For your information

I am happy to report that I will be providing a weekly news column each week with highlights and or news of the previous week with the Kansas Legislature. My office is located in the Docking State Office Building, Room 760 in Topeka and the telephone number is (785) 296-7698. My home telephone number is (620) 223-4105. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please feel free to contact me.

As you may know, the State Capitol is currently undergoing major renovations. I encourage you to visit for a tour of our newly renovated House and Senate chambers. You may schedule a tour at 785-296-3966.

On Monday, Jan. 14, the Kansas Legislature convened for the 2008 legislative session. I am highly motivated about what lies ahead in the coming months. There is no doubt that Kansans are facing tough challenges. The legislature has big decisions to make, and it will not be easy. We have a responsibility to transform our challenges into opportunities, creating a brighter future for all Kansans.

The next few weeks will be full of excitement as bills are introduced and committees begin their work. Complete daily calendars are available at www.kslegislature.org along with other useful information.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius delivered her sixth State of the State Address on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008.

She outlined a legislative agenda that reminds lawmakers of the responsibility we have to provide opportunities to the people of our state.

We cannot afford to be divided. This is a time for unity to keep Kansas competitive in a global economy.

HEALTH CARE

I'm hopeful that this will begin a long overdue discussion about health care in this state. Costs are spiraling out of control and we have a responsibility to ensure that hardworking, responsible Kansans have the opportunity to receive quality, affordable health care.

EDUCATION

I was very pleased to see the governor's commitment to fully funding the third year of our school finance plan. It was also very encouraging to see the governor's commitment to early childhood education.

ENERGY

I look forward to a vigorous, open debate about energy. It is important that we not let partisan bickering keep us from reaching our goal of making Kansas a national leader in renewable energy.

CENTERS FOR RURAL OPPORTUNITY

In order to attract investment, business development, and job growth in the state's rural communities, the governor proposed $2.1 million to support three Offices of Rural Opportunities. The centers will ensure communities have access to state and federal services and assistance.

Governor's FY 2008-2009 Budget:

In addition to the State of the State address, Gov. Sebelius also unveiled her budget plan for the New Year. Five basic principles guide the governor's budget recommendations:

The governor's budget proposal limits growth of state spending to 4.6 percent. Most of the increase is due to higher costs for health services for seniors and for those with disabilities. Additionally, costs increased for the KPERS Retirement System. Overall, the spending increase is still well below the 5 percent goal set by House Leadership.

As your state legislator, I am highly focused on maintaining fiscal responsibility while maximizing opportunities for Kansans.

TRANSPORTATION

We are nearing the completion of a ten-year comprehensive transportation program passed in 1999. Discussions are already underway regarding the next program. A quality transportation system creates job and business opportunities for Kansans. It is estimated that for every $1 spent on improving our transportation infrastructure, we receive a $3 return in the form of economic benefit for the state. The current program resulted in 25,000 new jobs for Kansas workers over ten years.

HOUSING

Affordable housing and an increased number of foreclosures is a serious issue that will require action this year.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY

January 21st commemorates Martin Luther King Day. It was celebrated at the state capitol on Thursday. Dr. King forged common ground where people from all walks of life could join together in pursuit of important community causes.

OUR NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL

On Friday Gov. Sebelius named Judge Stephen Six as the new Attorney General of Kansas.

For the first time in several years, Kansas will have a legitimate voice in the presidential primary process. Time and time again we watched early-primary states such as Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina set the tone for the entire country. In the past, by the time Kansas held its own caucus in early summer, presidential nominees were all but official. This left our state's caucuses poorly attended and irrelevant.

This year will be different, offering Kansans the opportunity to be heard before the decision is made. Our 2008 caucus dates have been moved ahead by four months: from early June to early February. I strongly urge you to attend your local caucus next month. No matter what your political affiliation, our system only works when voters participate. I have included information for the caucuses of both political parties below:

DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS

Date: Tuesday - Feb. 5, 2008, at 7 p.m.

Doors at caucus sites open at 6 p.m.. Anyone not in line by 7 p.m. will not be admitted.

The caucuses will be held in each senate district across the state.

Location for Senator Jim Barone's 13th district will be at the Franklin Community Center.

Location for Senator Pat Apple's 12th district will be at the Paola High School.

Eligible individuals wishing to change their political affiliation to Democrat -- or individuals registering to vote -- may do so at the door.

Individuals who are currently under age 18 but will turn 18 by Nov. 4, 2008, MAY PARTICIPATE in the caucus.

Democratic candidates filed in Kansas: Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, Barack Obama

More specific questions about the Kansas Democratic Caucus should be referred to the Kansas Democratic Party at (785) 234-0425 or www.ksdp.org/caucus.

REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

Date: Saturday -- Feb. 9, 2008, at 10 a.m.

Arrive prior to 10 a.m. to allow sufficient time for voter registration verification.

The caucuses will be held at a variety of locations in each congressional district across the state.

The closest places for Bourbon and Linn Counties are the Recreational Center in Parsons , the 4-H Building in Burlington, or the South Junior High School in Lawrence, Kansas.

Only registered Republicans who have registered by Jan. 25, 2008, are eligible to participate.

Registrations WILL NOT be allowed at the door.

A state-issued form of identification is required to participate.

All individuals must be registered voters and be 18 years of age or older by Feb. 9, 2008.

Republican candidates filed in Kansas: Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, Duncan Hunter, Alan Keyes, John McCain, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Tom Tancredo, Fred Thompson.

Specific questions about the Kansas Republican Caucus should be referred to the Kansas Republican Party at (785) 234-3456 or www.ksgopcaucus.org.

We have a lot of work cut out for us over the next few months at the Capitol. The time has come to lead a real conversation about the challenges and responsibilities we face in Kansas. Vigorous debates lie ahead. However, our most passionate debates are usually the most important. I welcome your feedback on important issues or any other issues that impact you and your family.

This is the time for legislators to put aside political labels and do what's best for Kansas. With hard work and dedication, we will transform the challenges of 2008 into new opportunities for 2009 and beyond.