THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION!
Are you outraged by the arrogance
and corruption of the Bush administration?
Are you concerned that our country
is headed in the wrong direction? |
Speak Out and
Take a Stand!
Protest the policies of the Bush
Administration and the RNC while
former President George H.W. Bush speaks in Wichita.
Thursday, December 1, 2005
5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Protest will take place in front of
the
Century II Convention Center, 225 W. Douglas |
Trickle-down economics have left our economy
in shambles…
The middle class is shrinking, while the federal deficit is ballooning
…
No Child Left Behind has made our education system a mess…
The war in Iraq rages on with continuing violence and mounting
causalities…
The Federal Judiciary is being stacked with right wing ideologues…
Civil liberties are being eroded daily…
The Party of Bush has failed America on
every issue!
Whatever your matter of
concern, now is your chance to
voice opposition to the Bush administration!!
District Attorney Paul Morrison Announces Candidacy for
Attorney General
The following campaign announcement remarks were prepared for
delivery by Johnson County District Attorney Paul Morrison on
October 25, 2005
Thank you for coming out today.
My name is Paul Morrison. And, for fifteen years, I’ve
been proud to serve as Johnson County District Attorney.
Now, you should know: I haven’t always been in Kansas City.
But I have always been a Kansan: Born in Dodge City. Raised in
Hays. In Plainsville. In Bonner Springs.
And as a lifelong Kansan, I’m well aware of our state’s
exceptional heritage.
A heritage grounded in our deep respect for law and order. In
our unflinching ability as Kansans to tell right from wrong.
You see it time and time again, throughout our history--the instinct
to protect and serve anyone fortunate enough to call Kansas home.
To keep folks safe from harm.
That instinct was in Colonel Henry Leavenworth – who, in
May of 1827, established Fort Leavenworth on the banks of Salt
Creek. An army post built to protect the western frontier, and
safeguard those who traveled the Santa Fe Trail.
That instinct was in Captain Charles Lovell of the 6th US Infantry
– who, in 1853, established Fort Riley in the Kansas Territory.
A proud military installation we depend on to this day.
That instinct to protect and serve was in the legendary frontiersmen
and lawmen who built this state. Men like Buffalo Bill Cody –
founder of Rome, Kansas. And Wyatt Earp – Deputy Marshal
of Wichita and Dodge City.
Or the men and marshals of Coffeyville, Kansas – who, on
October 5th of 1892, bravely put an end to the infamous Dalton
Gang.
It’s a heritage we see reflected today in the basic decency
and goodness of everyday Kansans, in every corner of this state.
Now, I don’t even begin to compare myself to storied Kansans
like Leavenworth or Earp. Not in the least.
But, as someone who’s spent nearly his entire adult life
in law enforcement – I do admire their instinct to protect
and serve the people of Kansas.
It’s an instinct that was in me twenty-five years ago,
when I first became a prosecutor. An instinct that’s stayed
in me ever since.
And it’s why I asked you here today.
To tell you that – in the name of protecting and serving
the people of Kansas – I am running to be our state’s
next Attorney General.
The reasons I’m running are simple enough…
Because Kansas deserves to have a stronger, more experienced
lawman – with a no-nonsense attitude – as our Attorney
General.
Because the people of Kansas are ready to return prosecutorial
know-how, genuine law enforcement experience, and a law-and-order
focus to their Attorney General’s office.
As Attorney General, I’ll insist on getting back to the
basics of the office: Safety. Security. And the kind of independent
approach Kansans ought to expect from the state’s chief
law enforcement official.
That means a renewed commitment to the fundamentals:
Prosecuting criminals.
Protecting victims of crime.
Safeguarding consumers.
And representing the state with integrity and impartiality as
its top lawyer.
I didn’t pursue a career in the law to become a politician.
I didn’t do it to make money, or make myself famous.
No.
For twenty-five years, I’ve been a prosecutor – trying
more than a-hundred-and-twenty jury cases, including dozens of
murder trials. Some have been the most difficult and complex cases
in the history of our state.
