Kathleen Sebelius on Government Reform

Democratic KS Governor

Stand up to the big powerful lobbies

I don't mind standing up to the big powerful lobbies; that is the role you play in public office. A lot of consumers don't have an organized lobby to advocate on their behalf. Those of us who are elected need to have that voice, and that is really what I have tried to do as insurance commissioner.

There will always be well paid, very articulate lobbyists for industries that make money. What needs to happen is that the other side needs to be brought in, we need to bring that viewpoint to the table.

Source: usliberals.about.com, "State Governors" Jun 25, 2008

Implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies

The Budget Efficiency Savings Teams I formed have achieved results that are nothing short of extraordinary. In just one year, the teams, working under the leadership of loaned executives from the private sector and former business executives in my Cabinet, have implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies by doing simple things and less simple changes. Source: State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

Spending cut to provide a raise for state workers

In recent years, we have reduced the size of the state's workforce by more than 10 percent. In the budget that I'm submitting to you, I propose additional cuts in spending to provide state workers with a cost of living raise. The men and women who serve this state in our leaner workforce are being asked to do more than ever with smaller budgets. I believe the state has a responsibility to be a good employer, and that means rewarding loyalty and hard work. Source: State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

Consider liability reform for agritourism

Because those in the agritourism industry face unusual liability risks, we should consider some level of immunity for them. SB 134 was too broad; it would have both endangered families traveling in Kansas and harmed the agritourism industry in the long run. I believe we can find a compromise that both recognizes the unusual risks of agritourism but also protects families from irresponsible individuals. Source: Governor's column Apr 29, 2003

Audit government to eliminate waste

Sebelius promises to audit the state government "from top to bottom." "It has been 20 years since a complete audit has taken place in the state government," Sebelius said. The audit would be performed by government teams and private-sector members. "The cost of government is high," she said, "but the people are not seeing it in their classrooms or business communities." Source: Kansas State eCollegian, "Sebelius Discusses Issues" Oct 7, 2002

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*Other governors on Government Reform:*		*Kathleen Sebelius on other issues:*
AK Sarah Palin AL Bob Riley AR Mike Bebee AZ Janet Napolitano CA Arnold Schwarzenegger CO Bill Ritter CT Jodi Rell DE Ruth Ann Minner FL Charlie Crist GA Sonny Perdue HI Linda Lingle IA Chet Culver ID Butch Otter IL Rod Blagojevich IN Mitch Daniels KS Kathleen Sebelius KY Steve Beshear LA Bobby Jindal MA Deval Patrick MD Martin O`Malley ME John Baldacci MI Jennifer Granholm MN Tim Pawlenty *MO Matt Blunt MS Haley Barbour	MT Brian Schweitzer NC Mike Easley ND John Hoeven NE Dave Heineman NH John Lynch NJ Jon Corzine NM Bill Richardson NV Jim Gibbons NY David Paterson OH Ted Strickland OK Brad Henry OR Ted Kulongoski PA Ed Rendell RI Don Carcieri SC Mark Sanford SD Mike Rounds TN Phil Bredesen TX Rick Perry UT Jon Huntsman VA Tim Kaine VT Jim Douglas WA Christine Gregoire WI Jim Doyle WV Joe Manchin III WY Dave Freudenthal	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty
* indicates election in 2008. See Governor's List for challengers.

Page last updated: Jul 10, 2008