My Path So Far…

Election and First Session:  In the summer of 2007, I was elected by precinct committee men and women to complete the final year of former 17^th District Representative Stephanie Sharp’s term.  In my first session (2008), I faced a steep learning curve----the legislative process, the physical layout of the Capital, getting to know constituents, legislators, staff, and advocates.  I concentrated on studying issues, reading bills, and making sure my vote was informed and represented my district. Major issues before the legislature included coal plants, health reform, and immigration. 

First Campaign:  I ran my first campaign in the summer and fall of 2008.  Thanks to friends and supporters, my grassroots campaign, which included walking neighborhoods, placing yard signs, and talking with community groups, was successful.  I received 63% of the votes cast.  Thanks for your vote of confidence!

Second Session:  The 2009 session was totally dominated by the state’s largest budget shortfall in the history of the state.  Fewer bills were considered since funds for new or expanding programs were limited.  In four budget bills, the legislature made $300M in additional cuts to the 2009 budget and, with a combination of further cuts and revenue enhancements for 2010, balanced both budgets, as required by the Kansas constitution. 

I had the opportunity to help move several bills of interest to constituents along in the legislative process (raising the salary cap for medically disabled retired firemen and policemen; creating a Brown v. the Board of Education mural in the Capital).  I carried my first amendment (funding the expansion of SCHIP to children whose families earn 250% of federal poverty levels) and spoke at the well for and against several bills.  I was part of a group that tried to advance campaign reform to restrict 527 groups and worked to gain support for the Kansas Clean Indoor Air Act.  Significant legislation increasing the state’s minimum wage and changing unemployment law came through the Commerce and Labor Committee of which I am a member.  In general, I moved beyond making my own vote count to trying to influence the course of legislation.

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What Lies Ahead for 2010…

The 2010 session will continue to be about the budget, hopefully with more attention to targeted cuts, long-term structural changes and efficiencies, and possibly revenue enhancements.  Issues likely to be considered next session include: 

• Ways to make government more fiscally responsible (Rainy Day Fund, Zero Based Budgeting, Agency Audits, etc.),
• Campaign finance reform,
• Funding for services for the developmentally disabled, mental health, and autism
• Ending the Death Penalty
• Primary seat belt law, and
• Kansas Clean Indoor Air Act

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Get Involved…

It continues to be an honor to represent you in Topeka.  I am humbled and challenged by the responsibility I feel to you and to all of Kansas.  Your involvement helps me do a better job so please introduce yourself, share your thoughts and expertise, and become active in the process.  To get involved:

1. Complete a new survey (available soon both on-line and upon request by mail) to guide me on upcoming issues. 
2. Sign up for my e-newsletters.  Updates are sent out weekly during the session and less frequently when I’m out of session. 
3. Respond to a new section of my newsletter entitled “Kansas needs a law that…”  Share your ideas with me.  I’ll pass them along to readers and see which ones generate a following.
4. Attend one of my “Chats with Jill,” monthly during session, less frequently during the off session. 
5. Call or email me with questions, ideas, and/or suggestions.  I try to respond to all contacts but be persistent if you don’t hear from me; sometimes I just get busy.

Serving you,

Representative Jill Quigley

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