It’s a record I’m proud to place before the people
of Kansas – and ask if a stronger, more effective Attorney
General can better serve them than the one we have today.
As I’ve done during four terms as Johnson County District
Attorney, I will professionalize the Office of Attorney General
– bringing on the best and the brightest to protect and
serve the people of Kansas. Because I believe we’re all
in this together.
I will devote my energies to the things an Attorney General ought
to do – which includes trying some cases myself, just like
I have as District Attorney. Because I believe in leading by example.
I will serve the best interests of each and every Kansan –
regardless of political party or persuasion. Because I believe
in leading with independence.
I will uphold and strengthen the laws of the state – rather
than pursuing any narrow agenda that only serves the interests
of a few. Because I believe that’s the solemn obligation
of anyone called to enforce the law.
For two decades, I’ve worked with the state legislature
to strengthen the laws that keep Kansans safe. Helping author
our state’s death penalty statute. Helping write the laws
that punish sexual predators. Helping make Kansas a safer place
to live.
For all of my adult life, it has been a privilege to be a public
servant and serve as a professional prosecutor. And that’s
how I have always seen myself. Why I have remained steadfastly
non-partisan in my work.
Because there is no Republican or Democratic way to prosecute
a case. That should be true whether you are District Attorney
or Attorney General.
However, I am deeply concerned about direction the Attorney General’s
office is headed: Too often deviating from its core mission. Too
often dividing the people of Kansas.
And so, I have chosen to change my voter registration –
and run as a Democrat for Attorney General. I do so because I
am most comfortable running as a Democrat. Because I sense their
strong commitment to safety, security, and the rule of law.
But whether you are a Democrat, a Republican, or a proud Independent,
you have my assurances: You’re a Kansan in my eyes. You
have my assurances: I will be your Attorney General.
Because keeping Kansas safe isn’t a partisan interest.
Keeping Kansas safe is every Kansan’s interest.
It is our heritage as a state.
And it will be our future as a people…
I should my fellow Kansans allow me the honor and opportunity
to serve as their next Attorney General.
Thank you.
----------------
To learn more about Paul Morrison please visit: www.MorrisonforAG.com.
STOP THE HATE RALLY AND VIGIL
Sunday October 30, 2005
3:00 p.m. Rally at Wichita State University, Hubbard Hall #208
5:00 p.m. Vigil outside following the rally
Speakers:
Donna Red Wing, Field Director of Interfaith Alliance, Washington,
DC.
Dr. Nabil Seyam, Muslim American
Dr. Susan Menking, Pediatrician speaking on behalf of the Transgender
Community
Rep. Delia Garcia, Mexican American
Senator Donald Betts, African American
Rabbi Michael Davis, speaking on behalf of the Jewish Community
Gloria Bonwell, Womans Issues
Deborah Wadman, representing the Gay/Lesbian Community
Jerry Wills, representing the Homeless Community
Donna Red Wing will be the key note speaker. Red Wing is the
Senior Advisor for Program & Development at The Interfaith
Alliance in Washington, DC. She has spent most of her life as
a grassroots promoter for fairness and equality, at her core,
she is an activist and advocate for justice. Red Wing is recognized
as an expert in field organizing and capacity building on the
grassroots level.
Musicians:
Trisha Garnes, vocalist
Jennifer King, vocalist
Vic Rose, George Matta, Middle Eastern Band
Gayle Edmunds, Native American Drummer
Steve and Gretchen Bixler, Joe Emery, Vocal and Guitar Trio
Current Sponsors:
Wichita Mainstream Coalition, PFLAG, ACLU–Wichita, NOW–Wichita,
Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, WSU Peace
and War Group, Diversity Speaks, Mid Kansas Jewish Federation,
Sedgwick County Democratic Party, First Metropolitan Community
Church, CodePINK, Women’s International League for Peace
and Freedom, Congregation Emanu-El, Ahavath-Achim Hebrew Congregation,Kansas
House Representation Delia Garcia (House District 103), First
Unitarian Universalist Church of Wichita, Russell Public Relations,
Equality Kansas, Kansas Unity and Pride Alliance, People of Faith
for Peace, Interfaith Alliance, MPAC-Muslim Public Affairs Council,
Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Democracy
for America, Kansas House Representation Geraldine Flaharty (House
District 98) Plain Pride, Liberty Press, NCCJ Lydia Ministries,
Integrity of South Central Kansas, Rep. Tom Sawyer, District 95,
Fairmount United Chruch of Christ Social Action Board, Inter-Faith
Ministries, Wichita Chapter of Hadassah, Jewish Women International,
Rep.
