On this coming Labor Day, September the third, I salute the wisdom of the voters of the State of Missouri. On August the 7th, they voted to repeal their existing Right to Work law and helped restore some hope for me that the people, the voters, do have something to say and do have a role in how their government should operate. The vote was overwhelming, and I know that didn’t just happen on its own. Much work, including help from Kansas, went into educating the voter on what Right to Work really means and the benefits of workers having some of their strength restored at the bargaining table.  

It was just a year ago this weekend that I posted a blog on “The Labor Movement and the Middle Class.” I stand by what I wrote then in terms of the critical link between the labor movement and the success of the middle class. But, on reflection, if you had asked me at that time of the chances that Missouri would repeal their Right to Work law, I would have probably said slim to none. I would have said so because, as I wrote, the labor movement had been on a long decline. How could they possibly have the political muscle to achieve this goal? Oh for sure the labor folks worked hard and invested much in this effort. But I really believe what brought this success this time is they got the people to understand that what they wanted would be for the greater good of the State of Missouri, not just for union members and Unions in general.

As I put this salute together, I was reminded of a parallel experience growing up on and operating a dairy and Registered Holstein herd for many years. Most agricultural commodities had a checkoff so that, as commodities were sold, there would be money pooled to promote the product and fund further research and development into that commodity. For dairy, it was milk checks to go primarily towards marketing their product. It was put in place by a vote of those who produced and sold their milk to Co-Ops primarily. But when the majority vote took place and it came time to implement, the checkoff applied to even those who opposed the checkoff. There was no “right to sell” without the checkoff but with the benefits. Everyone participated. I also remember listening to dairymen defend their system and, at the same time, oppose labor’s view on Right to Work. Apparently, consistency doesn’t always govern.

Federal laws permit and enforce many mandatory commodity checkoffs. Meaning we currently require farmers to chip in “for the good of the group,” but when workers wish to pool together their resources for their collective benefit, we pass laws that essentially exempt people from having to pay into it. Afterall, the so-called “Right to Work” is really just the right to avoid paying union dues, while any benefits that result from the negotiations—​to the employees themselves or the labor market as a whole—​still come your way.

So I salute the repeal of Right to Work in Missouri, and I issue a warning to their Legislature. The initial reaction from the Republican Legislative leadership on the repeal is to consider the possibility of just passing a new “Right to Work” law. In their view, they are the all-powerful legislature and are in a much better position to know what is best for the state. If that is the case, the next people's movement just might be taking them out of office.

“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”  This message is posted right over the check-in desk at the lab where I have my blood tests on a regular basis. We do have bad days for sure. But I think, all too often, we fail to see or appreciate some part of the day that was good. When not appreciated, it is often our loss as well as missed opportunities to positively impact other folks or happenings.
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My most recent personal example was election day, August 7, 2018. The winners in the Primaries have now advanced to gear up for the general election in this critical election year, but in their wake, there are many other qualified and committed Kansans who offered up their names and life experiences to their fellow citizens and asked to represent them and work on their behalf. So how could something so depressing as losing an election that you and many others had put so much time and energy into have something good to acknowledge and benefit from? From personal experience, having lost three elections, I can say that it is not easy, and it often has to come days later. For Democrats, in the crowded field for Governor and 3rd District Congress, I am sure some of that reflection is still coming.

But as I look back now, I can see several positives. For starters, many candidates who lost will live to fight and win on another day, and within that group, there is a lot of talent that will be recognized and supported. Through their leadership, they will each continue to impact their communities and our state. And there will also be many valuable lessons learned from their campaigns that, in time, will have positive impacts. That is why the good and bad needs to be found, documented, and stand ready for the right opportunity to be used.

On a personal level, looking back on the Democratic Governors race, there was much good to appreciate. I got to know Josh Svaty and Katrina Lewison (as well as their spouses) much better and appreciate their huge potential for the future. I also got to listen to these two exceptional speakers election night, not just appropriately conceding to Senator Kelly, but also communicating their support going forward. They made it clear that the fight for a better Kansas goes on and that all Democrats must do their part. I also know there are hundreds and hundreds of Kansans across the state that feel the same and will be there to help now as well as with opportunities in the future.

The realities of our current system have made it even harder for qualified citizens to step up and offer their service. But, without good people with diverse experiences running for public office (and strong supporters working hard for something they believe in), we will never achieve the outcomes the people want and need. So to all those who have sought public office or given it serious consideration: We need you, and we need your leadership at all levels of government. The path to positive change will not always be an easy one; there will be bad days. But we must find the good in every day, and use it to drive the pursuit of progress.

What is it they say on solving crime and frequently mentioned on the various TV shows? Follow the money. Where does all that campaign money for members of Congress come from? How does it impact election results and most importantly how does it impact what Congress does or doesn’t do? In practice, we know it primarily comes from lobbyists and very wealthy citizens wanting to influence and control elected members of Congress. Because of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, there are no limits. And complementing that further is that much of that money is hidden from public view. So how do we hold our elected officials accountable? How do we know whether they represent us or greedy self interests?

Giving me some hope that the above doesn’t have to be the norm forever, a number of years ago a group was formed to help address some of the reforms so desperately needed in government. It is called the Reformers Caucus. It is made up of 200 plus former members of Congress and Governors from both parties who know from experience the necessities for change and that, without outside pressure, the changes will not be made. I joined a number of years ago. Titled Issue One, their first priority was to deal with the excessive impact of outside non transparent money influencing our politics.

“We the People of the United States,” our Constitution begins with these sacred words. The Preamble statement should remind us that the power and legitimacy of our democracy resides directly with us, its citizens. It is in that spirit that the Reformers Caucus is focused.

The priority for now is promoting transparency and disclosure. Given the Supreme Court and Citizens United using free speech as the anchor of their decision of no limits, we think the only logical change available to us at this time is making sure everything is disclosed and in a timely manner. That will allow citizens to factor in where the money is coming from in determining who they support. This would include super PACs and 501(c)(4) nonprofits.

Secondly, we want to encourage increased participation in the political process by providing incentives for small contributions. This would include allowing political parties to add together  their small contributions and have no limit on how it is divided up. This would change the dynamic between large and small contributors and could help grow the political parties. Our package would also reduce Pay-to-Play by banning registered lobbyists from making contributions or becoming fundraisers for congressional campaigns. Then of course strengthening enforcement would be a necessity.

It is just a start, but the Reformers Caucus is making progress in getting Congressional support. What we need now is public pressure to really succeed. That is where you come in. Please learn more about how excess money is corrupting our democracy. You can make a difference.

