PTA at Rising Star, Trailridge Middle School, and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, and a cub scout and girl scout leader. My church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, also sees a great deal of my time as I serve on the missions committee and as confirmation leader. In 1988, I joined the Junior League of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties in Kansas where I earned both the Master Volunteer and Community Spirit Awards; I am still a sustaining member. I work part-time at Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care, a safety net clinic in KCK, as an outreach coordinator.
The Road to Topeka…
You can tell by my activities that I care about my community. However, except for running for a precinct seat, supporting local candidates, keeping informed on issues, and voting, I really didn’t consider myself political or have aspirations of political office. Then Stephanie decided to retire and my community view changed. I was approached by a group of supporters to consider running for the remaining year of her term. Encouraged by family and friends, I jumped into a decidedly new arena for impacting the community. In July, the precinct committee men and women of District 17 elected me to be your State Representative. My thanks to them for their votes; theirs is a critical position, especially when there are vacancies to be filled.
Be Prepared, Be Prepared….
With probably the lengthiest lead time of any representative-elect, I have been using this time to meet constituents, community leaders, businessmen, legislators and organizations that represent various occupations causes, and interests. I have been attending interim committee meetings in Topeka on such issues as building maintenance and leasing, disaster relief and recovery, statewide smoking ban, autism, vehicular homocide and DNA testing, and health care reform. I have met with over 50 governmental, school, and community groups both to hear their legislative agendas for 2008 and get their thoughts on upcoming legislation and issues. I have immersed myself in reading on such issues as energy, health care, school finance, and the state budget. It truly has been a whirlwind.
What the 2008 Session Brings…
My excitement grows as I learn more about the upcoming legislative session and the opportunities it presents. I have met some very dedicated people who want what is best for Kansas and are out there gathering information, formulating legislation, and forming coalitions to try to enact the best laws possible. I am joining a terrific group of legislators who are true public servants.
With 2008 being an election year for all Representatives and Senators, this session promises to produce wedge issues with lots of “fingerpointing” potential. Given that disclaimer, here are some of the issues that will be discussed this year.
ENERGY/HOLCOMB POWER PLANTS
In October, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health & Environment Rod Bremby denied an air quality permit for the building of two coal-fired electric plants in Holocomb, Kansas, proposed by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation. Bremby cited concern for the public’s health and environment due to CO2 and other green house gas emissions. Supporters of the plant point out that the plant would meet or exceed all current Federal requirements; would produce 1400 mgw of power (225 mgw for Kansas and 1175 mgw for surrounding states); and provide 140 additional full-time jobs. While this has been painted as a western Kansas versus eastern Kansas issue, a recent survey showed the majority of people across the state oppose the building of the plants. The legality of Bremby’s decision is being questioned in the courts. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, both from western Kansas and supporters of the coal plants, support bringing this issue before the legislature.
If you would like to learn more, there will be a panel discussion of this issue in the auditorium at Shawnee Mission South high school on Thursday, January 24 at 7pm. You might also check out these websites: http://www.holcombstation.coop/index.cfm and http://www.kdheks.gov/news/web_archives/2007/10182007a.htm.
HEALTH CARE REFORM
The Health Policy Authority has presented a 21 point health care reform package to the legislature. The points are divided into three areas: prevention, providing and protecting affordable health insurance and promoting personal responsibility. KHPA recommends a statewide ban on smoking in indoor public places and a $0.50 tax increase on tobacco. Other points promote immunizations, physical education and healthy food choices in schools, dental services to pregnant women and expanded cancer screening. Those of you looking for major overhaul of the system will be disappointed in the lack of sweeping change in the package but KHPA opted to present basic reforms that might actually be considered in an election year. View all 21 points by visiting: http://www.khpa.ks.gov/.
TAXES
With regard to taxes, there is discussion of a “Back to School” tax-free holiday. Legislators will also be trying to resolve the punitive tax change made by Missouri for those Kansans who work in Missouri.
IMMIGRATION
In the absence of federal legislation, states are taking action on immigration. The Republican agenda for 2008 calls for penalizing illegal immigrants who knowingly register to vote, businesses that knowingly employ illegal immigrants, and those involved with false documentation. The key word here is “knowingly.” Without a reliable national data base, secure borders, and funds/procedures for large numbers of deportations, it is unlikely that state policies will be effective but it looks like immigration will be batted about in the 2008 session.
SCHOOL FINANCE
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, the legislature has increased the funding to school districts across the state since 2005. Another $122.7 million has been promised for 2008. The amount of funding available to Shawnee Mission ($8,142 per pupil) is still well below the state average. Out of the 296 school districts, Shawnee Mission ranks 267th in funds available for operations. The following changes in the school finance formula would benefit SMSD: state funding for all day kindergarten (currently Shawnee Mission parents whose children do not qualify for free lunch must pay for full day kindergarten); increasing the Local Option Budget to 32; provide increased funding for non-proficient at-risk students; and providing for multi-year funding. See Shawnee Mission School District’s legislative agenda at: http://www.smsd.org/parents/legislative.htm.
Join Jill on the Journey…
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
In order to represent you, I need to know what you think on the issues. Please take a few minutes to visit my website www.jillquigley.com/survey to complete a short survey on issues facing Kansans.
Want to have a voice in choosing the Republican candidate for President? Attend the Kansas GOP Presidential Caucus at 10am on Saturday, February 9th. To participate, you must be a registered Republican by January 25th. Simply bring a photo ID* to one of the caucus locations. For Lenexa and Shawnee the closest location is West Glen Theatre. You are encouraged to campaign for your candidate so arrive early. At 10am there will brief presentations about each candidate with a secret vote to follow. The Kansas ballot will include: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, Former Ambassador and Author Alan Keyes, United States Senator John McCain, United States Congressman Ron Paul, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and Former United States Senator Fred Thompson. Candidates who win a majority of votes in 2 of the 4 Congressional districts will earn the support of Kansas delegates at the Republican National Convention in September 2008.
*Also bringing your voter registration may facilitate your registration process.
For 2008, I will be serving on these committees:
Commerce & Labor,
Health & Human Services, and
Government Efficiency & Technology.
If you have expertise in these areas or a special interest, please let me know.
Please contact me if I can answer
questions or help you in any way. While
I am in session (January 15-May 15), I can be reached at:
300 SW 10th Avenue,
L26/27
Docking
Topeka,
KS 66612
785-296-7680
jill@jillquigley.com.