Oletha Faust-Goudeau (District 84), Rev. Titus James, Wichita
Prime Timers, Pine Valley Christian Church, Rev. Michael Poage,
Rep. Tom Sawyer (District 95), Rep. Judith Loganbill (District
86).
Mission Statement:
In the face of increased intolerance, apathy and disrespect,
we as people of good will stand together to work proactively for
the respect of all people.
Mainstream Coalition, an affiliate of The Interfaith Alliance
announces a Stop the Hate Rally to be held October 30, 2005 at
Wichita State University. The Planning of the event is being overseen
by a Community Coalition Board, with members from various organizations
in and around the Wichita area. For a list of sponsoring organizations
visit Wichitapeace.org and follow the Stop the Hate link. The
rally will be held in room 208 in Hubbard Hall at 3 PM. A candlelight
vigil is planned along 21st street at Wichita State following
the rally.
The steering committee’s vision is to include all groups
of people, from every nationality, gender, sexual orientation,
religious background and walk of life, or others that have experienced
hatred to join us in standing together in unity. We also encourage
those who believe in equality for all, one of the founding principals
of our great country, to stand with us. We must lay our differences
aside and join as one to stare Hatred and Intolerance in the eye.
By joining together as one voice, we as groups of diverse individuals
will have a voice that will be heard.
For more information, please contact Horace Santry at Wichita
Peace and Social Justice Center of South Central Kansas, 316-263-5886
or email wichitastophate@yahoo.com.
Sedgwick County
Democrat Honored with Award
The Sedgwick County Democratic Party congratulates Gloria
Vermie for being the 2005 Samuel J. Crumbine Medal Recipient.
This high honor and prestigious award was bestowed to Ms.
Vermie for her work in writing the disaster response plan
for Sedgwick County. This award is so special that it is
registered with the Library of Congress. It is given for
meritorious service related to the improvement of the health
of Kansans and/or the environment of the state. Gloria Vermie
has been a community leader on public health issues for
many years. Her service to Sedgwick County is greatly appreciated.
|
News From the Democratic
Senatorial Campaign Committee
GOP Failures to Recruit Quality
Senate Candidates Pile Up
Oct 3, 2005
By: Phil Singer
In response to today’s decision by North Dakota
Governor John Hoeven not to run for the Senate, US Senator Charles
Schumer issued the following statement: “Today’s news
is more evidence that running as a Republican could be hazardous
to your health in 2006.”
Capito Will Not Challenge Byrd
Today, Shelley Moore Capito announced she will not challenge Senator
Robert Byrd for his Senate seat. The Metro News reports, "Capito
had been toying with the idea of a Senate campaign against the
eight term incumbent Byrd who announced last week he would seek
re-election to a ninth term."
Despite Personal Visit from Rove, Hoeven
Said NO to Conrad Challenge. Governor John Hoeven announced
he will not challenge Kent Conrad in 2006, “depriving Republicans
of someone they considered their strongest candidate against the
Democratic incumbent.” Last weekend, Karl Rove visited North
Dakota and met with Hoeven, and just yesterday the Washington
Times reported, “The White House has promised to give Mr.
Hoeven its fullest support if he runs.” [AP, 9/30/05; Washington
Times, 9/29/05]
Despite Urging from Dole and White House,
Vermont Governor Said NO to Senate Bid. In April, Senator
Jim Jeffords announced that he would not be running for re-election.
