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Friday, December 12, 2008

Grant Predicts Difficult Road Ahead

The Fort Scott Tribune is running a series on the plans of area legislators. This morning features Rep. Bob Grant, KHD 2.

Most of the discussion focused on the difficulties the Kansas Legislature will be facing in January.

I think it will be one of the toughest sessions I've seen since I've been up there (Topeka)," the 17-year legislator said Thursday. "It's not going to be fun. We're not going to have money to spend. There will probably be some cuts and some tax breaks. It will probably be a lean, mean session.
The economy has lead to a decrease in state revenue, and now the impacts will be felt in the Kansas budget. The result is a nearly $150 million shortfall.
The budget affects everything else," he said. "If we don't do something now, then in 2010 we're looking at probably a shortfall of over $1 billion. Everybody hates to see programs cut, and maybe we don't have to cut them. I won't say we won't cut them, nobody wants to, but if we don't, what do we do a year from now? Where's the money going to come from? It's great to get tax breaks, but tax breaks mean a loss of revenue and it just compounds the problem.
Education funding will be cut this year. At 65% of Kansas' budget, there does not currently appear to be an alternative. Other possible "fun" topics include a rematch on coal-fired power plants, illegal immigration reform, and property tax relief.

Grant compared the upcoming session to that of 1992, a "Year of Hell" spent discussing abortion, the death penalty, and the redistricting of the legislative districts. Could 2009 become "Year of Hell 2"?

Roberts Blocks Bailout

It comes as no surprise that at least one US Senator from Kansas voted against even discussing important legislation. This time, Pat Roberts did so when it came to saving the American auto industry...during the holiday season.

Waking up this morning, the conservative consensus is "Let's blame the union." Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn went so far as to say "We were about three words away from a deal." What does all this equal for the auto industry and the economy as a whole? CNBC's Phil Lebeau discusses the possible results of last night's vote:

Thursday, December 11, 2008

And Just When You Thought Elections Were Over

Municipal election season begins.

Taggart Wall, 19, a Winfield resident and Southwestern College student, has filed for candidacy in the upcoming City Commission race. Most people agree that 2008 was not a great year for the KDP, however Young Democrats did fairly well. In addition to retaining our incumbents, we gained Milack Talia (KHD 23), Mike Slattery (KHD 24), and Sean Gatewood (KHD 57). Looking towards 2009, maybe we can pick up a couple more elected YDs.

In Lawrence, Jacob Beaumont has formed IMpac, or the Independent Moderate Political Action Committee, with the goal that “moderate and progressive candidates that will move Lawrence and Douglas County forward in a responsible manner, independent of special interests and personal agendas.” In short, he hopes to recruit candidates for each of the three city council seats up for election this spring.

We here at the Burro Blog are excited as the 2009 election heats up.

Action Alert: Bridge Loans to Auto Industry

"Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to provide $14 billion in emergency loans to the American auto industry in an attempt to prevent the loss of tens of thousands of jobs. Without these emergency loans these companies will likely collapse, creating a ripple effect in our already struggling economy that will prove wide reaching and devastating."

Write Roberts and Brownback Today

When looking at how Kansas cast it's four votes last night, it should come as no surprise that our two Democrats voted YES while the two Republicans said NO. Now with Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback on deck to cast their votes, the fun begins. The KCStar reports that Brownback supports the bailout, and that Roberts is one the fence. Brownback was rather outspoken against the October bailout of the fanancial industry, so it makes me caucious until the vote is finally cast. It is crucial to let both of these men know why you support the continued existance of the American auto industry. Don't wait:

Write Roberts and Brownback today

Going, Going, Gone...Gilstrap.

Well, he's finally done it. Mark Gilstrap is a Republican.

It hurts to lose an election, especially if it's the Democratic primary in Wyandotte County when you are a 12 year incumbent. Please keep in mind that voting with the Republicans on abortion, gun control and taxes, tends to make Democratic voters view you as a DINO. Btw, the KSD 5 includes Lansing, Leavenworth, part of Bonner Springs, and part of Kansas City...so in one of the few places Democrats basically walk into elected office, the voters may want to ensure that they are electing someone who actually represents parts of the Democratic platform.

I love that Gilstrap accused the KDP of "no longer tolerat[ing] dissenting points of view." Since when do we have a Loyalty Oath? A wide range of views can be found within Democratic circles. Last time I checked, Dennis McKinney is not the most liberal of Democrats, and he was just appointed Treasurer. Additionally, numerous former Republicans have converted over the past few cycles, including LtG. Mark Parkinson and Rep. Cindy Neighbor. Hmmmm...all of that might suggest that the KDP is much more inclusive than our GOP counterparts.

In the end, Gilstrap's complaints will have little impact. It's too far until the 2010 election for this to harm Sebelius or Hensley. More importantly, Kelly Kultala (who beat Gilstrap in the primary) will assume office in January.