Kansas is one of those states that makes too many democrats say "I don't know if there is motivation to change", and they stay away. Today, Paul Davis opened his Lawrence, Kansas offices to the public and met with rounds of volunteers in Roeland Park. How did it go?
In a meeting expected to reach about 40-45 potential volunteers, more then 100 people showed up to voice their support to put boots on the ground and make change for Kansas.
If you ever feel as though their aren't enough democrats motivated to get out from behind their keyboards and make some real change, meetings like this one in a red state can remind you what it is all about.
We are 14 months away from a major election in Kansas... one that will determine a lot about the direction of our state, which has become a testing ground for radical conservative policies.
Kansas has moved during the Brownback term to alienate members and to make life difficult for most.
Our government has encouraged us to believe that areas of our state that are democratic are living in 'spiritual darkness'
http://www.kansascity.com/...
my blog take: http://www.dailykos.com/...
We've battled a Governor who has decided that public support systems are 'bad'
"We have substantial poverty in Kansas," Brownback said. "I don't think the federal model for reduction in poverty is working. We've got to change the trajectory on the policy mix. Instead of giving people a pittance of money from the government, let's push people into work."
http://cjonline.com/...
And, in an effort to change the discussion of poverty has decided that if you aren't working a job, maybe you shouldn't get food stamps.
Tawny Stottlemire, executive director of the Kansas Association of Community Action Programs, said there was conflict between the governor's campaign pronouncements and reforms implemented by his administration.
"It is amazingly curious to people who work in the anti-poverty arena on a day-to-day basis," she said. "The policy discussions are disconnected with the governor's policy objective. This administration seems to want to decrease poverty by making it harder to live in poverty — not by assisting people."
The state withdrew food stamps from families with 2,200 Kansas children — all U.S. citizens — because a portion of household incomes came from an illegal immigrant. Kansas lawmakers and Brownback sought cuts, so far unsuccessfully, to the state Earned Income Tax Credit. In 2010, 200,000 families in Kansas received about $380 per household through EITC, described by former President Ronald Reagan as the country's premier anti-poverty program.
Kansas has went to deny justice by removing money from counties needed to handle prosecutions, leading some counties to drop some crimes from prosecutors altogether. Now, thanks to proposed cuts again, Kansas is considering closing court houses for up to seven weeks a year.
This led the Kansas Chief Justice to issue a press release:
http://www.kscourts.org/...
The Chief Justice expressed concern about the impact on Kansans caused by any court underfunding because it restricts their access to justice and undermines their confidence in their justice system. But he is particularly concerned about the $8.25 million reduction.
"Budget shortfalls in 2010 and 2012 resulted in the Supreme Court closing courts statewide and sending our 1500 employees home without pay," Chief Justice Nuss said. "Given this experience, we know that the simple solution to an $8.25 million reduction would be to close all state courts for about 7 weeks. This is a terrible prospect to consider. While the court budget advisory council will consider many solutions to the underfunding problem, some statewide court closures may necessarily be part of their recommendations."
Nuss went on to say that the current reduced appropriations for FY 2015 will mean reduced services for users of the Kansas courts, including businesses. As the Chief Justice explained in a recent budget cover letter to legislators:
The issues extend beyond my ability to write; but Kansas must look to real change in the upcoming election.
Sometimes it is darkest just before the dawn. Today, In Lawrence and Roeland Park Democrats came out in unexpected force 14 months BEFORE an election to stand up and say they want and need change.
What helps Davis? Numbers like this:
Q1 Do you approve or disapprove of Governor
Sam Brownback’s job performance?
Approve .......................................................... 37%
Disapprove...................................................... 52%
Not sure .......................................................... 11%
And as time has gone on, these numbers have not improved, in fact, it is more likely they continue to fall as state residents voice more concern in local media.. and showing up at events like today.
A change in the statehouse of Kansas would be a huge blow to the tea party movement that suggested these kind of policies are embraced by so many. It would remove Brownback from the short list of otential leaders in any future administration. And most importantly, it would provide the residents of Kansas - all of them - with a chance at a better future.
Chip in if you can, because you know any support for a campaign like this will be welcome.