Immediately, Governor Jim Douglas was widely labeled as the strongest
potential Republican candidate for the Senate seat, with one local
paper noting that Douglas “is expected to face intense pressure
from Republicans in Washington to enter the Senate race.”
Douglas spoke to NRSC Chair Sen. Elizabeth Dole and to at least
one White House official before announcing that he would not run
for the Senate. [NPR, 4/20/05; AP, 4/20/05, 4/29/05; Burlington
Free Press, 4/21/05]
Despite Pleas From Bush, Michigan Rep.
Miller Said NO to Senate Bid. Last December, President
Bush publicly urged Congresswoman Candice Miller, telling her
Chief of Staff, “You need to tell her she needs to run for
the Senate,” before calling the Congresswoman personally.
Described as “the party's top choice,” Miller announced
in January that she would not run for Senate. As one Detroit columnist
noted, “Top Republicans with safe jobs looked at this, and
shook their heads. No, thank you.” [Detroit News, 12/9/04;
AP, 1/11/05; Detroit Metro Times, Lessenberry column, 8/24/05]
Despite Repeated Attempts, At Least Four
Recruited Candidates Have Said NO to Florida Senate Bid.
Since last November, Florida Republicans have been urged unsuccessfully
to enter the 2006 Senate race, including Governor Jeb Bush. Even
after Katherine Harris announced her candidacy for the seat, the
White House and NRSC continued to speak to Republicans about getting
into the race, with a huge focus on Florida House Speaker Allan
Bense and former Congressman Joe Scarborough, both of whom subsequently
decided not to enter the Senate race. [Jupiter Courier, 11/24/04;
Gainesville Sun, 8/4/05; Pensacola News Journal, 8/17/05, 8/21/05]
Despite Visit from Dole, Rossi Said NO
to Washington Senate Bid. Labeled “Republicans'
brightest star,” 2004 candidate for Governor Dino Rossi
announced in July that he would not challenge Senator Maria Cantwell
in 2006. The AP reported that Rossi’s decision process froze
the field in place until he told the salivating national party
that he was declining their call to duty. Polls had showed Rossi
as the strongest Republican candidate. Rossi’s announcement
came just one week after Sen. Elizabeth Dole was in Washington,
personally urging Rossi to enter the race. [AP, 7/21/05; Seattle
Post-Intelligencer, 7/26/05]
Despite National Pleas, List of Prominent
Republicans Saying NO to Nelson Challenge Keeps Growing.
Republicans have failed to recruit a top-tier challenger for Senator
Ben Nelson in Nebraska. When pressed to change his decision to
run for reelection and instead challenge Nelson, Governor Dave
Heineman said “that on a scale of zero to 100 his interest
in the Senate race is ‘minus-1000 and dropping.’”
Heineman joined former Governor and Agriculture Secretary Mike
Johanns, Rep. Tom Osborne, and NE Attorney General Jon Bruning
as prominent Nebraska Republicans who have declined to challenge
Nelson. Most recently, when the White House asked former Senator
Dave Karnes to run for his old job, he too said no. [Roll Call,
5/10/05; Roll Call, 3/9/05; Omaha World-Herald, 8/2/05]
Giuliani and Pataki Both Refused to Challenge Clinton. In New
York, Republicans failed to draw a top-tier challenger to Sen.
Hillary Clinton when Governor George Pataki and former New York
City Mayor Rudi Giuliani both declined to run for the Senate.
[AP, 4/18/05; Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, 8/3/05]
For more information on U.S. Senate races,
visit http://www.dscc.org/.
Republican
Congressmen Ryun and Tiahrt
Hold Close
Ties to Indicted Tom DeLay
A Texas grand jury on Wednesday charged Rep.Tom DeLay and two
political associates with conspiracy in a campaign finance scheme,
forcing him to step down as House majority leader. Kansas Republican
Congressmen Jim Ryun (Topeka, 2nd District) and Todd Tiahrt (Wichita,
4th District) have accepted tens of thousands of dollars in campaign
contributions from DeLay’s PAC.
