Sebelius delivers State of the State, Neufeld wants details
11:11 p.m. Monday, January 14, 2008
They were born on the same day the governor was inaugurated for her second term, and Sebelius used them as her examples of the children who will inherit our state. She encouraged lawmakers to consider how the decisions they will make under the dome will affect l these two young Kansans, and thousands more like them.
"There are serious challenges facing our state and our nation," the governor said.
Challanges in education that the governor believes can be combated with state-funded all-day kindergarten, and incentives for future educators. There was a promise of funding for programs that will benefit the youngest Kansans, like little Kimberlin and Samuel Lovell.
But House speaker Melvin Neufeld criticized her lack of detail.
On the Health Policy Authority's health care proposals, Sebelius said, "I strongly encourage the passage of the health plan, in its entirety, this session."
On the environment, the governor said, "We can and we must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions."
On conservation, she said, "The cheapest and cleanest form of energy is energy we don't use in the first place."
Then came the controversial aspect of the energy debate. In October of 2007, the KDHE denied permits for two coal-fired power plants. The governor supported the decision.
House Speaker Melvin Neufeld openly opposed it, putting the governor and the speaker at opposite ends of the debate.
"We must resolve to settle our differences the way Kansans expect us to, not by looking back over our shoulders, but by looking to the future," Sebelius said.
Neufeld answered our questions about rumors that circulated after the coal plant decision, that he would hold up session until lawmakers maneuvered around the plant permit denials.
The entire speech and response
The 2008 State of the State address and the Republiican response is available here.
"That's just a nasty rumor, I don't operate like that," Neufeld said.
"These goals unite us as Kansas leaders," the governor said. "Working together, we can ensure a bright future for Kimberlin, Samuel and all Kansas children."
We'll find out that specific dollar amount tomorrow when her budget proposal is released.
Neufeld said despite the detail and dollar amounts he felt were missing in the State of the State address, he was glad to hear the governor talk about the importance of cooperation this session.
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