Sebelius outlines road map for progress
An opportunity exists to move Kansas forward, Governor Kathleen
Sebelius says, but only if the Legislature takes 
action
on several important matters when it returns from break.
In a letter mailed to legislators Friday, Governor Sebelius outlined
her goals for the wrap-up session, which begins Wednesday. First
among them is agreement on a plan to strengthen Kansas schools.
"We need to pass a plan to strengthen our schools and ensure
a well-educated workforce for years to come. I am encouraged by
the progress we made on this issue earlier in the session,”
Sebelius wrote, praising House passage of a school plan that follows
the road map set out by the Legislative Post Audit cost study,
as well as principles she set forward early in the session.
Among the principles the Governor said should be included in
a multi-year plan are increased at-risk funding for children in
need, particularly in large, urban districts, closing of the achievement
gap through initiatives like all-day kindergarten, and the ability
of local communities to exercise local control and provide enhancements
if they choose.
“It is now time for both houses to come together around
these principles, and pass a school plan that gives every Kansas
child the opportunity to attend a first-class school,” Sebelius
wrote.
Governor Sebelius also encouraged legislators to pass her proposal
to eliminate property taxes on new business machinery and equipment.
“I encourage you to help Kansas employers and employees
continue the economic growth that is at the heart of our prosperity
by eliminating the tax on new business machinery and equipment.
I first proposed this tax relief in December because it, above
all other proposals, will spur business investment and create
jobs here in Kansas,” wrote Sebelius.
But the Governor also cautioned legislators that, while the state’s
financial situation looks brighter, we must continue to be fiscally
responsible when it comes to both spending and tax relief.
She added that she believed an additional source of revenue,
such as a limited expansion of gaming, remains an option legislators
should consider when they look at the funding of multi-year plans.
Hope in
the Heartland: Kansas Democratic Victory Canvassing Events
Saturday, April 29th
Join the
Kansas Democratic Party and Democrats from across America in one
of the largest coordinated events in the history of the Democratic
Party! Join us as we strengthen the Democratic community in Kansas;
neighborhood by neighborhood, door by door!
By
talking to Democrats in your neighborhood, you can help the Kansas
Democratic Party establish the foundation for success in 2006,
2008 and beyond!
We will provide you with the tools necessary to take back Kansas.
All you need to do is show up!
Please join us at one of the local events listed below. If you
are interested in being involved but do not see an event listed
in your area please call (785) 234-0425.
- Abilene, KS - Kirby House, 9 a.m.
- Augusta, KS - The Dingmans' House, 12
- 4 p.m.
- Baldwin City, KS - Express Yourself,
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Coffeyville, KS - Bob Greenwood residence,
9 a.m.
- Emporia, KS - Jones Park, 12 - 4 p.m.
- Garden City, KS - Next to Cruz and Cruz
convenience store, 12 p.m.
- Hays, KS - Henry Schwaller IV, Noon
- Hutchinson, KS - Randy McEwen's Law Office,
12 - 4 p.m.
- Kansas City, KS - Jalisco's Restaurant,
5000 State Avenue, 2 - 5 p.m.
- Lawrence, KS - Ecumenical Christian Ministries,
2-6 p.m.
- Manhattan, KS - Carpenters Union - Noon
- Merriam, KS - Antioch Park, 12:30 - 3:30
p.m.
- Newton, KS - Alex Gentry's House, 12
- 4 p.m.
- Ottawa, KS - Ottawa and Franklin County
Visitor's Center, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Pittsburg, KS - Hotel Stillwell, 1 -
4 p.m.
- Salina, KS - Labor Union Hall, Noon
- Topeka, KS - Jayhawk Tower, 12 - 4 p.m.
- Wichita, KS - Sedgwick County Democratic
Headquarters, 12 - 4 p.m.
- Winfield, KS - The Trimmers' House, 12
- 4 p.m.
Bush Late To The
Party On Gas Prices
With
his poll numbers in the low 30's and Americans struggling under
the weight of record-high gas prices, President Bush has finally
embraced sound Democratic proposals he once rejected. Today, President
Bush announced that he will investigate price gouging in the oil
industry as well as divert deposits from the strategic petroleum
reserve into the American market. These solutions were put forth
by Democrats in Congress months, even years, ago but President
Bush and Republicans in Congress refused to consider these alternatives
until now.
“Apparently it takes a 32% approval rating to get the
President's attention on the issues that affect the American people.
The hypocrisy couldn't be more clear: after continuously rejecting
Democratic proposals that would have helped millions of American
working families deal with skyrocketing gas prices, President
Bush and Republicans in Congress have finally seen the light on
the need to address the problem.,” said Democratic National
Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. “What's
worse, President Bush has had five years to put in place a strategy
to lower gas prices and make America energy independent, rather
than continuing to line the pockets of his friends in big oil.