In his campaign for Congress, Jim Ryun has taken over $37,000
from DeLay’s PAC, ranking him as one of criminally-charged
Tom DeLay’s “Top 5 Cronies” (Public Campaign
Action Fund). Congressman Tiahrt has accepted over $10,000 from
Delay’s PAC and is one of the biggest contributors to DeLay’s
legal defense fund.
In fact, during ethical investigations prior to DeLay’s
indictment, Tiahrt said the GOP Should Stand with DeLay. "We
need to stand together and support Tom." (Roll Call, 4/7/05)
With House Republican Leader Tom DeLay under criminal indictment,
Senate Republican Leader Frist facing SEC and Department of Justice
investigations, and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove
under investigation, the Republican leadership in Washington is
now spending more time answering questions about ethical misconduct
than doing the people’s business.
It's Business as Usual for Tom
DeLay
Washington, DC - This morning on Fox News Sunday,
Tom DeLay asserted that he will continue to do his job behind
the scenes, continuing his "simpatico" relationship
with House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
During the interview, DeLay also continued to deny that he had
anything to do with the day-to-day operation of TRMPAC. However,
internal TRMPAC emails and memoranda demonstrate that Tom DeLay
personally accepted checks on behalf of TRMPAC, provided them
with guidance from political strategists, and was involved in
finance committee meetings and fundraising events.
"It's appalling to hear that Tom DeLay plans to guide Republican
strategy behind closed doors and carry on the culture of corruption
that is running rampant in Washington today," said DNC Chairman
Howard Dean. "We have to change the way business is done
in Washington. We need leadership that will focus on the critical
issues we are facing so we can rebuild America."
See below for a new document from DNC Research:
THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF:
AFTER LOSING HIS LEADERSHIP POST,
DELAY IS STUCK ON DENIAL I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT
WALLACE: Let's get to the key question. How
much did Tom DeLay know about this?
DELAY: As it was going on, nothing. I had nothing
to do with the day-to-day operation.
Except Tom DeLay Personally Accepted Checks on Behalf
of TRMPAC. In an email to Warren Robold, a TRMPAC supporter
writes that he finally [has] the 2 checks from Reliant which he
will deliver to TD next week probably. [Email from Drew Maloney
to Warren Robold, 9/4/02]
He Personally Provided TRMPAC With Assistance with Leading
Strategists. In a TRMPAC memorandum, DeLay is identified
as an ardent advocate who is helping TRMPAC by raising money,
making phone calls, serving as a special guest at events, and
providing assistance with leading strategists. Another email from
John Colyandro to Jim Ellis and Warren Robold asks them to call
someone working on an upcoming fundraising event and tell him
how important he is and how important this is to TD. [TRMPAC Memorandum
to Boone Pickens from Diane Diesel, 2002; Email from Jim Ellis
to John Colyandro and Warren Robold, 9/18/02]
And He Was Personally Involved in TRMPAC Finance Committee
Meetings and Fundraising Events. In an email to Warren
Robold, John Colyandro, and Susan Lilly, a TRMPAC supporter makes
sure they know that DeLay will want to see a list of attendees
for an upcoming event at the Austin Club. In addition, DeLay personally
updated members of the TRMPAC Finance Committee on their efforts
to date and strategy for victory as well as calling Tim Milovich,
CEO of Questerra (a company that was later indicted in the TRMPAC
scandal) to make sure he knew about an upcoming TRMAPC Finance
Committee Meeting. [Email from chris@goptoday.com to Warren Robold,
Susan Lilly, and John Colyandro, 7/26/02; TRMPAC Memorandum from
Susan Lilly, 10/5/02; Fax Cover Page from Lilly and Company, 8/6/02]
ETHICS ADMONISHMENTS ARE JUST CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM?
DELAY: Admonishments are not sanctions handed
out for violating the rules of the house. That's the opinion of
the committee as to what I've been doing… [An admonishment]
is like a warning ticket…I took that as constructive criticism,
but it was not a sanction for violating the rules of the House.
