THE GOVERNOR’S State of the State speech Monday night was full of promise for the future — the plan to establish the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at Manhattan, the intent to create a national center for cancer research and treatment and an announced purpose to make the state a leading producer of green energy and a hub for energy transmission in the Midwest.
But the immediate news from the speech was not as good. To meet the challenge of the recession, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius planned to offer today a budget proposal, which she said would reduce spending and not require tax increases. To reduce spending, Sebelius says, state government will go on a diet. Most agencies will face reductions in their budgets; some state facilities will be closed. Some programs will be ended and freezes will be imposed on state hiring.
The governor said that these things can be done without harming the state’s education system or services to the most vulnerable Kansans.
There were no surprises in that for the lawmakers. They are just as aware as the governor — and most Kansans — of the challenges the recession represents. Business as usual must wait while the state buckles down to bail out the sinking boat.
But the governor did not spend the evening spreading gloom. Most of her address was about what is right — or someday will be right — about Kansas. Her tone was optimistic.
“The promise of our future must not be forgotten in the problems of the moment,” she said.
That is worth keeping in mind today, as the Legislature receives the governor’s budget message, and for the rest of what is likely to be a painful and contentious session.
Patrick S. Kelley
Editorial Page Editor
Comments
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Posted by bobhornet (anonymous) on January 13, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To put it more correctly, her message was long on dreams and short on substance. Just how does she plan to prepare Kansas for a brighter future when year after year we take money from higher education, for example? Just what are the governor's plans to shore up our state's finances while protecting valuable investments in our state's future?
“The promise of our future must not be forgotten in the problems of the moment,” she said. Well I say that some of the problems of the moment directly threaten the promise of our future. Now let's hear some concrete solutions, Madam Governor, instead of passing the buck.
Posted by dale011 (anonymous) on January 13, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
don't hold your breath bobhornet, she's on the way out and Obama didn't pick her up, so our problems remain just that, ours.
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