One of many lessons I teach students whenever the opportunity arises is the value of showing respect to anyone you seek to influence. This is particularly true in instances where you are trying to have an impact with someone who, you know in advance, vehemently disagrees with you. The reason of course is very simple. By being respectful, the conversation has potential to help get beyond your differences into learning more about your potential agreements and, ultimately, a compromise resolution to the conflict.

That is why the activism by the students of Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida (and the millions nationwide who joined them) is so impressive. I hope you had a chance to listen to some of the speakers at the D.C. rally and take note at how respectful they were of those who obviously disagree. They aren’t turning cars over or breaking laws to make their point. They are focused on the right way to truly have an impact and, so far, have put many of their adult counterparts to shame when it comes to engaging civilly without personal attacks or distractions. They are taking their case to the American people and pushing any and all who agree to make their message heard in policy-making and on election day. I hope to see their approach and their tone continue as they work to engage elected officials through town hall events and other advocacy efforts. This will have lasting implications, not only for the gun policy discussion but also for the future engagement of a generation that’s beginning to find its voice and take a more active role in shaping the world around it.

That is also why I took notice of a piece written by David Brooks of the New York Times, entitled “Trust and respect first, then compromise on gun control,” published in a recent edition of the Manhattan Mercury. I have long liked Mr. Brooks, a sound, but sane conservative from the old school, someone who is always respectful of others. In this article, he shared about a process for bringing together a mixture of far right conservatives and clear liberals, with the goal of building respect among each other. Only after that is achieved can you have any chance of working out your differences and coming to some compromise that serves the greater good.

Clearly Washington D.C. could use some help, and this seems to flow down into other levels of government and into our international relations as well. You might have noticed in representing the United States at the winter Olympics, Vice President Pence chose to totally snub the sister of the President of North Korea. Now that might at first blush seem very logical. But when you think about their growing capacity to do us serious harm, maybe a step or two of respect might have been a good investment for future successful diplomacy. But enough from me. I really want you to take time to read the Brooks article. It is most timely on a variety of fronts and if applied could make a difference in resolving, or at least taking mini steps, on some of our major challenges where there are polar differences and little or no respect for each other.

Fortunately, the task of reviving civility has received more attention in recent years (with different organizations and resources coming together), and perhaps it can gain more traction as we continue the task of strengthening our democracy for the 21st century. Each of our daily exchanges will help write the story. But the true test will be our ability to come together and solve problems—​both big and small—​today and into the future.

As we enter 2018, it is hard not to feel like we’re heading into some of the more consequential months of our history, at the national level as well as right here in Kansas. 2017 was a roller coaster year, and it seems this will continue into the current year, with an extremely influential election approaching us before 2018 ends. I will have more to say on national politics in later blog posts, but I’d like to start out this year with what we’re facing at the state level here in Kansas.

We begin the year with essentially two Governors and no one knowing for sure when and how that will change. Next Tuesday, Governor Brownback will deliver the State of the State Address to the Kansas Legislature and the citizens of Kansas. It had been assumed for months that it would be Governor Colyer giving the Address, but the workings of the U.S. Senate got in the way. It is assumed that this will get corrected when/if Brownback’s nomination is resubmitted. Why is this an issue? Politically, it complicates things for Lt. Governor Colyer. He had hoped to be leading the way, setting his own agenda, and in the process establish himself as an incumbent running for re-election.

In my judgement, the race for Kansas Governor in 2018 is more important for the future of this state than any preceding. Why do I say this? Because this election (in addition to the races for the Kansas House of Representatives) will decide whether, as a state, we once-and-for-all bury the Brownback agenda. We took a serious step in 2016 that led to the 2017 Legislature bringing a real breath of fresh air and progress to the state. The 2018 election will be a referendum on whether the people of Kansas like that direction or prefer to go back to the Americans for Prosperity approach of starving education, ignoring vital health care needs, underfunding basic state services, and neglecting our state's infrastructure.

We also start 2018 with what has to be the largest field of candidates ever for Governor within both parties and, to add to complication, a possible serious independent candidate. We are not used to this much interest and competition, especially Democrats, and from experience I know a little about how this changes things. In 1978, I had two serious, qualified opponents. It made fundraising a particular challenge because too many Democrats didn’t want to commit early or even before the Primary. On the flipside, it is fortunate for Democrats that with a very crowded Republican race that there is serious competition for the Democratic nomination. Without that, there would be no real press coverage or forums to reach the public until after the primary.  

This leads me to a very practical concern, especially for the very large field of Republican candidates. Without a run-off system (where there is a second election if the initial winner has less than 50%), the party’s winner might not really be the strongest candidate. For example, it could very easily be in the Republican race that the second finishing candidate might have much more support from those finishing down the line and would win a runoff vote. This is why most observers of our current Republican field believe clearly the early leader is Secretary of State, Kris Kobach. This is despite his being very unpopular in many Republican circles—​not to mention the scores of Kansans and Americans who are fed up with, among other things, his assault on the right to vote (part of which will face its day in court in March). With Kobach’s solid base of support, a crowded primary is much to his liking.     

This election has so much at stake, as starkly different political agendas will go head-to-head. With so much contrast in possible outcomes, hopefully participation from voters will be driven up, even in an August Primary. Ideally, there will be many public forums where you are able to evaluate the candidates side by side, free of the all-too-often false, misleading mailers and ads that we’ve become accustomed to, especially in this big-money era of politics. And, in the end, a new Governor—​who leads us into the future by bringing us together and not taking us back to the horrors of the last seven years—​must prevail.

For the country, last night’s results in Alabama could at some point down the road be looked at as the starting point of this country getting its act together. Yes, it was a victory for Jones over Moore. But most importantly, it was how this happened, how in the reddest of red states a Democrat could win against all odds. Moore had the President, the money, and the pressure from Republicans in general who understandably want to hold on to the majority in the Senate. Yet, the people of Alabama stood up for decency and rejected all that Moore represents in these challenging times. So how did it happen?

First of all, Jones was as good a candidate Democrats could have come up with for this race. He raised enough money to get his message out. He had apparently a great campaign staff. But the key was how he ran the campaign and the message he took to the whole state of Alabama. He worked the entire state, going into every county and organizing in those areas that most Democrats had been leaving alone. And his message was consistently moderate and more centrist. But most importantly, he made it clear he ran and will serve committed to getting things done, reaching across the aisle, avoiding as much as possible special interest politics, and staying on the issues the folks of Alabama raised as he campaigned.

