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2010 Summer Newsletter
Jill's Journal
On a Personal Note
It is good to be back home, closer to family, friends, and constituents. I have been walking neighborhoods in my district for the last several weeks. I enjoy meeting many of you for the first time and some that I have corresponded with during session but never met face to face.
I learn a lot as I walk. I appreciate the exchange of ideas. I hear concerns about action and inaction at the federal level having to do with health care, immigration, the oil spill, and overspending. I hear relief that local school funding was maintained for now but worry about the years ahead. Everyone knows someone who is out of work and most worry that the economy is not improving fast enough.
Kansans are a practical, hard-working, community-minded people. We work hard and are frugal but don’t mind helping neighbors in need. It confirms my faith in people as I meet and talk with you.
I have also been enjoying the World Cup. All three of our children were soccer players; two played in college. We have a Ghanaian friend who will be watching the US vs. Ghana game with us on Saturday afternoon. The host country gives this World Cup a special flavor…rhythmic music, vuvuzelas, and a very festive crowd. Go USA!
Lenexa Community Days Parade
Want to walk in the Lenexa Community Days Parade on Saturday, July 3rd? If so, contact me. I’ll outfit you in Jill Quigley attire and provide fans and candy to hand out. Okay, it will undoubtedly be hot but there will be cold water and good company. Hope you can join me.
Mark your calendars now:
Primary Election Tuesday August 3rd
The Johnson County Election Office has a terrific website that can answer all your voting questions---if you are registered to vote, what your party affiliation is, how to change your affiliation, where your polling place is, when advanced voting starts, etc. Go to http://www.jocoelection.org.
Here are some important dates to remember:
Advanced voting by mail begins July 14
Advanced voting in person begins July 20
Advanced voting closes Aug. 2
Polls open 7a.m. to 7p.m. Aug. 3
- The Republican primary is a closed primary. You must be a registered Republican to vote. The Democratic primary is open. Any registered voter may ask for the Democratic ballot and vote.
- A Republican or Democrat wishing to change their party affiliation must do so by July 19th. Unaffiliated voters may declare a party affiliation at the polls on Election Day and vote in either primary.
- If you are currently a registered voter in Johnson County who has moved within Johnson County, you may go to your new polling place, complete a voter registration card and vote a paper ballot.
- If you are currently a registered voter in Johnson County who has changed your name since the last election, you may go to your polling place on Election Day, complete a voter registration card and vote a paper ballot.
Over 1800 election workers are needed to staff the polls on Election Day. To be an election worker, you must be a Johnson County resident, a currently registered voter, and complete 3 hours of training that can be done online. Students who are at least 16 years old may participate as a student election worker. It is a great way to serve your community and earn $115 for the day’s work. It is also a great way to raise funds for your favorite charity or organization using the Adopt a Polling Place Program. More details can be found at http://www.jocoelection.org/workers/ElectionWorkers.htm .
Feedback on the Legislative session
Here are excerpts from some of the letters I received at the close of the legislative session.
“The Kansas public higher education system is a vital engine for economic growth.” “…Kansas’ economic recovery and future prosperity depend on a strong public higher education system. Additional cuts would inflict serious damage to our colleges and universities; new revenue is needed.” “ …only by investing in our state’s universities can we ensure Kansas is ready for economic recovery.”
Leaders from Kansas’s seven public universities,
19 community colleges, six technical schools
and the Board of Regents
“In the last two years, Johnson County Mental Health Center has seen our state grant funds reduced by over $1.7 million dollars. This loss of funds has caused the elimination of over 30 positions, 20 of which provided services to county residents. At the same time, the economic recession has resulted in an unprecedented number of county residents seeking our services.”
David Wiebe, Johnson County Mental Health Center
“It was a challenging yet productive session with legislators casting some very courageous votes. Several key health care issues were addressed including the following which had the most significant impact on Via Christi Health: …restoration of the 10% Medicaid provider reimbursement cuts
…protecting the Kansas Health Care Stabilization fund
…passage of the skilled nursing facility provider assessment
…enactment of the Clean Indoor Air legislation.”
Via Christi Health
“…wants to say, “Thank You” for your hard work during one of the most difficult legislative sessions in recent memory. It took particular courage to make the cuts that had to be made while keeping Kansans with disabilities as safe and protected as possible.”
The Alliance for Kansans with Developmental Disabilities
“Without your efforts, I seriously doubt that the core functions of the Department could have been preserved. As you well know, we have lost a lot of the tools used by our employees to help maintain public safety and improve offerders’ chances of successfully returning to Kansas communities.” “…you helped make Kansas a safer place to live and raise our families.”
Roger Werholtz, Secretary, Department of Corrections
“On behalf of our Company and our employees we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your vote on the 10 year Kansas Transportation Plan. Your courage and conviction will help us provide the employment that Kansas need right now to get back moving again. You have helped provide for the need so many.”
O’Donnell & Sons Construction
Jill’s Activities:
- Johnson and Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayor’s Dinner
- Safe Home, June Jubilee
- Women in Government, Midwest Regional Conference
- Lenexa Chamber of Commerce June Luncheon honoring the 2010 Class of Leadership Lenexa
- Ribbon cutting for Lakeview Village’s Eastside Terrace, a new addition that includes a fitness center, pool, bistro, short term rehab, assisted living, and a geriatric center in partnership with Shawnee Mission Medical Center
- Lenexa Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Wrap-up Luncheon
“The only ones among (us) who will be really happy are those who have sought and found out how to serve.”
–Albert Schweitzer
Pleased to represent you,
Jill Quigley
913-541-9645