My second year in office is coming to a close. In three weeks we go back to Topeka for the “Veto Session,” which signifies the end of the session. I feel honored to serve as your electoral Representative and appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the state Capital. I consider myself to be a servant of God and a voice for the people of the 119th District.

Many big items have been discussed during the 2006 session: additional funding for K-12 education, increased gaming, eminent domain, concealed carry, Jessica’s Law, Scruffy’s Law, no sales tax on new car rebates, no property tax on business equipment and homeowner property tax relief, just to name a few.

Again, K-12 education funding was the “hot” topic for debate. I, along with most Kansans, feel that educating children is our number one priority. House leadership developed a plan that would have added nearly $400 million, over three years, to the current annual K-12 budget of $4.6 billion. This is the plan I voted for. However, during debate a new plan was added that would increase spending by approximately $600 million over the next three years, creating an annual education budget in excess of $5.2 billion.

Today, due to the Supreme Court intervention, spending is tilted almost totally in favor of K-12 public education, while four-year colleges, community colleges, programs for the frail, elderly and disabled and almost every other beneficiary of state tax revenues goes wanting.

In most years, the challenge that legislators face is how to balance the needs of the people with the demands of the budget. The past two years have been an exception. In light of the Kansas Supreme Court ordering more funding for K-12 education, the legislature has not been able to focus on the needs of all people. I will continue to do my best to protect the interest of all Kansans.

We all agree that nothing is more valuable than our children and their education. Kansas’ children have been blessed with a great education system. Governor Sebelius commissioned a Standard and Poor’s study of Kansas’ K-12 education system. The study pointed out that we have areas in which we can improve, and we do need to constantly strive to improve. However, by and large Kansas teachers and administrators do a great job. In my district, Dodge City and Spearville schools, administrators, teachers and all staff have met new challenges and have achieved exceptional results. The challenge for the Legislature and the school community is to properly and efficiently fund K-12 without saddling Kansas taxpayers and our children’s future with too much of a spending burden.

Another issue that has been brought forward by a summer tax committee that I participated in is providing tax relief to businesses in order to attract more jobs. Dr. Hall, KU Economic Professor, and Dr. Wong, Wichita State University School of Business, presented evidence showing that Kansas is lagging behind the other seven midwestern states in job growth. Their recommendations were to eliminate property tax on business equipment and eliminate the franchise tax, with an ultimate goal of increasing growth in the economy. Both of these taxes are hindrances to businesses reinvesting their capital to spur expansion and job growth. Both of these measures have passed the House and are awaiting Senate approval.

As the 2006 session comes to a close I want to express my gratitude to all the people in District 119. I have been very fortunate to receive so much support. I appreciate all of you that took time to be a part of the solution by writing, emailing, calling and even traveling to Topeka to share your concerns with me. The challenges seem overwhelming at times and funding never seems to be enough to meet the many demands, but Kansans have in the past and will continue in the future to help each other overcome challenges. The Good Lord has blessed us with many gifts and abilities that allow us to achieve greatness.

Finally in closing, I want to thank my family and fellow workers who sacrifice and support me. It’s not easy to spend time away from home but we feel the sacrifice to improve life for our fellow Kansans is worth the time and effort. In the past 30 days I have been reminded of a greater sacrifice; Sgt. Jessie Davila, who gave his life in Iraq and Capt. Ryan Burke, Airborne-Ranger, who just completed his third tour of duty. These two brave soldiers, and their families, have sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. This willingness to sacrifice for each other and for our freedoms is what makes Kansas and America great. This spirit of sacrifice, which especially rings true during this Easter time, lives on in Kansas and the United States of America.

You can contact me at: george@house.state.ks.us or 785-296-7636.

Pat George
Kansas House of Representatives
District 119
3007 Westview Ave
Dodge City, Kansas

Sincerely yours,

Pat George
Representative for the 119th District
State of Kansas
House of Representatives