April 25, 2003

Dear Friends:

First - watch the news tonight, and read the paper tomorrow - I think you will be encouraged by some of the things that happened just today!  (Read on to find out more!)

I was in Topeka last Tuesday when the Consensus Estimating Group released the state's new revenue (or lack thereof) estimates.  Both the Governor's proposal and the Republican proposal were based on state revenue estimates that are now even more underestimated.  It is looking like the overall totals for '03 and '04 are hovering at just about $250 million short.  Of course, this does not include the $450 million certificate of indebtedness that we will apparently pay off on June 30 and retake on July 1.  Do you remember what I mentioned about the Governor's plan, how it accelerated bills?  Basically, the Republican plan does the opposite - we pay our bills late...  Including schools, YOUR income tax refunds in 2004, etc.  It seems to me as a Republican, I have said for years that we should run government like our own family finances.  What happens when you pay your bills late?  Reminds me of physics:  for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The following story that was in the Lawrence Journal-World last Monday expresses the sentiment of many in this year's freshman class who have been meeting to discuss ideas to actually FIX the problems instead of hiding them with funny accounting tricks or putting them off until tomorrow.  Here is a link to the article:
http://www.ljworld.com/section/statebudget/story/129341

More recently, (as in I just got back a couple of minutes ago) I was part of the freshman team that announced a budget plan this morning.  The press conference in Topeka this morning was followed by editorial board visits with the Topeka Capitol-Journal, Lawrence Journal-World and the Kansas City Start.  In addition, we made stops at two elementary schools:  Cordely Elementary in Lawrence and Trailwood in Overland Park.  The response to the plan has been phenomenal.  There are many parts to the plan, some I like and some I definitely don't, but it is a step in the right direction and opens up the dialogue on taxes and how we fund a budget that is already in shortfall.  The basic tenets are:  one-half of one percent sales tax increase, three and one-half percent income tax increase, removing the anticipated deceleration of the sales tax in FY 2005 and 2006, and a tax amnesty program.  The spending portion is the most exciting for Lenexa and Shawnee:  the plan adds $50 to the Base State Aid Per Pupil (BSAPP) next year, and the two years following, 2004, 2005, and 2006.  The proposal eliminates the SRS and Aging waiting lists so those who qualify for services can actually receive them.  It starts to fix the long-term problems occurring in the state's pension system which is made up largely of school teachers.  It adds money to make sure the courts stay open and district court judges can be added in seriously underserved areas.  And finally, it funds the transportation program so our roads stay safe and open for the business that thrive by using them.

The group that developed the plan was about 15 men and women, Republican and Democrat, rural and urban, you get the idea.  This plan is merely a starting point.  With the process on the House floor, it will most likely look very different in the end, but we wanted to at least have the dialogue going because so many of you are clamoring for it, and the freshmen were tired of waiting for it to happen - so we made it happen.  I hope to have electronic copies soon of the profile sheet that shows how our budget looks through FY 2006, and also a summary sheet of the revenue enhancements and spending to give you a more detailed look than my general overview here.  Here is the KC Star's initial article on the plan from this morning:
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/5744709.htm
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Now, to other news!  I did thoroughly enjoy my time in CO.  Once I get the film developed, I will share a few pictures.  Megan Schrantz and Brian Sharp were married just as the sun went behind the mountains in Estes Park, it was a beautiful service.  I hope your Easter was as blessed as mine - not many can say they had a new sister in their Easter basket!

Please find the attached pictures, reformatted from the last email, some said they were too small.

AND FINALLY!!!!  The Results!

Katy Crow of Lenexa is the winner at 5:05 pm on Friday, April 4th.  The correct answer is:  House - 80 Republicans, 45 Democrats; Senate - 30 Republicans, 10 Democrats.
OK, Shawnee, where are you?  Lenexans have won every contest so far!
Katy wins a Seal of Kansas lapel pin.

Question of the Week!
How many Presidents of the United States were/are Republican?

Please respond to anything included in this newsletter, I would be especially interested to know your thoughts on a freshman class budget proposal.  Until then, enjoy what is shaping up to be a gorgeous weekend!

Sincerely,
 
Stephanie Sharp
17th District, KS House
Serving Shawnee and Lenexa