The elections are over and once again, we have to marvel at how great our system of government really is. I am sure there were a few problems, and I know that everyone is tired of the negative campaigning, but it is truly amazing just how orderly the elections are carried out in the United States. In other countries, if they have elections at all, you will read news accounts of crime and assaults, even murders that surround the election process. God bless America! Last week, I was speaking to a group of people and was asked what I felt was the most important aspect of my job. I quickly answered that it was trust. As in all relationships, I feel that it is vitally important to establish trust, especially with you, the people I represent. I know that we will not always agree on every issue; however, it is important that we do have trust as our foundation.

An essential part of that trust is open communications. I welcome you to e-mail or call me with your ideas and concerns. I take great pride in returning all my e-mails and phone calls in a timely fashion. A key ingredient of open communications is to look at the “big picture” and try to anticipate the unexpected consequences as well as the direct results. Again, this is where your input is so important. If asked, I will always share with you my thought processes in making my decisions.

It is essential in developing trust to have convictions but, also, one must be willing to be flexible and adaptable. As your legislator, I always try to look at the many sides of an issue before casting my vote. The final trait of trustworthiness is execution. No matter how many good ideas you and I may have, unless we put them into practice, it’s just another good idea. When you bring forth your ideas to me, I ask that you include possible solutions. Also, I trust you to be open-minded to solutions that I may offer.

Issues we are certain to face during the’07 session include: affordable health care; formulation of concepts for the new 10-year transportation plan to be implemented in ’09; efficient and effective education policies; and many more matters of great concern to the people of Kansas.

Recently, I was asked by participants at the AARP conference about legislation that directly has an effect on seniors. In ’06, we passed Senate Bill 62, which allows grandparents who act as caregivers to be eligible for foster care reimbursement. SB 365 provides for the phasing out of state estate taxes. We also passed legislation that increases personal needs allowances for persons residing in Medicaid-approved institutions, raising that amount from $30 per month to $50 per month.

Another item that is part of the overall budget passed by the Legislature is provisions for three new long-term care ombudsmen. Dodge City and southwest Kansas are fortunate to receive $71,000 annually to fund one of these ombudsman positions.

Finally, in ’06, we introduced legislation that will help seniors who are on fixed incomes to avoid steep increases in property taxes. We will continue to work on this last measure in ’07 and, hopefully, get a bill passed this year to reduce this financial risk to our seniors.

Your continued trust in me is sincerely appreciated. Please communicate your concerns to me. I invite you to stop by my office at the Capitol when you are in or planning a trip to Topeka. E-mail your ideas and concerns to my address at george@house.state.ks.us. or online at www.patgeorge.org. Click here to return to story. DeleteReplyForwardSpamMove... Previous | Next | Search Results Save Message Text | Full Headers

Sincerely yours,

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