The question now is will both parties learn from this and follow his general lead for the best interests of the country. The message I believe was clear for Democrats in 2018. Go to wherever the people are with your message but also listen. Keep the message focused less on ideological battles or wedge issues and more focused on the real changes the people want and need, remain committed to getting things accomplished (including working across the aisle to do so), and always look out for what would be best for the people you want to represent. For Republicans, their loss might just free them up to some extent from extremist politics. Just maybe the message might get through to the President that—as we've learned in Kansas—​even lifelong Republicans can be pushed too far to the policy and rhetorical fringes and begin to demand better. But what would be really great, for example, would be Mitt Romney taking on Hatch (in his 80’s and lost in extremism) in Utah and the country getting a sane, smart conservative that would only do it to get things done. It seems to me that a return to balanced, reasonable debate would not only benefit the country’s general discourse but also result in better policy on behalf of the people.

How this really works out, no one knows for sure. But at least for now there is a little hope that the country can say, “enough is enough” to the politics of disrespect and division.

This Saturday evening, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders here at K-State’s Staley School of Leadership Studies will be wrapping up a six-week Civic Leadership Institute. The Young African Leaders Initiative is facilitated through the U.S. State Department with the goal of helping develop the next generation of leaders in Africa. In all, there are 1,000 leaders studying at colleges and universities around the U.S. this summer who will bring their learning and newly-established networks back to their countries and continue to make change in their communities upon their return home. For the second straight year, the Staley School has had the pleasure of hosting this Fellowship. Twenty-five young but experienced Sub-Saharan African leaders, representing twenty three countries, make up the group. The time has been filled with class work and training sessions, interactions with local public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders, participation in some local civic engagement efforts, and making the most of a variety of experiences from Kansas City to Wichita. Building off our experience from last year, this year's program has not only been well-received but has proven once again to be of significant value.

As alluded to in my welcoming remarks six weeks ago, I made it clear then that the learning would go both ways, that we—​here at K-State and in Kansas—​would benefit significantly as well. That has certainly played out in real time. I was particularly struck by the candid comments from our visitors at a forum for local elected officials to share and answer questions. Just one example made clear by a young woman, Folasade Bamisaye from Nigeria, who shared during the forum that she was amazed that this country taxed feminine hygiene products. Here in this country there is little or not even discussion about this issue, much less action. So there is much that can be gained from a dialogue and exchange of ideas on the future.

Each of the Mandela Fellows is engaged across a wide array of issues, including: youth development, public health, gender equity, grassroots organizing, agricultural sustainability, and disability rights. The benefit of having six weeks is having the time to work on specific challenges they had in their leadership experiences in Africa. Naturally they all, as we do, want better ideas in general on how to lead effectively and mobilize people to address challenges. But they also focused on a couple specifics. They wanted to learn more about developing partnerships to work towards systemic change. And one piece in particular, that we all need to focus on, is the importance of utilizing volunteers more successfully.  

One of the unique aspects of this program is the one-on-one mentoring that takes place. Last year, my partner was Abdoul Salam Diallo from Guinea (pictured to the left). Our natural link was his family’s tie to milk cows, so as would be expected that put us together, but from there, our relationship grew to include more areas of discussion around his work. My partner this year is Ahmed M. Afi from Somali. Our connection is his direct interest in public service, and he has made some progress in that regard. His ambitions include being a national leader for Somalia, and given his knowledge, passion, and political savvy, I’m not going to be surprised at all if he achieves his goals. I certainly look forward to staying in communication, continuing to share lessons from my experiences, and knowing just how his plans are going.

Now, here is the not so good news. This program, along with many others, falls under the banner of “Foreign Aid” or investments in diplomacy. As you may know, these types of investments are currently under attack by the President, and it will be up to the Congress to—​as our country has historically done—​appreciate the value of investing in programs like this and other aid efforts. Stronger, well-prepared leaders for the future of Africa will help empower and mobilize citizens to address a range of issues that exist throughout the continent. Meanwhile, the ability to address community needs such as food insecurity not only helps these countries build for the future, but it’s also absolutely in our national security interest. Hungry people can easily be the target of self-serving leaders who prey on the needy to the benefit of themselves and, in the process, create an environment that is ripe for terrorist activity.
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It has been an absolute joy to spend time with the Mandela Fellows during these past six weeks, and most importantly, I look forward to the impacts that their leadership will make in the effort to build a healthier, happier, and more peaceful world for all.

Learn about each of the Mandela Fellows on the Staley School's blog or see more pictures on Facebook.

Recently, Senator Moran held a townhall meeting in Palco, Kansas. I include the “Kansas” part because I suspect many are not aware there is a Palco. Located in the western part of our state, they certainly represent an area that supported the President as well as the Senator in recent elections. The focus of the townhall was on healthcare, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare, and the Republican Senators and their plan to repeal and replace.

I’m impressed with how Senator Moran basically handled the meeting. One, I compliment him for going there and having the public meeting. Secondly, he obviously handled it well. He listened, said he understood their concerns, and left the impression he would work hard to address their issues. I’m also very impressed with Palco and the large number of citizens from around the area who turned out to question and listen to the Senator. They had their questions ready, were civil, and were respectful of Senator Moran. This is in contrast to many of his colleagues who have faced hostile crowds and for some, consequently, they just don’t have public meetings. But this meeting reflected the Kansas that we know and love: where people’s passion is matched by a level of respect and a willingness to listen and seek understanding.

However, there is still a lot of political pressure on the Senate from not just the President but right wing political interests in general. The assumption is that whatever the Senate can pass, the House would be under unbelievable pressure to just accept it and send it on to the White House for signature, thus carrying out a Republican campaign pledge of repealing Obamacare. The question of whether that is good public policy or not was behind much of the energy in Palco.

Senate Majority Leader McConnell is focused on trying everything to get the 50 votes for passage, knowing the Vice President would break the tie in their favor. From the outside, it looks difficult given that making the key moderate Senators comfortable loses a couple on the far right. This week, he has announced a delay in the vote because of the absence of Senator John McCain, who holds a key vote that McConnell will need in order to pass the bill. You know he is frustrated because he has now threatened to work with the Democrats, which from my point of view is exactly what should be done. And I believe it is very telling of their approach that bipartisanship is viewed as a last-ditch, worst case scenario to be used as a threat, rather than a critical step to passing legislation on behalf of all Americans. Like the ACA or not, it is in place, and as shared in Palco, there is support for many of the specific pieces of the law and it has undoubtedly made a difference in many people’s lives, which creates a lot of opposition to repealing it. Clearly the ACA has flaws, and this is where working together in a bipartisan way for changes could bring about a much better program, serving more Americans, and done more cost effectively.