Instead, President Bush and Republicans in Congress have rejected
numerous Democratic efforts to crack down on gas price gouging
and to use the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to ease the growing
strain on American families. Once again, all the American people
are getting from President Bush and Republicans in Congress is
a PR campaign filled with hollow rhetoric and cherry-picked facts
about the real reason their gas prices are once again sky-rocketing.
Democrats remain committed to real solutions that put America
on a path to energy independence.”
GOP CONGRESS REJECTED
DEMOCRATIC EFFORTS ON PRICE GOUGING
Senate Republicans Rejected Effort to Crack Down
On Price Gouging. Legislation introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell
(D-WA) last year would outlaw gas price-gouging, impose tougher
fines and criminal penalties on violators, and give federal and
state authorities new powers to protect Americans, ensure greater
market transparency, and go after companies that manipulate oil
and gas prices. 28 states already have similar laws on the books.
Cantwell's legislation, which would have created a national standard,
necessary given the interstate nature of American fuel markets,
was rejected by Republicans. [SA 2612 to S 2020; Roll Call Vote
#334, 11/17/05]
The Republican Congress Passed Energy Bill That Gave
Billions to Oil, Gas And Nuclear Industries. This bill
did nothing to lower gas prices. The vote was for the energy conference
report that exempts oil and gas industries from some clean-water
laws, streamlines permits for oil wells and power lines on public
lands, and helps the hydropower industry appeal environmental
restrictions. One obscure provision would repeal a Depression-era
law that has prevented consolidation of public utilities, potentially
transforming the nation's electricity markets. It also includes
an estimated $85 billion worth of subsidies and tax breaks for
most forms of energy -- including oil and gas, "clean coal,"
ethanol, electricity, and solar and wind power. [Washington Post,
7/30/05; HR 6, 7/28/05 Vote# 445]
The Republican Congress Voted Against Alternative Energy
Plan That Would Give Consumers Immediate Relief At The Gas Pump.
The vote was against an alternative energy plan that would bring
immediate relief to consumers at the pump, increase the nation's
investment into renewable fuels and energy efficiency and crack
down on price gouging. It also directed the Federal Trade Commission
and Attorney General to exercise vigorous oversight over the oil
markets to protect the American people from price gouging and
unfair practices at the gasoline pump. Furthermore, the alternative
would extend for five years the tax credit that provides incentives
for investments in solar, wind, geothermal and biomass technologies
and provide several tax incentives for energy efficiency. Finally,
the measure would prohibit federal or state permits or leases
for new oil or gas drilling in or under the Great Lakes. [HR 6,
4/20/05]
The Republican Congress Voted Against Cracking Down On
Price Gouging. The vote was against a proposal to make
it illegal during an energy crisis to sell crude oil, gasoline
or petroleum at unconscionable levels. The legislation would also
provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with new authority
to investigate and prosecute those that engage in this "predatory
pricing", from oil companies on down to local gas stations,
with an emphasis on those who profit most. This includes the gouging
of gasoline, home heating oil, propane or natural gas. Some fines
collected from such offenses will go towards the Low-Income Home
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which aids consumers in paying
their heating bills. [Rep. Stupak Press Release, 9/28/05; HR 3402,
9/28/2005, Vote# 500]
The Republican Congress Opposed Cracking Down On Price
Gouging and Lowering Gas Prices. The vote was against
a measure to provide the Federal Trade Commission with new authority
to investigate and prosecute those that engage in predatory pricing,
from oil companies on down to gas stations, with the emphasis
on those who profit the most. This includes price gouging of gasoline
and natural gas, home heating oil and propane. The measure increased
funding for the low-income home energy assistance program through
fines from price-gouging companies and created a strategic refinery
reserve with capacity equal to 5 percent of the total United States
demand for gasoline, home heating oil and other refined petroleum
products. [Reps. Stupak & Boucher, Remarks, Congressional
Record, pg H8780, 10/7/05; HR 3893, 10/7/2005, Vote# 517]
BUSH ADMINISTRATION FLIP-FLOPPED ON THE PETROLEUM RESERVE
Bush Administration Said They Would Not Stop Filling
SPR. Abraham: "Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham
yesterday said he will urge OPEC ministers at a meeting this weekend
to pump more oil, the administration's first gesture this year
to show it is trying to do something about record-high gas prices
above $2 a gallon....Abraham said the administration would not
stop filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to relieve pressure
on oil prices, insisting those reserves may be needed in case
an emergency disrupts U.S. oil supplies." [Washington Times,
5/19/04]
The Decider-in-Chief?
