BUDGET & EDUCATION: Kansas Chamber Kent Eckles: “We can’t afford our state government right now.”

Parkinson balances budget as promised, but now gearing up for tax hike

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson released a column yesterday illustrating how Monday’s cuts have devastated various state agencies. Parkinson argued that any possible inefficiency within state agencies has been eliminated through the latest round of allotments. [Read more...]

School districts received average of $12,188 per pupil during the 2007-2008 school year but fear Parkinson made "damaging cuts to student programs"

Agencies react to governor's cuts

Gov. Mark Parkinson cut $259 million from state agencies Monday, marking the fifth time the fiscal year 2010 budget has been trimmed. This week, agencies have been reacting to the cuts by issuing statements explaining how the cuts will influence services. [Read more...]

Waivering on educational funding levels...

Kansas legislators butt heads on K-12 funding cuts

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson cut K-12 funding by $36 million yesterday, placing schools at the same level of funding they received in 2006. The federal government requires that states continue to fund their schools no lower than the 2006 level to maintain stimulus funding. [Read more...]

Rep. Jason Watkins: “You just can’t fix this budget without addressing K-12."

Gov. Parkinson cuts K-12 to balance budget

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson made $258.9 million in adjustments today to balance the fiscal year 2010 budget. Parkinson cut K-12 funding by $36 million and did not provide the $155.8 million in additional funds schools had requested to cover their increased enrollment. [Read more...]

POLITICS: U.S. Rep. Dennis Moore: “It is time for a new generation of leadership to step forward.”

Moore's retirement spurs Republican interest in Third District race

The Republican Party demonstrated a renewed interest in the Third District congressional race today after Rep. Dennis Moore, a Democrat, announced he would not be seeking re-election. Within hours of Moore’s announcement, the list of possible and probable Republican candidates more than doubled in size. [Read more...]

The five Republican candidates agree on illegal immigration reform policies, with one exception.

Fourth District candidates sound off on illegal immigration issues

The national political debate on the Democrats' health care initiatives have taken center stage in recent months while other important issues — such as immigration reform policies — have gone largely unnoticed in the press. [Read more...]

GUN RIGHTS: State legislators, congressional delegation, and state treasurer stand together to support Second Amendment

Kansas officials fight to lift Chicago firearm ban

Kansas elected officials have taken a strong, unified stance in support of Second Amendment rights. Twenty-six state legislators, Kansas State Treasurer Dennis McKinney and the entire state's Republican congressional delegation have signed the National Rifle Association’s amicus curiae brief in the court case of McDonald vs. City of Chicago. [Read more...]

COMMENT: There's something about Thanksgiving that warms the heart, especially when you have to look a little harder for the blessings. Bill Wyckoff introduces you to a case in point.

The brightest day in November

We have a lot to be thankful for, living in this country. [Read more...]

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