So, Senator Moran, now is the opportunity for you to really shine. This is the time for you to stand up, speak out, and make a huge difference for the good of the country and as well for the future of the Republican Party. It’s an opportunity to be a beacon for what politics has been in the past and could be again in this state and country. You know what is on the table hurts too many Kansans and communities. Does improving the ACA have political risk? Yes. However, with four years before your next election, the positive changes would have time to have impact and will less likely be the albatross that some will say today. Of course this does not guarantee an electoral victory, but it may guarantee a better life for Kansans and citizens nationwide. And, having lost elections myself, I can tell you that there are far worse things that could happen. In fact, opportunities could open up that you’ve never dreamt of. I guarantee you would be busy sorting through all sorts of possibilities that would add diversity to your life experiences as well as some new leadership opportunities. Who knows, you could even live full time in Manhattan, Kansas.

July 18th Update: 
Just a few hours after I posted this blog, I was pleased to read that Senator Moran released a statement opposing the current version of the Republican health care bill. As several of McConnell's key votes have moved into the "no" column, it seems that—for now—the current version of the bill has no path forward. However, with that being said, the issue has still not been addressed, and the story is far from over. Credit goes to the many citizen activists who have stuck with the issue and persistently raised their voices to influence our elected officials to find a better way forward. And this engagement cannot stop now, especially with the news that Senator Moran now favors a repeal of the Affordable Care Act without a replacement plan in place. I'm glad he had the wisdom to listen to his constituents on the GOP's replacement bill, and I would encourage him to continue listening on this issue and many others.

In the June 12th New York Times, there was an excellent op-ed piece that Kansans should take pride in. The title was “Finally, Something Isn’t the Matter with Kansas,” written by Michael Tomasky. His title, of course, plays off of William Allen White’s famous essay, “What’s the matter with Kansas?” The focus of the article is the Kansas Legislature’s override of the Governor’s veto of the tax package. The piece is well-written and hopefully will be accurate in suggesting this action might just lead to a new and more positive direction in this country, which brings to mind another famous William Allen White quote from one of his later writings—​and one that I have referenced in past blog posts—​”When anything is going to happen in this country, it happens first in Kansas.”

But it’s the rest of the story, left out in this op-ed, that I want to focus on and what I believe will be needed if this kind of action is to spread. Contrary to the usual reporting, and reinforced in this op-ed, the new approach was not so much a change in the Republican direction on taxes as it was the bipartisan approach that made it possible. In the end, every single Democrat and enough rational Republicans cast their votes for a wiser way forward. The effort to override was backed by every former Kansas Governor of both parties. But maybe the most significant aspect is that much of the initial leadership came from a group of female legislators from both parties, working over a period of time, to lay out key elements of a tax package that ultimately passed.
 
Historically, both at the state and national level, it is this bipartisan approach that brings quite often the best of times. I think of Speaker Sam Rayburn and Senate Majority Leader Lyndon Johnson, both Democrats, working with Republican President Dwight Eisenhower that led to numerous successes, including the creation of the Interstate Highway System. It was Democratic Speaker Tip O'Neil working with Republican President Reagan that brought successful reform to the Social Security System. The successes I had as Governor came from working with the majority Republican leaders in the Legislature. Contrast these examples with Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell publicly stating that his number one priority was to oppose every measure President Obama wanted, including legislation that Republicans had once proposed and supported. And, also counter to positive results on our highway system and social security, is the Affordable Care Act, which did not have bipartisan support. Now, with Republicans in total control of Congress, there is the possibility of a new health care plan, replacing President Obama’s plan but, if passed, it will be done without Democratic votes. Isn't it likely as soon as the Democrats have the power there will be another change? Working together, for instance on the needed adjustments to the Affordable Care Act (which could garner both Democratic and Republican support), would result in a much better plan and the stability to positively impact health care over time.

On a larger scale, what it takes is members of both parties agreeing on the outcomes we want to achieve for the people of our state and country, keeping the future well-being of the people at the center of the process, and checking big money interests and bitter partisan wedge issues at the door while they work to achieve the results that the people want and need. Another key to this will be reestablishing the value of truth (even when it means accepting the hard truths) and agreeing on the facts at hand. For example, the more that Kansans understood our budget challenges, the easier it became to send representatives to Topeka who had looked at the facts and agreed on the problem—​which allowed citizens to more effectively voice their concerns and create a critical mass of support for the Legislature to work towards real solutions to the challenge at hand.
 
So, only time will tell whether what has happened in Kansas will spread across the country. Meanwhile, in Kansas—​in order for this direction to continue—​support for legislators from both parties who made progress possible must continue. And we should be judging future candidates by whether they support a solid, stable financial future for the state or a return to the reckless and failed fiscal and economic direction that landed us in this mess in the first place. The elections in 2018 and 2020 will determine whether this is truly a new direction for the state of Kansas or just a blip in the passage of time.​

Last night, the Kansas Legislature overrode the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 30 on taxes and, in so doing, restored credibility to the funding of state government. This tax bill will have a huge positive impact on the future of the state. The flawed Brownback experiment is over. It is very hard to overstate this fact. This bill includes a significant step in funding public education (more on this later). It should eliminate any need to continue to rob from the Department of Transportation, which will help restore funding of maintenance for our highway system. It will restore credibility to our state finances and should help the state’s credit rating. It will put a stop to the steady decline of support for funding state government and, to the credit of the Democrats who held out for a tax credit for Child Care, many young families will be helped.
 
At long last, the road to recovery begins, but it’s important to remember that this didn’t just happen by chance. It was possible because in 2016 the citizens of Kansas elected a much better legislature, and then they stayed engaged throughout a long and challenging session. It also happened because key leaders in both parties listened to their constituents, stepped up, and made the future of Kansas a top priority. That is why the votes were there to override the Governor’s veto. Raising revenue is never easy, and for some Republicans, going against their own Speaker and their own Governor was difficult. However, for the benefit of the entire country, the case of the failed Kansas fiscal experiment has proven (once again) that trickle-down economics does not work, and when voters are aware of the facts and realities, common sense and reason can prevail over rigid ideology and political entrenchment. In other words, facts matter. And, in the future, Kansas can continue to be a model for how to engage and overcome regressive policies and the “alternative facts” used to sell them.
 
