July 3, 2003
 
Dear Friends:
 
This is the Record of opportunities...  Read carefully, at least one of them will apply to you:
CONTRIBUTION PAGE
Parade
Pastor or Doctor of the Day
Page
Intern
Young Entrepreneur and Minority or Women-Owned Business Awards
Interim Committees
Prescription Drug help
Sales Tax workshop
 
Contributions
I have a lot of work to do before I can stop doing major fundraising in January 2004, and I can't do it without your help.
My website has a printable form for you to contribute to my campaign!  Just click here: http://www.stephaniesharp.com/donate.htm
Print the form and mail it to the address listed.  Or, I can swing by your home or business at your convenience to pick up a contribution.  The maximum individual or business gift in the primary season is $500, which would be $1,000 per couple.  Thank you for your support!  FYI - In an effort to run an almost paperless campaign in 2004, I am working hard to set up an online credit card donation site for my campaign. 
 
Lenexa Community Days Parade
We had a FANTASTIC response for the Old Shawnee Days Parade!  Except for running out of candy about 1/3 of the way through, the weather was perfect and we had 8 or 9 volunteers!  The website has new pictures of our fun day.  Come join the fun again on Friday, July 4th, 9:30 am.  Yes, we had a great turnout for the Shawnee parade, but that doesn't mean we don't need your help for the Lenexa parade - especially because of the holiday weekend, and it's a bigger parade.  If you will be in town celebrating, please join us (bring your family - how many people can say they got to be IN a parade when visiting someone).  Plus!  I will have campaign t-shirts available to purchase!!
 
Pastor or Doctor of the Day
During the legislative session, legislators are allowed to schedule friends/constituents in medicine and ministry to participate in two very special programs.  Every day there is a visiting "Doctor of the Day," that treats little ailments of legislators, staff, tourists, etc. throughout the day.  Additionally, the "Pastor of the Day" gives the House prayer on that day.  Please let me know if you would like to be put on the schedule for Doctor or Pastor of the Day.  No, there are no "Accountants of the Day," "Lawyers of the Day," "Realtors of the Day," or "Dentist of the Day."  Makes me think maybe we should have "Mom of the Day," and "Teacher of the Day!"  We could all use more of those.
 
Pages
House members are usually given four page-days per session.  The number of pages I am allotted on those days varies, but I will need about 15 pages over the course of the session.  If your child is 13+, and you are able to bring them to Topeka to spend the day as a page for the State of Kansas, this is a great opportunity that I would absolutely encourage.  Basically, kids run errands all over the Capitol.  Pages are extremely useful when the Members are in the chambers during the session.  Once upon a time, I was a page in Topeka, and met Governor Mike Hayden.  No, the pictures aren't on the website.
 
Interns
If your child is in college at KU, K-State, or Washburn, I have two opportunities for interns next session.  Usually, the way college courses are scheduled, students can arrange their courses to be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, or Tuesday and Thursday, to enable them to come to Topeka to intern.  All three schools offer course credit for a Capitol internship.  One internship would be Tuesday/Thursday, and the other would be a Mon/Wed/Fri internship.  If interested, please have your student email me a resume and interest statement (can be very informal, I just want to get an idea of the areas of interest and writing ability).
 
Young Entrepreneur (21 yoa+) and Minority or Women-Owned Businesses
The KS Department of Commerce, Office of Minority and Women Business Development, is seeking nominations for this year's Kansas Outstanding Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Awards.  If your business is in the 17th District, or you reside in the district and own a business fitting this criteria, and are interested in being nominated for this award, please contact me for more details.  There are qualifications you must meet in all of these divisions.  Nominations are due by July 15, so let me know ASAP.
 
Interim Committees
The Legislative Coordinating Council meets on June 26th to discuss the topics that will be considered for Interim Committee study this year (hearings that are held between legislative sessions).  There are a wide range of issues to choose from (5 pages front and back with short descriptions!), and I will forward you their decisions when they are released.  Why?  You may find an issue where your expertise or personal involvement could enhance the hearings and change the course of legislation.  Yes, I'm serious.  If you find something on the list you are interested in learning more about, please call me and we can talk about how to testify, some talking points tips that are handy for committee testimony, etc.  Or even if you just want to go watch the hearings in progress to observe the latest action on an issue - I would heartily encourage you to do so.  The hearings are open to the public.
 
Prescription Drug help
Many seniors are purchasing unregulated and unapproved prescriptions from Canada, and there are a variety of legal, as well as serious health concerns about that trend.  If you or your parents need help finding affordable prescription drugs, please reply to this message and I hope to help.  The U.S. Senate just passed an expansion of Medicare that will include prescription drugs.  I am thrilled that both Senator Pat Roberts and Senator Sam Brownback supported this legislation, and I am anxious to see what the conference committee will submit for final approval - and the ramifications on our seniors, and the states.
 
Sales Tax workshop
The Overland Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a workshop to help local retailers better understand some of the new sales tax regulations.  The workshop will be Wednesday, July 2 from 8:00-9:30 am at the OP Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd.  RSVPs are encouraged, call 913-491-3600 or email opcc@opks.org.
 
Subdivision Chairs or District Drop-by
If you are interested in being a subdivision chair for my campaign, or in hosting a gathering at your house for your neighbors to come chat with me, please let me know.  Also - I will soon be announcing the "Save the Date" for an official fundraiser, so keep your eyes peeled.
 
That is about all for now, I'm TRYING to keep these short!  Enjoy your holiday weekend,
 
Stephanie Sharp
17th District, KS House
Serving Lenexa and Shawnee
 
PS:  CHECK OUT THE NEW PICTURES!  http://www.stephaniesharp.com/photoalb.htm