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Tackling tough topics: Local legislators gather to answer questions about the Kansas budget and education
Fort Scott citizens gathered at the Fort Scott Inn Saturday morning to ask local legislators questions in a face-to-face setting.
Sen. Bob Marshall, R-Fort Scott, and Reps. Shirley Palmer, D-Fort Scott, and Bob Grant, D-Cherokee were all on hand to discuss topics such as the state budget, Kansas gaming, school funding, and the No Child Left Behind program.
All three legislators addressed the budget in their opening statements. The statements were mixed from both positive and negative. Marshall said he does not think the budget will be cut so much as the state will need to find "one time money". Marshall described this as money that comes from other areas of the budget once to fill an immediate need.
Palmer, who is beginning her second term, said the budget, in addition to new leadership, caused the State House of Representatives to get off to a slow start.
"The whole focus was budget, budget, budget and people were afraid to introduce new bills," Palmer said.
Grant was not afraid to express his disapproval of the recent budget proposal which was signed by the Governor. He stated that he was unhappy with the way it was handled.
"I was disappointed in the Republican Senate and House leadership," Grant said.
Grant also said he does not think the economic situation has hit its peak.
"I don't think we'll see the revenues come back because I don't think we've seen the worst of this yet," Grant said.
The first question presented to the panel asked how much money is being lost by not having gambling in Kansas. Grant responded saying there is at least $75 million in lost revenue. He also mentioned there is discussion about lowering the requirements to make it more financially feasible. Despite the current negotiations, a decision will not be coming easily or soon, Grant said.
"It's going to take a lot of trickery," Grant said.
The next topic of discussion involved the funding for K-12 schools. Marshall mentioned a cut of more than 5 percent would be vetoed by the Governor and a cut of more than 3 percent could be challenged by the Kansas Supreme Court. Palmer, a retired teacher, does not want to make cuts, because she wants the work future work force to be well educated. However she realizes something has to be done.
"A well educated work force is good for our future," Palmer said. "People have to understand that cuts are inevitable."
Continuing with the education theme, a question was presented about the No Child Left Behind program. All three legislators agreed the intention of the program was noble, however it is flawed. The biggest argument with the program is the importance placed on testing.
"The concept is good ... now it is the tail wagging the dog," Marshall said about the testing.
"I believe, as a retired teacher, too much emphasis is being placed on testing," Palmer said, "School isn't fun anymore."
The event concluded with the legislators thanking those in attendance for their participation and presented contact information for further questions. The legislators can be contacted by calling the Kansas Legislative Hotline at (800) 432-3924.