The key leaders in the Senate were Senator Jeff Longbine, the elected Vice President of the Senate, and Minority Leader Senator Anthony Hensley. Very early in the process, they set aside partisan differences and openly worked together getting the necessary support in the Senate. In the House, I start with calling attention to the leadership of the tax committee, where much of the specifics were worked. Chair Steven Johnson and Ranking Minority member Tom Sawyer respected each other and closely worked together from the start, not always agreeing but always committed to a good final result. I also salute Majority Leader Don Hineman and Minority Leader Jim Ward. Don had the challenge of leading the Republicans with the Speaker who, except for the final vote, was against him. For Jim, keeping (for the most part) the 40 Democrats together (they all voted to override) was a challenge but key in getting 63 votes initially and 84 in the end. And the final critical component was the bipartisan Women's Caucus, who came together to work on a compromise that significantly influenced the bill that is now law. All Kansans can be grateful for and proud of their leadership.
 
I share this knowing many important decisions remain. But last night has made it possible for those decisions to be good for Kansas. I will close with this point. As I have shared many times, elections do have consequences. This great achievement would not have happened without the voters electing who they did in 2016. Keep that in mind as we move forward with the elections coming up in 2018 for both Governor and the House of Representatives.

Well the Legislature is back in Topeka, and surprise, surprise there is much talk about taxes and the budget and how to resolve these two key issues that will impact the state going forward. I made it clear in a previous blog, which assessed this Legislative Session up to the first adjournment, that it was not surprising that the major issues would still be around for the month of May. And here we are now, and the pressure is on.

Yesterday, a message went out from four former Kansas Governors. The message sums up very well the challenge and importance of getting the tax and budget resolutions done in a way that best addresses the real problems we face. As stated, ”half measures and quick fixes won’t get the job done.” There will always be political hurdles to raising taxes, even when done part-way. So why not have something very positive to show for the effort and the risk taken? Not going far enough will, for example, lead to continued robbing of the highway fund to get by and will guarantee even more negative results for the state. Truly solving the budget crisis will require bipartisan cooperation and courage to do what is in the best long-term interest of the state, and I hope that this experienced perspective from our former Governors of both parties can help encourage legislators to govern the state not just for the next election but for the future of all Kansans.

What I want to add is this: A big problem in underfunding key services is that the taxpayer in many ways will, over time, find themselves in an even worse financial situation. You can read more about this in my blog post, “Lower Taxes Aren’t Always Lower.” But the bottom line point is that properly funding schools and taking care of our infrastructure are wise investments for communities and the State of Kansas. When not adequately done, the quality of public school declines and highway maintenance gets far behind—​which only leads to even higher costs to repair and replace that neglected infrastructure down the road. All the while, the tax burden remains (or even increases) while communities and the state decline. You find businesses not wanting to stay or expand in Kansas, and your best talent looks elsewhere to raise a family and serve their economic needs.

What surprises me most is who some of the opponents of properly funding education and infrastructure are. They present themselves as sound conservatives who look at these issues through a business investment perspective. But, for some reason, they don’t make the transfer of sound investment in business to funding our infrastructure and public education. Until recently, the modern state has always played a very important role in funding these two key needs. To fail now will severely harm our future, and the negative impacts will only multiply over time.

Please join us former Governors and many other responsible leaders in both political parties in expressing support for both the repeal of the LLC exemption and amending the tax structure to raise the money that will fund the budget deficit. Write, call, email, visit, post, whatever you can do to engage legislators who may be on the fence and thank those who are working cooperatively and courageously to solve problems in the best long-term interest of the state. Let the legislators know there is strong support for wisely investing in education and infrastructure; your persistence could make the difference.

According to a story today in the New York Times, the President’s tax proposal being informally presented today brings back the Laffer Curve—​first shared by Arthur Laffer to key Republicans in 1974, including Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. But most important to Kansans is the Laffer-Brownback partnership on tax reform that has brought us the financial disaster of the last five years.

That brilliant move has wrecked school finance funding, cut highway maintenance to a bare minimum, and in general put many very needed state programs in financial stress. As William Allen White once said: “When anything is going to happen in this country, it happens first in Kansas.” In this case, it is the blowback from our trickle down experiment that ought to send a message to Washington policymakers that this dog just won’t hunt. For more on this idea, you can read my blog post about the next story to “happen first in Kansas.”

It will be interesting how the Kansas Congressional delegation reacts. They not only have the benefit of knowing how the curve didn’t work in Kansas but also the election results of 2016, which made it clear that voters are also aware of its failures, and they acted accordingly. Tax reform should be on the Washington agenda. What we need is the President bringing together key members of Congress of both parties with different approaches and challenging them to work for real and sane reform. I know how unrealistic that might be, but we as citizens need to be pleading for that direction.

In the coming years, I believe the Kansas Legislature—​and our state in general—​could become a model for needed change in this country, by showing how to engage and overcome these failed policy ideas and deal with their disastrous results. And so, with a little encouragement from the people of Kansas, we have the opportunity to make William Allen White right again. ​

The truth shall set you free. Yes. But it probably won’t get you elected (or so it appears), and apparently, it is no longer an expectation for high public office. Everywhere you look, we now have alternative facts, fake news, and Pinocchios. I’ve been around this issue since the 1976 election and know for sure that the truth, from time to time, is stretched even going back to our country's earliest days.

The problem is that, in last year’s election, lying was such a successful political tool that it is now clearly carrying over into post-election time. We already had problems with outside money influence, but now with truth being in short supply, the challenges only grow. We already have far too many citizens totally turned off, and if this continues, it only guarantees that the special interests with money will win more and more often. That is not good for our democracy or for the people.

I reference my ‘76 experience because it was my first time when blatant falsehoods were used against me. I barely survived, but I became Speaker and then Governor so some might say, “no harm no foul.” Certainly, I was very lucky to have run in the years that I did, when truth was a far more regular participant. After that ‘76 squeaker, I remember sharing what I had experienced with a party leader across the aisle. His response was, “Come on John, that is just politics.”

Well, it has never been easy for me to accept that fact. I went so far in later campaigns to have my ads, in advance of using them, taken to the press to show the documentation backing up my message. On reflection, it was a total waste of time, as my opponents didn’t document anything and the press was generally uninterested. Being unable to backup a claim was something I wanted no part of. What I must add is that after the election, truth was expected and usually delivered with support from both sides of the aisle. I fear that is quickly changing and is driven by action at the top, both here in Kansas and now in Washington, D.C.

But when lying gets to the Presidential level and doesn’t stop when the election is over, we now have a problem that should concern us all. Deciding what direction to go, what specifics to implement, is difficult enough when the basic numbers are accepted. Today, elected officials look at the same problem but see totally different things. Our only hope is back to the citizens knowing the difference and making it clear that they will not accept lying as the way this great country operates.