ADMONISHMENT 1: DeLay Received Private Admonishment
for Continuing with Gingrichs K Street Project. In 1999, the House
Ethics Committee sent a letter to DeLay privately admonishing
him for pushing the Electronics Industry Association to hire former
Rep. Bill Paxon (R-NY) as a lobbyist instead of former Rep. Dave
McCurdy (D-OK). The plan was part of DeLays push to load K Street
power lobbying firms with Republicans, which he re-launched in
2004, despite being admonished for it by the Ethics Committee
in 1999. [Roll Call, 5/17/99, 3/12/01, 2/11/04; National Journal,
6/12/99, 5/5/01; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, editorial, 7/27/01;
Congressional Quarterly Weekly, 5/15/1999]
ADMONISHMENT 2: House Ethics Committee Admonished
DeLay for Bribes for Votes. DeLay violated House standard procedure
and kept the 15-minute House vote on Medicare open for 3 hours.
Later on, the House Ethics Committee conducted an investigation
into whether DeLay threatened and bribed representatives into
voting the Medicare law, including a large contribution of $100,000-plus
for the campaign of the son of a member of Congress. [Washington
Post, 2/6/04, 10/1/04; New York Times, 2/10/04]
ADMONISHMENT 3-A: Westar Traded Cash To DeLay
in Exchange for Seat At The Table During Energy Bill Negotiations.
An energy company, Westar, gave more than $56,000 in cash to DeLay
for a seat at the table during energy bill negotiations. As a
result, language was added to a bill that specifically benefited
Westar. [Wichita Eagle, 5/17/03, Washington Post, 10/7/04, Lawrence
Memo, Suggested Campaign Contributions, 5/17/02]
ADMONISHMENT 3-B: DeLay Abused Leadership Position
and Used Influence To Track Private Airplane. DeLay abused his
leadership position and used his influence to direct the Department
of Homeland Security track a private airplane carrying Democratic
members of the Texas legislature who were rebelling against a
DeLay-led Texas redistricting plan. [WP, 10/7/04]
ADMONISHMENT 4, PENDING: Committee Will Decide
Whether to Pursue Action Based on TRMPAC. The House Ethics Committee
deferred action on another complaint dealing with DeLays fundraising
group TRMPAC. A Texas grand jury in September 2004 indicted three
of DeLay's political associates on charges of using TRMPAC to
illegally collect corporate donations and funnel them to Texas
legislative races. The ethics committee said it will take no action
on the matter "pending further action" concerning the
indictments or the Texas-based investigation that prompted them.
[Washington Post, 10/7/04]
FIVE TIMES IS A CHARM: In Order to Prevent
DeLay from Being Admonished Again, House Ethics Chairman Replaced
By Hastert. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert released Joel
Hefley of his duties as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee
and appointed party loyalist Doc Hastings to the post. The House
Republican Caucus approved the measure. It was done because Mr.
Hefleys time had run out, said John Feehery, a spokesman for Mr.
Hastert. [New York Times, 2/3/05]
THE FINEST MEN HE'S KNOWN…ARE ALL UNDER INDICTMENT
DELAY: I do know that John Colyandro, Warren
Robold, and Jim Ellis are the finest men I've known. They are
men committed to the cause of freedom in America.
JOHN COLYANDRO - UNDER INDICTMENT. Colyandro
was indicted on charges that he circumvented the laws barring
corporate campaign contributions in order to orchestrate the successful
GOP takeover of the Texas House. He is also charged with making
a corporate contribution in violation of the Texas Election Code
and with making a political contribution to a political party
within 60 days of an election in violation of the Texas Election
Code. Colyandro faces 13 counts of unlawful acceptance of a corporate
political contribution. He and Warren Robold have also been charged
with conspiracy to violate both provisions of the Texas Election
Code. [Star Telegram, 9/15/05; National Journal, 9/14/05]
WARREN ROBOLD - UNDER INDICTMENT. Warren Robold
was indicted on charges that he had circumvented Texas state laws
barring corporate campaign contributions. He is also charged with
making a corporate contribution in violation of the Texas Election
Code and with making a political contribution to a political party
within 60 days of an election in violation of the Texas Election
Code. He and John Colyandro are also charged with conspiracy to
violate both provisions of the Texas Election Code. [Star Telegram,
9/15/05]
JIM ELLIS - UNDER INDICTMENT. In 2004 Ellis
was indicted on charges that he had circumvented the laws barring
corporate campaign contributions in his zeal to orchestrate the
successful GOP takeover of the Texas House. [Star Telegram, 9/15/05]
ONE TRUE STATEMENT: NOTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE
WALLACE: …This week, even though you
had to step aside as Majority Leader…you will keep a prominent
role in the leadership…What does that mean?
