Local organizations voice concerns ahead of 2012 session
Against the backdrop of the Lawrence School District, representatives Tom Sloan, Terrilois Gregory, Barbara Ballard and Paul Davis were joined by their colleagues in the Kansas senate, Marci Francisco and Tom Holland to hear directly from their constituents on a host of issues ahead of next week's legislative session.
"Its very helpful for the whole delegation to hear at one time and get a sense of what are the issues that we want to be working on together," said Francisco.
Stacey Hunter Schwartz attended the forum on behalf of Independence Inc., an advocate group for Kansans living with disabilities. One of her concerns is all the changes in the state's SRS department.
She asked legisltors to help cutdown on the number of people waiting for personal care attendant services.
"3000 people on a waiting list for physical disability services," Schwartz said. "At some point they often give up and then the people wind up in a nursing facility which costs the state a great deal more money"
The group also heard from KU's Collegiate Veterans Association. "One of the biggest things is instate tuition for veterans coming back to Kansas," said KUCVA member Sara Sneath. "We want more veterans than just Kansas veterans to come here because they're such exceptional citizens."
Fr Lawrence representative Paul Davis Thursday's conversations will play a crucial role in the decisions local law makers make over the 90 day session. "We really rely upon citizens who have a good deal of knowledge about issues that are going to be in front of the legislature," he said. "It helps us make the right votes and shows an interest in the issues that are important to our community."
The 2012 legislative session begins January 9.