Last week, President Bush declared that he was decisive, that
he was, in fact, the "Decider-in-Chief." Yet, on issue
after issue, he has ignored or pushed off big decisions or argued
that there was nothing he could do.
Over the weekend, President Bush claimed that Americans were
in for a "tough summer," and argued that there was nothing
he could do to dampen spiraling gas prices heading into this summer.
According to the latest Lundberg survey of 7,000 gas stations,
"retail gas prices across the country jumped an average of
nearly a quarter per gallon in the past two weeks." [AP,
4/24/06]
Instead of offering real leadership and a plan for success in
Iraq, President Bush has also said that any decision on the levels
of American troops in Iraq will be left to the next President.
"Instead of being the Decider-in-Chief, President Bush
has been the Evader-in-Chief," said Democratic National Committee
Communications Director Karen Finney. "From spiraling gas
prices to a clear strategy for victory in Iraq that will ultimately
bring our troops home safely, President Bush has conveniently
left the decision to others or said that there is nothing he could
do. The question the American people are asking is what can President
Bush do? Congressional Republicans have failed to hold President
Bush accountable. Democrats have a bold vision to keep America
safe and secure, that includes reducing our dependence on foreign
oil and a clear plan for success in Iraq that includes ensuring
that 2006 is a year of transition."
Bush Can't Help Rising Gas Prices Or Deal With Iraq
President Bush Can't Do Anything About Gas Prices; Will
Be A "Tough Summer" For Americans. "I
understand the folks here, as well as other places in the country,
are paying high gas prices ... We're going to have a tough summer
because people are beginning to drive now during tight supply."
[President Bush, 4/22/06]
President Bush: Presence of American Troops Will Be Decided
By "Future Presidents." During a news conference
in March, President Bush said that "U.S. commanders in Iraq
will determine when troop levels can be lowered" and suggested
that "some will remain beyond January 2009." Asked if
a day will come when there are no U.S. troops there, Bush said
'that will be decided by future presidents and future governments
of Iraq.'" [Washington Post, 3/22/06]
Last Week, Bush Failed To Reach Deals With Chinese President
Hu Jintao. “President George W. Bush failed to
win a commitment from Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday
on immediate steps to reduce China's $202 billion trade surplus
with the United States. … The two leaders also failed to
bridge differences over how to deal with Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Bush wants China to agree to tougher U.N. Security Council action,
but his arguments did not persuade Hu.” [Reuters, 4/20/06]
Radio Actuality
on Immigration Ad
April 24, 2006
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) unveiled an advertising
campaign that sets the record straight on where Democrats and
Republicans stand on immigration reform. In a new Spanish language
radio ad, Democrats hold Republicans accountable for trying to
criminalize immigrants, doctors, and churches, and for blocking
real progress on immigration reform. The ad campaign coincides
with Congress's return next week.
The ads come as an editorial in yesterday's Washington Post
also holds Republicans accountable, noting that "House Republicans
- backed by President Bush - are to blame for the mean-spirited,
enforcement-only bill that they passed last year." [Washington
Post, 4/19/06]
The DNC's campaign features a new ad in Spanish entitled "Tough
and Smart" which will air on radio stations nationally through
Univision Radio affiliates, as well as in targeted markets in
Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona. The campaign will also include
English radio ads on Caribbean-American radio stations, print
ads in non-Hispanic ethnic media across the country including
Asian American, Irish, and Polish, as well as Spanish-language
print ads in Hispanic newspapers.
DNC Chairman Howard Dean unveiled the ad campaign in a conference
call with members of the media. Audio from the conference call
is available in radio actualities and can be downloaded using
the links provided below.
To download the first clip of Dean's comments, click
here.
Length of audio: 33 seconds
Text:
"We think that the republican ads are not just misleading
but offensive. And I'll have to say that I've been in politics
a long time and I've seen and heard many ads on both sides, Democrats
and Republicans, which have been shaded one way or left pieces
of information out.
"This is the first ad that is just an absolute lie. They
just took something and lied about it and said exactly the opposite
of what was true.
"The truth is that Jim Sensenbrenner had in his bill, endorsed
by President Bush, a section which made it a felony for a priest,
a doctor, a teacher or anybody else to help someone who turned
out to be an illegal immigrant."
To download the second clip of Dean's comments, click
here.
Length of audio: 20 seconds
Text:
"We want real immigration reform and that begins with being
tough and smart.
"We want real border security. The president has been in
office for five years and we haven't seen that yet.
"And we also would like the Republicans to be truthful
with the American people. We think it's a bad idea to criminalize
priests, doctors and others who have a humanitarian mission."
For more information about the ad campaign and to listen to
the radio ad, click
here.
Past News
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2006
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2005
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