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Kansas Liberty: 26 December 2008
Governor gives state employees a mixed message for Christmas
Sebelius: State's broke, so take a day off - with pay
According to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the downturn in the national economy is "impacting local businesses, families and our state budget."
And the impact is a big one. According to Sebelius, "the State of Kansas will be short $211 million in the current fiscal year. The projection for 2010 is even more dire."
The governor's comments came in a message to state employees last month. The purpose of the message?
To give state employees the day off today, with pay.
The note from Sebelius was issued by the governor's office on Nov. 12. It urged a quick response to the state's looming fiscal disaster.
"Without immediate action," she wrote, "we will not be able to balance the state budget; and public schools, programs for the frail and elderly and safety net health services could be at risk. Therefore, to protect our children’s education and the most vulnerable Kansans, we must work together to make strategic cuts which safe guard those critical efforts."
Sebelius said she had asked state "agencies to begin implementing spending restrictions, impose hiring controls, eliminate non-essential spending, and enact a host of streamlining measures throughout state government."
"We increased the efforts this month, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to prepare for the challenges we face. I do not take these tough decisions lightly but realize as Governor it’s my job to make them," she said.
Then a silver lining, at taxpayers' expense:
"I have not and will not lose sight of the value of your service to Kansans, and the benefit of your work to your family. To show my appreciation for the hard work you do throughout the year, I am declaring Friday, December 26, 2008 a legal holiday for employees of the State of Kansas."
Resource:
- Kansas state holidays: http://www.da.ks.gov/ps/subject/holiday.htm
State sovereignty bill passes House, tax debate scheduled for tomorrow
goverment
Starting at the top, the Governor should take a pay cut along with all the memembers in the house.As with any family when the income decreases, things are cut.Instead of always cutting from the bottom up it should start at the top. All extras need to be illimiated. The days a representative and the Governor our out of the office campaning or such they should not be paid.
Lets get serious about how tax dollars are spent. A good place to start would be all the subdzing that is given to alternative energy, which is actually a waste.We have seen how ethonal is a bust and wind and solar are the same. If they can't compete in the market place that should not exist.