DELAY: What that means is I get to continue my
partnership with the Speaker…We think the same. I mean,
we -- we are simpatico, if you will.
WALLACE: Will you continue to raise millions
of dollars?
DELAY: Absolutely.
WALLACE: And you think you'll be back in the
leadership of the Republican Party?
DELAY: …I can do my job with or without
the title.
Governor
Sebelius Wins More Acclaim for Kansas 
The National Democratic Leadership Council has named Governor
Sebelius their "Dem of the Week" for her work on school
accountability in Kansas. The following article appears on www.dlc.org
A high-quality education is a prerequisite for success in today's
rapidly changing information economy. It is with that challenge
in mind that state and local leaders strive to make our children's
schools as effective as possible, improving teacher quality, adding
and streamlining resources, raising standards, and then helping
kids meet those high standards. Their success in such tasks has
the power to transform not only the lives of individual students,
but the long-term prospects for growth and prosperity in our communities,
cities, and states. That success also relies on leaders' ability
to get the most out of the limited taxpayer dollars they have
to spend on education.
In Kansas, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has taken significant steps
to introduce a new level of accountability to the state's schools.
And just last week, the governor and her fellow Kansans received
the first results from a specially commissioned independent assessment
which aims to make sure that money spent on education is used
as effectively as possible.
"I posed a simple question," Sebelius explained. "What
kind of return do Kansas taxpayers get on their large and growing
investment in our public schools?"
To find the answer she worked with the Kauffman Foundation to
launch a Standard and Poor's efficiency review of Kansas school
districts this March. The initial report, released last week,
identifies 16 Kansas school districts as "highly resource
effective." That label means the schools get an excellent
return on their investment of state and local dollars. Knowing
what works is the essential first step for making the real reforms
that not only save taxpayer money but improve students' education.
The highlighted schools will serve as models for educators, lawmakers,
and parents across the state.
"We need to set our expectations high -- both in terms of
student performance and achievement -- but also in making sure
that all schools use our money wisely," Sebelius said. "Holding
school districts accountable will ensure that all Kansas students
will have the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom and
throughout their lives."
The September report is just the first step. Standard and Poor's
will continue with further analysis, investigating both highly
effective schools and ineffective ones. In-depth efficiency reviews
will identify concrete ways that schools can implement long-lasting
and far-reaching reforms that will positively impact classroom
learning right away.
This approach is part of a broader attempt within the state government
to get leaner. Under Sebelius' watch, Kansas has emphasized accountability
and efficiency across the board, for all state agencies and expenditures.
Since she took office as governor in 2003, Sebelius has overseen
Kansas' saving more than $1 billion in taxpayer dollars.
And Kansas is not alone in its work to make its education system
as effective as possible. In Virginia, Gov. Mark Warner has embarked
on a similar initiative with his state's schools. A series of
school system reviews has sought to find administrative savings
and maximize the impact of local dollars. Since its launch, a
pilot program has saved Virginia taxpayers more than $6.5 million,
and recent legislation has successfully made it a regular, permanent
process across the state.
For Gov. Sebelius, it's simply a matter of mutual responsibility:
"Kansas parents send three things to Kansas schools: their
kids, their hopes for the future, and their hard-earned money.
They expect our schools to take the best possible care of all
three."
Past News
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2005
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2005
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2005
