March 27, 2002
Quite a show on Tuesday as ADAPT and other folks came to
Topeka to say "Raise
our Taxes, not our scores." There were over 100 people at the statehouse
and
they made quite an impression.
The House today on an amendment made by Rep. Nancy Kirk, lowered the Level of
Care scores back down to 26 and it passed!
However the bill it was attached to did not pass. But it's a great sign
that
they heard the calls for leaving the score alone.
The House now takes the budget back to Appropriations for another bill,
hopefully with some new revenue this time and scores at 26!
As for the Senate, they have the budget committee reviewing suggestions.
Today, Sen. Morris proposed to leave the scores at 26. It's part of a package
offered by SRS and accepted by Sen. Morris. However, the rest of the
committee must approve it and then it goes to the full Senate for debate.
The good news is we are going in the right direction, the bad news is, we're
not close to being there yet. We have "miles to go before we sleep"!
Thanks to Senator Morris for his consideration, Sen. Hensley, who gets it and
to a lot of House members for their help, especially Rocky Nichols and Jim
Garner for their support.
Thanks to Mike Oxford, Greg Jones and everyone committed to the cause and all
who were open to last minute changes.
Also a big thanks to Gov Graves for all his support and I understand Joe
Delatorie came through with by keeping "Tent City" fed and warm. Joe
is the
best! And we understand Budget director Goossen filled in with a little
PAS
time last night when someone fell out of their wheelchair.
And a big thanks to Janet Schalansky and "team SRS" for coming
through with
an alternative to raising scores. We sure tell her when we don;t agree,
let's remember to thank her!
Many people to thank, but the most important was all of you who sacrificed to
get up there and make your voices heard, however you did it, you're the best!
Get some rest cause it ain't over yet!
Gina
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