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Kathleen Sebelius on Government Reform
Democratic KS Governor
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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
Vetoed voter ID requirement for advance voting
Excerpts from legislation: Bill HB2019 regarding Voter Identification: After Jan. 1, 2010, any registered voter may file with the county election officer where such person is a resident, an application for an advance voting ballot.
The signed application shall be transmitted only to the county election officer by personal delivery, mail, or fax.Excerpts from veto message: I cannot support creating any roadblock to prevent our citizens from adding their
voices to democratic discourse. HB 2019 seeks to solve a problem of voter fraud which does not exist, due to the tireless efforts of our local election officials. The needless, additional identification requirements of
HB 2019 will only work to disenfranchise many of the electorate.
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House 67-56-2; Bill passed Senate 27-3-10; Vetoed by Governor Sebelius May 18
Source: Kansas legislative voting records: HB 2019
, May 18, 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: 2004 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: 2004 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
Voluntary public financing for all general elections.
Sebelius adopted the manifesto, "A New Agenda for the New Decade":
Return Politics to the People
At a time when much of the world is emulating American values and institutions, too many Americans have lost confidence in their political system. They are turned off by a partisan debate that often seems to revolve not around opposing philosophies but around contending sets of interest groups. They believe that our current system for financing campaigns gives disproportionate power to wealthy individuals and groups and exerts too much influence over legislative and regulatory outcomes.
The time for piecemeal reform is past. As campaign costs soar at every level, we need to move toward voluntary public financing of all general elections and press broadcasters to donate television time to candidates.
The Internet holds tremendous potential for making campaigns less expensive and more edifying and for engaging Americans directly in electoral politics.
We should promote the Internet as a new vehicle for political communication and champion online voting.
Goals for 2010 - Introduce voluntary public financing for all general elections.
- Allow properly regulated voter registration and voting online.
- Implement civic education courses in every public school.
Source: The Hyde Park Declaration 00-DLC9 on Aug 1, 2000
Page last updated: Jan 13, 2017