To further amplify the message, I share this article from actor and patriot Sam Waterston, "The Danger of Trump's Constant Lying." If any of this resonates with you, pass it along. Time is of the essence.

With the Kansas Legislature taking the week off, now is a good time to assess where, as a state, we are. Overall, I am very pleased with the first seven weeks of the 2017 Legislative Session. Topping the list of positives would be the totally improved capitol environment. There is a much friendlier atmosphere and certainly more communication and willingness to work together across party lines. It is my opinion that this is the result of electing so many new legislators who are committed to solving the real problems, rather than just adding “Legislator” to their resume. Leadership on both sides of the aisle seem more committed to doing what is best for the state. But then again, this is only after seven weeks, and so much can and will happen—​both good and bad—​in the remaining time.

The new House and Senate members who Save Kansas—​which all our living former Governors support—​played a role in electing have been making several positive contributions. So far, despite being new, they are not only following through on their commitments with the votes they cast but also, in many cases, are providing strong leadership. Normally, I might advise and expect new members at this point to listen, stay in their seats, and let the veterans take the lead. But, given the struggles of recent legislative sessions, I am most happy with the way they are engaged. In my opinion, the state is going to really benefit from the class of 2016—​hopefully for years and terms to come.

As to specifics, on the positive side of the issue ledger, it appears the remaining budget questions for Fiscal Year 2017 (ends June 30) are resolved without making further cuts. The leading success to date that I wrote about last week is the progress towards repealing the Governor’s tax experiment. But the House didn’t stop there. They went on to pass Medicaid expansion with 80 plus votes and also a bill to restore due process rights to our state’s educators. All of this is just more evidence of how much the election of 2016 is positively impacting Kansas.

I also continue to be encouraged by the level of engagement from the citizens of our state, who have been pushing for change and sustaining their energy and focus on the problems that need solving—​both during the election cycle and throughout the first weeks of the session. This element will be absolutely critical to any successes moving forward.

On the negative side, what stands out for me is the unwillingness to address the rightful concern about guns on campuses. Even just focusing this issue on KU Medical Center couldn’t get out of committee. I will have more to say on this soon, but suffice to say I want to believe common sense will prevail before sine die adjournment in late May.

In this morning's Washington Post, the headline read: “Republicans' "real life experiment" with Kansas’ economy survives a revolt from their own party.” It seemed to read like real effort was made but came up short. That is true, but we’re in the seventh week, not the last or close to adjournment. I want to look at yesterday as a victory, as a huge first step in establishing a clear message, translated into votes, that Kansas is going to change back to sane fiscal policy, and it will take that giant first step before this session is over. There is a long way to go, but finally there may be some positive news coming out of Kansas—​an indication that the people and their representatives are ready to start turning things around and fixing the damage done by a reckless and failed fiscal experiment.

I believe that strongly. I was truly disappointed initially. To come so close and then be three votes short in the Senate was difficult to instantly cheer. But then it soaked in that Kansas really had taken a very significant step. We have the House on record voting to override the Governor on House Bill 2178, repealing the Brownback experiment, and I believe that vote tally will hold if not grow. Once 45 Republican Representatives have taken that step, it makes no sense politically to turn back. As to the Senate, I like the number 24 much more than 16. It clearly means that you have the numbers to pass legislation that the public supports. We just need three more votes, and I very much believe they are there.

Keep in mind that in the seventh week of the session, traditionally on major and challenging issues, you would never think either body would be ready to pass something so significant and so important. There are at least three Senators who, at some point, will be ready to support what the state so desperately needs. Getting a little extra encouragement from voters in their districts could help do the trick, especially as we head into the "turnaround" break (through March 6th) where legislators will most likely be back home to hear from constituents.

For engagement with individual legislators, my last blog post shared some tips for engaging as well as some resources to help you make contact. The House and Senate rosters have email addresses and phone numbers for each legislator, or you can use this website to look up your representatives based on your address. Also, remember the State Library’s toll free hotline number (1-800-432-3924) where reference and research librarians are available to answer questions on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, or policy issues, and your calls are confidential. The State Library can also be contacted via text message at 785-256-0733, email, or even a live chat with a librarian through their website.

I encourage citizens to connect directly to the members’ offices, meet with them in person in their districts or at the Capitol, and find ways to share your feelings on the importance of getting this done. It is the best of a democracy when the citizens are engaged and actively working with the elected officials to get things done. So let’s stay engaged. Good things will happen.

The disastrous first weeks of the Trump administration have been met with a wave of activism and engagement unlike any in our history. Beginning on January 21st, the Women’s March broke all sorts of records for the numbers marching in Washington D.C., across the country, and around the world. Next, the Trump administration and their immigration policies set off another round of protests across the country. In some ways, this round of protests was even more impressive, in that they sprung up instantaneously. All impressive for sure. But the lasting impact will, for the most part, depend not only on organized groups but also individuals who must accept a responsibility to take action and hold their elected officials at all levels accountable.

As we learned from the massive engagement effort involved in opposing several of President Trump’s cabinet picks—and the Republican Senators who failed to listen to their constituents—this is not always easy or 100% successful, unfortunately. Which illustrates exactly why that passion needs to be joined by persistence. Only a sustained effort over time is likely to succeed. In fact, the Trump administration, by running through so many controversial issues so fast, is likely counting on “resistance fatigue”—an attempt to overwhelm the opposition to the point where a movement either loses either momentum or interest. So what can our citizen engagement efforts do to overcome this?​

