Dear Friends,
Happy 233rd Birthday America! I hope you are enjoying this Fourth of July weekend with your family and friends. This holiday always reminds me of millions of Americans who fought and sacrificed so that their children and grandchildren would live in a free country where the government served the people.
In my family, my dad, Henry George, served in the United States Army during World War II as a machine gunner with the Heavy Weapons Company. My mom, Alice, did her part as a “Rosie the Riveter”. Since then, my brother, Bob served in the Kansas National Guard and my nephew, Matt Williams, serves in the U.S. Air Force.
Matt recently graduated from the Air Force Academy where he received his diploma from Vice-President Joe Biden.
I encourage you to thank those veterans and service men and women you know and those you come across this holiday. Our lives would not be what they are today without their selfless commitment.
State Budget Update
You may have heard or read recently that the state’s financial situation continues to decline. Since the Legislature adjourned in May, state revenues have come in $128 million below expectations. That caused Governor Mark Parkinson to make about $90 million in spending cuts so the state’s budget would balance as required by the state’s constitution.
Gov. Parkinson’s cuts are somewhat selective in that he didn’t reduce funding to programs that serve disabled Kansans as well as the Department of Corrections. He cut most state agencies by 2%. These budget cuts are in addition to the work the Legislature did during the 2009 session.
I applaud Gov. Parkinson for making these difficult decisions. I believe state agencies must do what every Kansas family faced with difficult financial times is doing and live within its means. In recent years we have enjoyed the ability to invest in some worthy programs. But now we must get back to the basics of government service - providing for public safety, a solid education and essential services for those in need and unable to help themselves.
New Laws in Kansas
A number of new laws went into effect on July 1st that might affect you and your family. Here are a few that I thought you would want to know about or would find interesting. You can find a complete summary of the legislation passed during the 2009 session at http://kslegislature.org/klrd - listed under “Summaries”.
Highway Traveling
Beginning July 1st, those who like to drive in the left-hand lane will need to move right. A new law will require drivers to travel in the right-hand lane when two lanes of traffic are headed in the same direction on high-ways outside of any city.
The new law also will require you to stay out of the far left lane when you travel on highways with three or more lanes moving in the same direction. Exceptions to both cases are when you are passing another vehicle or preparing to make a proper left turn.
Law enforcement officers will issue warning citations for the first full year the law is in effect. Then beginning July 1, 2010, violators will be charged a $60 fine plus court costs.
New License Requirements for Teen Drivers
In an effort to prevent injury and death among teen drivers, the Legislature approved new requirements Kansas teens must meet to get their driver’s licenses. The new law:
Requires teens to hold a learner’s permit for 12 months;
Limits teen drivers to one non-sibling passenger under 18 during the first six months of full licensing;
Prohibits driving after 9:00 p.m. during the first 6 months of full licensing unless driving to and from work or school;
Increases penalties on teens who violate license laws.
The law makes no changes to the existing farm permit provisions or restricted license provisions.
Tracking down Missing Loved Ones
When a loved one is missing, we want law enforcement officers to use every means to find them. That is why I supported the Kelsey Smith Act, named for the 18-year old young woman who was kidnapped from a parking lot in Overland Park and killed in June, 2007.
The Act requires cell phone companies to release GPS location information of a missing person’s cell phone in a timely manner to law enforcement in emergency situations. It took Kelsey’s family and law enforcement four days to get the phone company to release her cell phone location information.
Passage of the Kelsey Smith Act ensures no other family will have to go through the pain of waiting that Kelsey’s family did. It also sends a message to abductors that they will be found and gives investigators an important tool to help them bring missing loved ones home safely and alive. Learn more about the Smith family’s work to empower young women at www.kelseysarmy.org.
Other 2009 Session Highlights
HB 2292: Makes it easier to place a security freeze on credit reports.
HB 2297: Allows students studying geriatric medicine to work in rural or medically-underserved areas of Kansas in exchange for financial assistance.
HB 2171: Creates the Kansas Vietnam War Era Medallion.
SB 148: Establishes the Silver Alert Plan to find missing elderly Kansans.
SCR 1611: Proposed amendment to State Constitution for an individual’s Right to Keep and Bear Firearms.
SB 91: Limits placement of sexual predators in state program.
HB 2155: Allows cities/counties to better dispose abandon properties.
SB 238: Establishes Women’s Right to Know Act.
HB 2214: Amends the Mental Health Parity Act to require insurance coverage for alcoholism or drug abuse treatment the same as other mental illnesses.
SB 212: Allows Kansans 21 or older to have wine shipped directly to their homes.
Since the session…
I have been slowly getting caught up on my work at home since the 2009 Legislative Session ended in May, trying to keep up with family activities, and have had the opportunity to meet with a number of you on a variety of issues facing our community.
I attended the groundbreaking for the Valley Hope Association’s new residential treatment facility in Moundridge June 1. Dr. Ken Gregoire, President of Valley Hope Association, thanked the many public officials attending the event, indicating that their presence gave the ground-breaking a tremendous feel of dignity and importance. Valley Hope is a nationally recognized chemical dependency treatment provider with locations in seven states.
My wife Lori, has been busy this summer with volleyball camps and the strength training program she oversees. Son, Thomas is active playing baseball, lifting weights, mowing lawns and helping his grandpa, Tom, build an addition onto his house. Daughter, Anna is involved with volleyball, strength training and a partner with her brother in their lawncare business. Maris is very active keeping up the house when the rest of us are doing our running around, she especially likes helping her grandmas, Alice and Carol, and her favorite thing is taking care of Lilly, our dog!
My mom has been doing pretty well, she enjoys having her grandchildren close by to help her keep up the yard and help with the cooking. Mom has really enjoyed having her granddaughter, Katie, at the house for the past week. Katie and Mom have shared may recipes and of even more importance; many stories of times gone by. Katie is attending college in Washington and is a joy to the family.
I would like to tell you how grateful I am for the many cards, prayers, phone calls and personal visits that I received upon the passing of my father, Henry. It was really overwhelming the support that I received and continue to receive. As I mentioned at dad’s funeral: “he was a good man” and it is my privilege to have so many “good people” that I can call FRIEND.
2010 Elections
I have begun working on my 2010 reelection campaign so I may continue to serve you and our neighbors. It may seem like the next election is a long ways off, but your financial support today will allow us to start planning now and ensure we have the resources needed for another victory.
If you would like to contribute to my reelection, checks should be made out to: ‘Pat George for Representative’. I have been blessed to have so many of you help me in the past and I looking forward to serving you in the future. Even more important than your financial help are your prayers and support.
With your help, we will easily reach our goal to be heard in every corner of the district. You can learn more about my campaign and how get involved at www.patgeorge.org.
Brownback for Governor
Although he hasn’t officially announced he is running for governor, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback’s intentions are well-known.
Sen. Brownback has served us well in Washington and would do the same as our next governor. He shares our family values and concerns for fiscal responsibility. I am honored to give my support for his campaign and election.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support for me to represent you and your family in the Kansas House of Representatives. I am honored by your commitment and faith in me. I promise to work to the best of my ability to make our district and state a great and safe place to raise our families, work and live.
Sincerely,
Pat
Rep. Pat George
119th House District
Rep. Pat George
119th House District
785/296-7655
