Note:  I sent this out on Monday, but apparently there were some problems with the send, so I'm trying, trying again!

May 25, 2003

Friends:
 
The last email I sent was just as the session was ending at 5:00 am, May 6th, so many of you have asked if I have recovered...  Barely - many of us went to breakfast following adjournment, so I was hitting the hay as everyone else was going to work!  After sleeping almost the entire day, I packed up everything in Topeka and started my "regular job" the next day (see below).
Please notice the change in email addresses.  Because there will be campaign-style information in the off-session email communications, this account is separate from official business.  Feel free to use the regular ssharp@ink.org, but I will reply to campaign-related questions via a non-official email address.  Confusing, yes, but I don't want any "gray" areas between campaign and official business!  Thank you for your patience.
 
Legislative
 
As you may have heard, new revenue estimates were released today.  In just one month, the May revenues fell $41 million below estimates that were just made in late April.  So, until June 30th, we only have about $44 million in the state coffers.  These numbers are the worst in months, and we don't have a lot of cushion in case June isn't significantly better.  Please pray - and patronize your local businesses (we could use the sales tax revenue!).
 
Personal
Currently, I am working under two contracts.  The Kansas Immunization Action Coalition hired me to travel to nine target counties, training doctors how to increase their immunization rates for children aged 0-35 months.  In addition, Shawnee Mission Medical Center has hired me to do some grant writing and event planning work in an effort to make the public more aware of the services and programs available at the hospital.
 
Check out my website for new pictures of my brother's wedding, and some pictures from the House floor.  Click here: http://www.stephaniesharp.com/photoalb.htm
 
Opportunities
 
Upcoming fun opportunities to get involved in your legislative district:
 
1.  Old Shawnee Days Parade:  SOON!  Saturday, June 7, arrive by 9:30 am (meeting place TBD, depending on how many folks we have)
If you or your children (preferably junior high and older - the total route is about 2 miles) would like to be a part of my entry, I would love to have you!  I will have a convertible with my car signs and candy, and we walk (it would be fun to have some kids on bikes, too) the route handing out candy and stickers.  Parades are a lot of fun because you see a lot of people you know!  Please reply to this email as soon as possible if you want to join the parade crew, all I ask is that you wear a red shirt and bring extra energy!
 
2.  Lenexa Community Days Parade:  Saturday, July 4, arrive by 9:30 am (meeting place TBD)
This is the same deal as the OSD Parade, candy, stickers, wear a red shirt and a smile!
 
3.  Subdivision Chairs:  Instead of a traditional campaign committee, I set up a grassroots committee of subdivision chairs, this makes our district more neighborhood-based.  Basically, a subdivision chair is the contact person in their subdivision for my campaign, whether that be helping to set up a town hall meeting for your subdivision, passing out yard signs for your area, or simply reminding your friends and neighbors to vote, etc.  This requires very little time on your part, but it is a HUGE help to me.  In a local campaign like State Representative, donors, whether they donate time or money, are crucial to the success of a campaign.  I need you!  To join the team, please respond to this email and let me know the subdivision in which you reside.
 
Question of the Week!
Eric Bean of Lenexa had the correct answer to the final trivia question, there have been 18 Republican Presidents of the United States.  Eric wins a Seal of Kansas lapel pin.
 
This issue's question:
 
Who was the youngest woman elected to the Kansas House of Representatives, when was she elected, and how old was she?
 
Until next time, as always, please do not hesitate to contact me about any issues of importance to you.
 
Stephanie Sharp
17th District, KS House
Serving Lenexa and Shawnee
913-579-4376