1. Join or support organized groups: Many of the contacts with elected officials can and will be made through staff of organized groups. Their role is important because they have resources to gather vital research, the capacity to officially testify, and infrastructure to repeatedly deliver the message. But for the cause to succeed, in many cases it will be civically-engaged citizens individually or part of an organized group just speaking up and sharing their stories, that will most likely impact the politicians’ decisions. Why? Because they are the voters.
2. Commit to persistently raising your personal voice: So, for those voters, there are several ways one can communicate to elected officials. You can write letters, make telephone calls to their offices, make use of social media, or just show up in their office requesting a visit, at minimum with staff. For me, telephone calls can be most effective. When the phones light up, it gets everyone’s attention. The phone call is immediate, not delayed by delivery time nor put off with the task of opening the mail or email or easily sifted through, as many of the form letters or pre-written messages can be. It can also be much more personal, when delivered with some passion. As I’ve shared before, the number to the Congressional Switchboard is (202) 225-3121, and for Kansas, look up your legislators to get their contact information. A recent example where this paid off in Congress was a few weeks ago, when they were going to eliminate the Ethics Committee. All hell broke loose. Citizens didn’t like what they heard, and most importantly, they let the individual members know. Within hours after the telephones lit up, the plan was reversed. It was citizens making it clear how they felt, and it was truly spontaneous. Will you always get your way? Most likely not, which is why persistence is key. So your voice—and yes, even your voicemail—matters.
3. Stay informed, and have a long memory: There are many ways to keep an eye on the issues that matter most to you. Make use of the technology at your fingertips to support fact-based journalism, follow feeds and social media accounts that keep you informed on issues, and find ways to archive or keep track of particularly informative content—so it can be used and referenced later when the time comes for action. There are also services to help reference specific legislation or follow issues as they come up. For Kansas, the State Library services can be particularly helpful. They can be contacted by phone (through their toll-free legislative hot line, 1-800-432-3924, or via text message at 785-256-0733), email, or even a live chat with a librarian through their website. Reference and research librarians are available to answer questions on legislation, legislative procedure, state government, or policy issues, and your calls are confidential. Again, be sure to remember what you’ve learned when it comes time to engage or cast your vote.
4. Build community: Build a network that’s ready for the long haul. Events and rallies are effective for bringing people together, but what can you do to keep that momentum going and/or keep the group connected when engagement will be needed down the road? This is another area where technology can be very helpful. For both formal and informal networks, organization and communication are critical. Your social groups, book clubs, and civic organizations are all networks that can be mobilized, and they function because each member has some sort of "buy-in." So establish a routine that you’ll stick to, and don’t forget to have some fun in the process. You’re all there for serious business, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the time together. Some of my best memories have come from the community that is formed by a committed group of people who care. A sense of community can help ensure that all members have a connection to the group and a way to help “recharge their batteries” for a sustained effort.
5. Engage civilly: If your group is ready to start talking to fellow voters, be ready to do so with respect, civility, and factual accuracy. One quote that helps with this is, “seek first to understand, then to be understood.” To put it simply, listen. What are they saying? Where are they coming from? Then, you can begin to introduce your thinking. Is there any common ground? If so, start from there, and work your way out. If not, what is the real root of the disagreement? Get beyond politically-charged rhetoric, focus on the real issues and the source of disagreement. If you reach the root and are at an impasse, agree to disagree, but do so very specifically. In other words, if you don't agree on something, at least acknowledge the grounds for the disagreement, and keep future engagements either focused on, or working around, that—without delving into the realm of personal attacks or looking to drum up “alternative facts.”​ ​

​I plan to continue discussing these issues on my blog in the coming weeks and months. But to sum it up, your follow-through will make a difference. Politicians can be persuaded if their re-election is threatened. So make the calls, build for engagement today, and organize for tomorrow. They need to know you are serious. And if you are really serious, please pass this message along to others who are looking to engage and grow their impact. "The more, the merrier" really fits here.

Public education is critical to our democracy, but there is no real evidence that Betsy DeVos has any commitment to its mission of education and equal opportunity for all students.

Mr. President, why appoint a 100% private education advocate to run the Department of Education? I know the Cabinet at large was looking too white and too male, but surely you could have found someone who thinks public education is important today and in our future. Whether competent or not, it would at least look better.

To our Senators from Kansas, one of whom has already approved her for confirmation in a committee vote, a reminder that Kansans of all political stripes support public education. If you vote for her on the floor of the Senate, which is a choice you have, don’t ever come back to Kansas and say you support public education, because you don’t.

Kansas school districts have unique challenges, and federal support can play a role in addressing them. Yes, most of the responsibility for public schools is with the states and local school districts, as it should be. But there are key areas where the input and resources can make a difference, like with the Junction City school system for example where the presence of Fort Riley brings additional challenges. The same goes for our rural school districts as well. Also, because education is so critical to our nation’s future, it makes total sense that there be a national leadership role, not just monitoring but helping lead reform measures to improve the system nationwide.

Ms. DeVos is as pure a private education advocate as one could find anywhere in the United States. Her only experience at any level is with private schools. In addition, she is a strong supporter of having guns in our schools, and when asked for her reasoning, she said you never know when a grizzly bear might show up in the classroom. Well, I’d encourage her to listen to what teachers have to say on this issue and many others. I have a feeling most would agree that DeVos herself poses a much greater threat to our schools than grizzly bear attacks do.

What I suspect, and fear, is that this is just the first move toward abolishing the Department of Education. If she’s confirmed, it will not surprise me at all if Ms. DeVos finds all sorts of “problems” with the Department and “reluctantly” comes to the President recommending it be shut down. The future of “education for all” is directly at stake in this upcoming vote. Every Senate Democrat and two Republicans have already agreed to vote “no.” Will there be others who join them to stand up for public education?

The number to the Congressional Switchboard is (202) 225-3121. Your engagement could make the difference.

Today marks two years since the launch of my website and social media presence! It’s been another exciting year of growth and learning! I’ve enjoyed hearing from my fellow Kansans and Americans about the issues they care about, and through the website and blog, I’ve also had the opportunity to discuss several of the issues I see as important to our future. So for the many who have been engaged with this site, I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for being part of this new journey for me.

As I’ve shared before, Civic Engagement is my passion. And, in our challenging times, it also represents the on-going quest to form that “more perfect union” envisioned by our founders. It is rooted in the idea that the future of our communities and our country must be continually shaped by “We the People.” I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to live out this value as a public servant, a teacher of Civic Leadership, and now as a fellow citizen through this website. This is the true definition of a “passion project” for me that involves reaching out and engaging as many people as possible with the issues and challenges facing our future.

In the second year, we’ve built on the success of Year One, grown our following to over 2,300 on Facebook, and reached tens of thousands more with our posts—through your Likes, Comments, and Shares. The site receives around 500 page views on an average day and can top over 10,000 on days when particularly engaging content is shared. Growth on Twitter has picked up throughout the past year, with over 400 followers to date, and I will continue to provide timely updates, including some that are available exclusively on Twitter.
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I was also proud of what this online community was able to accomplish through issue-education and voter readiness leading up to the 2016 elections. It has always been my goal through this site to avoid partisanship and keep the focus on the information that citizens will need in order to make their own informed decisions at the ballot box and become active voices for change in their communities. I believe this network was able to make an impact, at a time when more Kansans are coming to understand our challenges and commit to being part of the solutions.

​Below is a highlight from each month of Year Two! Hover over the photos to read the titles, and click on the image to read each post:

So what’s on the horizon for Year Three?

