1) Most Legislative sessions involve hard choices among state agencies competing for limited funds.  What are your spending priorities and how should budget shortfalls be addressed?

While the national economy indicates it is likely that state revenues will decline this year, there are some Kansas areas to be hopeful. That includes higher farm prices, expansion of the aviation industry, and our military base expansion. I do believe we will have to carefully examine the budget when we start the session and expect some of that to even occur in December by House leadership.   There is still time for projections to change between now and then.  While things may not improve dramatically, the last month’s revenue collections were actually ahead of projections so it is certainly possible that if that trend continues that the outlook could improve before January.  It is always important for legislators to carefully examine the budget each year, but particularly when in tight fiscal years.  When Governor Sebelius first took office she initiated the BEST teams to evaluate the state budget and to determine that funds were being spent in the most effective manner possible.  I did serve on two of those teams looking at Agriculture and Education. This should be an ongoing process.

I currently serve on one of the Appropriations Sub-Committees, Social Services Budget. This group looks at filling many of the gaps in our health care services in the state. Those people who are disabled, the frail elderly, and children must remain a priority for our state budget. I also believe that education in our state is one of our strengths and should be a focus area to support with any budget shortfalls possible in the next few years.

One process that worked in Manhattan during my tenure as Superintendent when we faced a huge budget shortfall was the process of asking all areas to submit their budget priorities and possible cuts. The Governor has started this process with her 2% cut and also with her request for suggestions if there is a 5% reduction. I believe asking agencies to begin this process early helps to make better decisions and to allow for the maintenance of key services. From my school district experience I learned that across the board cuts do not fully address priority needs and believe that there must be some overall guidance and prioritization so that essential services do not suffer beyond a reasonable level. All of that requires tough decisions and good judgment.

2)  How do you balance the need for additional energy production in the state with environmental concerns, including the use of water? 

Our state has a tremendous opportunity to be a national leader in the production of renewable energy.  We must commit ourselves to a comprehensive energy policy that not only ensures the immediate availability of affordable base energy production, but that also moves us in the direction we need to be going to maximize our renewable production capability.  Renewable energy, particularly wind, is receiving unprecedented attention now.  We must take advantage of the opportunity to move our state forward, while reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

One area that I think could be most helpful is working on net-metering for both wind and solar. Last year we had a solar net metering bill that did not pass in the end. Looking at this with appropriate compromises, like some caps to help the rural electric cooperatives, could be what is necessary to get this and other “green energy” proposals into law.

I also think we have to look at environmental impacts and the effect on health for our citizens. I co-authored a bill to monitor mercury in the 2007 Legislature that set the expectation to gather facts and information as part of state policy making. I also served on the Environment Committee in my first term and have participated in the Kansas Water Congress to find ways to address our water needs and conservation for both western and eastern Kansas. It is important for us to look at the impact of agriculture, industry, and energy production on our long term water supplies to make sure we have enough water availability and quality for sustaining our population state-wide. This is a growing issue and must be a top consideration for the legislature.

3)  What is your assessment of the level of funding for education at all levels (pre-K – University) and how do you intend to address issues such as deferred maintenance and faculty salaries to keep our schools competitive on a national level? 

The Legislature endured a grueling special session three years ago, but emerged with a historic commitment to providing a quality education for our children.  The 2008-2009 school year will mark the final year of the original three year plan passed in 2005.  The Legislature did extend that commitment for a fourth year, adding $59 to the Base State Aid, for the 2009-2010 school year during the last session. Some legislative leaders have recently expressed the possibility of some shortfalls for K-12 funding next year.   I think it would be wrong for us to go backward on education funding now.  The next step is to start looking at extending the effort started in 2007 for addressing deferred maintenance issues at our regent’s institutions and to ensure that faculty and K-12 salaries allow us to maintain quality and experienced educators while also allowing us to attract talented new educators.

I did serve on the several House and Joint House-Senate Pay Plan Committees to look at classified salaries. This had a large impact on a key portion of our K-State workforce. We did establish and fund a five year plan to up-date and address this overlooked area.

There was also strong bi-partisan support for improving early childhood education and some funds were provided through tobacco settlement dollars to address some improvements. I agree that investing in early childhood education and care is a large cost saving in the future if problems are not addressed early.  

4)  What policies do you think Kansas should have regarding illegal immigrants?

There will be no effective solution to the immigration issue until lawmakers get serious about consequences for those employers who willingly and intentionally violate our laws by hiring illegal workers.  I supported legislation last session that took a solid step in that direction, creating the first criminal penalties for illegal hiring while also strengthening laws on identity theft among other items.  Creating criminal penalties would finally give the Attorney General and local prosecutors real teeth to go after those who are knowingly hiring illegal workers.  Unfortunately, the legislation stalled when the Senate refused to pass anything that would hold employers responsible.  The vast majority of Kansas employers follow the law.  The few who don't do so gain an unfair advantage over their competitors.  Strengthening our hiring laws reduces the primary incentive attracting illegal immigrants to our state, while also providing a level playing field for employer who do respect the law.