8 February 2005

Governor continues focus on schools and health care in Southwest Kansas

LIBERAL, Kan. – Schools and health care were the main topics of discussion during Governor Kathleen Sebelius’ visit to southwestern Kansas. Good schools and affordable health care are crucial in bringing new businesses – and new jobs – to Kansas, Sebelius said during remarks made between events related to Liberal’s Pancake Day.

“I’m very concerned that the House leadership seems to have given up on finding a school finance solution,” the Governor said. “The Speaker claims time is too short to solve this crisis. I couldn’t disagree more. I intend to work with members of both parties who support our schools to find a solution.”

“Last year, we heard legislative leaders say ‘Wait until the Supreme Court rules.’ The Court has ruled, it is time for the Legislature to act,” she continued. “Continuing uncertainty will only hurt our schools and our economy.”

Sebelius reiterated the basic outline of an acceptable school finance solution.

“Kansas citizens and businesses won’t accept quick fixes and big borrowing, and they won’t accept dumbing down our school standards,” Sebelius said. “We need a real, long-term solution or else we could easily lose control of our schools to the courts.”

The Governor also discussed her health care initiatives, saying that Kansas must address the “quiet crisis” facing families statewide.

“One in six people living in Southwest Kansas has no health insurance. That rate is higher than anywhere else in the state. We have a moral obligation to ensure our kids receive health care,” she said.

“Beyond that, we have a strong financial motivation to help small businesses provide insurance to their employees and to reduce health care administration costs. Making health care affordable makes Kansas more competitive. That means more jobs,” Sebelius said.

Currently, the Governor’s proposal to streamline health purchasing within state government is being debated in the House Appropriations Committee.

“There are some political games being played. We’ve put forward a plan to maximize our clout in purchasing health care and in dealing with the federal government. Unfortunately, some people have chosen to throw up roadblocks instead of working with us on solutions. That needs to change,” Sebelius said.