Wichitopekington

TOPEKA – Lawmakers could be faced with cutting more than $100 million from the state’s current budget when they return to Topeka in January, the House budget committee heard Monday.

That assumes there are no further revenue drops, the governor does not order more cuts and state agencies do not request additional money to cover their budget needs.

The latter is unlikely. Alan Conroy, director of legislative research, told the House Appropriations Committee that the state Education Department already had a request of about $91 million additional funds, due in part to more students using free or reduced lunches and an influx in students.

Revenue news was not good in September, which reflected taxes from back to school shopping, money from the federal “Cash for Clunkers Program” and the first quarter of estimated income taxes, Conroy said.

Taxes came in about $67 million below estimated revenues, he said.

“Bottom line the news is not good, we are down about 5 percent overall and it is almost all in individual income taxes,” he said. Read More »

Students interested in experiencing national politics first-hand can apply for an internship with Congressman Todd Tiahrt’s office.

The Goddard Republican’s office is accepting applications for positions in both his Washington D.C. and Wichita offices.

Application forms are available on Tiahrt’s website and is more information on the program.

The site describes the internships as “an excellent way to experience and gain knowledge of the legislative-making process. Internships are available in both the Wichita and Washington offices.”

Tiahrt, who represents the 4th Congressional District, is running for for the U.S. Senate seat which Sam Brownback in vacating. Brownback is running for Kansas governor. Tiahrt is running against 1st Congressional District Rep. Jerry Moran for the Republican Senate nomination.

TOPEKA – Arkansas City veteran Elgin Wahlborg has been appointed to serve on the Veterans Claim Assistance Advisory Board by Gov. Mark Parkinson.

Wahlborg, a veteran who served in the U.S. Army and the Kansas National Guard, is the American Legion nominee for the board. He is also the American Legion’s chief financial officer.

After serving in the military, Wahlborg joined Shelton-Beaty Post 18 where he has been a member for 18 years and earned the Gold Brigade Award for membership. Wahlborg has also served as vice commander and commander of the Third District of Kansas and has been active in veterans affairs.

The Veterans Claim Assistance Advisory Board advises the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs in the implementation and administration of the veterans claims assistance program. The program aims to improve the coordination of veterans benefits counseling in Kansas and ensure that every veteran is served and receives claims counseling and assistance.

TOPEKA – Long-time Wichita teacher Paul Babich has been appointed to serve on the State Supreme Court Nominating Committee by the governor.

The nominating committee recommends candidates for appointments to the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals. Babich will be one of four public members on the board and will represent the 4th Congressional District.

Babich taught in  Wichita public schools for 30 years. He recently retired as president of the United Teachers of Wichita, and has served on the Kansas NEA Board of Directors. Babich has received many awards and honors over the years, including USD 259’s Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award.

TOPEKA – Wichita spokesman Van Williams has joined the board of the Kansas Health Institute, the health policy and research group announced Thursday.

“He brings a great passion for Kansas, a commitment to community, family, and youth, and thoughtful leadership to our team.” said Dr. Robert St. Peter, president and chief executive officer of the Topeka-based institute.

Williams will serve a three-year term with the organization and joined the board in July, the announcement said.

“I’m honored to join a top-notch team of board members and professional staffers who are committed to the important goal of improving the health of Kansans,” Williams said.

Wichitan James Tageman, co-founder of Dynamic Governance Associates, also serves on the seven member board.