• As current events unfold, I’ll have plenty more to share on both state and national issues, along with more stories and examples from my personal experiences to be incorporated into future blog posts.
• With help from various media outlets, the State Archives, and a lot volunteer hours on the part of my sister, Ann Carlin Ozegovic, we’ve collected more photos to share in “Throwback Thursday” posts and future blogs.
• The guest contributor section of the site—the Leader Corner—will continue to add more voices and more issues for discussion in the coming year.
• In the Leading and Learning Moments section, you’ll find a set of short YouTube videos on several areas of learning that I discuss in my classes and can be used for personal or organizational learning on leadership. ​This year, I’ll be releasing a new set of videos and more resources on Civic Engagement that can be helpful in community-focused work, engaging elected officials, involving others in the democratic process, and mobilizing others in efforts for change.
• ​Many of the challenges we face can only be solved through true listening, cooperation, and collaboration. Across all the differences that divide us, our nation must heal, we must seek common ground, and we must come together for the sake of our future. This does not mean abandoning our beliefs and values but simply treating other ideas and opinions with respect and a willingness to listen and seek understanding. There really was a time in politics when we could “disagree without being disagreeable,” and it is my hope to continue pushing for a revival of this type of civility in our discourse—as we usher in a new era of what it means to be an active, informed, and engaged citizen.

​Again, I am very grateful to all who have followed the website and social media, shared the content, referred a friend to the site, or added your voice to the conversation. Through the online community we’ve built together, more voices can be engaged, more issues can be explored, and more dialogues can continue to shape our future. My goal with this site is to reach people of all backgrounds and political stripes and encourage them to own the many challenges we face and help lead the changes—both big and small—that will be necessary for the future of our communities, our state, our country, and the world. I hope you’ll consider joining me, as we continue to grow together in 2017!
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If you have about three minutes to spare, I'd appreciate hearing some of your feedback in the short survey below. This information will help shape the upcoming year of growth and engagement!

​As we head into the inauguration of our 45th President, why is it that so many are still shaking their heads? What influence did fake news, false tweets, and Russia have on the final results? Well, I don’t know for sure, although bonehead moves by the opposition didn’t help either. What I do believe is this: Any and all who have serious concerns about what the current makeup in Washington might do will need to get beyond the election, avoid obvious self-serving partisan rhetoric, and get and stay on legitimate messages about key issues by focusing on educating the public and making the case.

As to why the Donald’s approach works, I believe it is tied to a couple of things. First and foremost, there are lots of understandably frustrated folks who not only feel they have been left behind but that the establishment doesn’t care. They, for the most part, don’t follow the issues in great depth. They don’t have the time given the pressures they are under. That greatly helps someone like Trump, with his tweeting approach to communication. He understands salesmanship and the value of entertaining an audience that is looking for something to again give them hope. They don’t know for sure if what he says will work, but for the moment, it certainly appeals to them more than the opponent who was written off automatically as a member of the establishment.

Bottom line for the minority party in Washington is that their slinging tweets and personal attacks will not work. Donald Trump is better at that, and if we continue to fight him on his turf, his home field advantage will only serve him, his message, and his agenda. I also hope that the Democrats will not miss opportunities to compromise and partner with the new President when it is in the best interest of the American people. Some of his comments, for example on health care, seem to indicate an opening. I certainly do not want them to repeat what the Republicans did when President Obama came into office: making it clear that their number one priority was seeing to it that he wouldn’t get re-elected. Well, he was re-elected. But, because of their approach, a lot of important and needed change was not accomplished, even in areas where the two parties may have been able to find common ground. That approach didn’t work for the Republicans, it won’t work now for Democrats, and it especially won’t work for the best interests of the country.

What we need Saturday from the marchers protesting in Washington D.C. and capitols around the country is a clear message that there will be strong, yet responsible, opposition to many of Trump’s ideas. There are alternative and better ideas in most cases, and the agenda certainly should include some of the concerns of those who voted for him. For example, the changing and increasingly more technology-driven economy puts real pressure on finding new ways to create opportunities for the many that currently are left out.

Repeating the old ways won’t work, in rhetoric or in practice. We need all hands on deck for this one, and that includes citizens staying informed, staying involved, and pushing for action.

​As we look to the opening of the Kansas Legislative session next Monday and the Governor’s State of the State address on Tuesday, let us be mindful of the huge set of challenges ahead for Kansas to recover from the failed policies of the last six years. It will be more difficult and complicated than any governmental challenge I can recall in my lifetime. To be successful, at least three things need to happen. One, we need to make sure the whole story of our fiscal mess is out on the table and understood by the public. Second, we need to understand that despite the progress of electing more moderates in 2016, unless the new President finds a job for our Governor, we will have him for two more years. And third, we have to be very careful not to fall into a trap that is packaged as a strong first step in dealing with our problem.  

It is to that latter point that I wish to comment on today. The announcement that the two new chairs of the two tax committees would be pushing immediately for repeal of the Limited Liability Corporation tax cut sounds so encouraging. They even want to make it retroactive to January 1 to make the most of helping the state out of its fiscal crisis. However, in truth, this is nothing more than an effort to protect the bulk of the other negative changes in the Governor’s failed tax experiment. To his credit, Representative Jim Ward, the new House minority leader, quickly pointed out that this action makes dealing with the bigger, more complicated challenges even more difficult. "The question is: How many of these votes do you want to take?" Ward said. "And if you're going to take serious steps to address the problem—which is a structural budget problem—shouldn't we have a comprehensive approach?"

From the far-right perspective, repealing the tax exemption makes good sense. Privately, supporters of the original tax cut know that a majority of Kansans want change and admission that the experiment didn’t work. By sounding responsible, they know their chances of protecting the remainder of the tax experiment increases. This is because many legislators will feel they have done their part and will not support any other steps that are necessary to really get the job done.

The Republicans and Democrats that were elected to address the mess must now be very strategic, politically wise, and patient for the right time and way to really take the steps to restore Kansas to solid positions it previously had. That is, wisely investing in quality public education, understanding that taking care of our infrastructure makes good business sense, and that supporting our most vulnerable citizens is not only right but is also in the state’s best interests.

The effort by so many responsible citizens to bring success in the 2016 elections must be continued now or that progress will be very short-lived. We must share this reality, support those who want to really address the challenges, and be wisely patient for the best interests of the state.

I’ll plan to discuss this and many other issues throughout this legislative session as events unfold. In the meantime, if this resonates with you, help spread the word. Tell your legislators you understand that positive change will take time. Bring the message to others. We citizens must step up and be an active part of the solutions. It won’t happen without us.