Governor Sebelius Offers Solutions in 2008 State of the State Address

Governor Kathleen Sebelius called for a renewed commitment to innovation and education in her sixth State of the State address on January 14, 2008. Addressing a packed House chamber on the first day of the 2008 legislative session, the Governor proposed a package of initiatives that included innovations in energy, education, economic, and environmental policy...all designed to help Kansans meet the challenges of the 21st century. Some of the highlights of her address include calling for full funding of all day kindergarten, a $1 million investment toward producing more math and science teachers, an executive order creating the Kansas Innovation Consortium that will join business and education leaders to help foster innovative business initiatives across the state, and a renewed emphasis on technical education molded to meet the real needs of our wildly expanding techonology/aircraft businesses .Read the full text of the Governor's 2008 State of the State below. 2008 State of the State Address It is good to be back here in the newly renovated House chamber, where I once had the honor of serving. Tonight, we have some special guests who represent all the children of our state and are the true inspiration for hope and optimism about our future. Twins Kimberlin and Samuel are here from Mulvane with their parents, Christie and Tom Lovell, and their grandparents, Nita and Don Payne. Kimberlin and Samuel were born on January 8th, 2007, the day I was sworn into office to begin my second term. The decisions that we make in the months ahead and in the years to come will help to determine what opportunities these two young Kansans - and thousands more like them - will have as they grow up in the Sunflower State. Will they have strong schools to attend? Will they acquire the tools they need to succeed? Will they find good jobs that allow them to compete in the global economy? Read more by clicking here.

A New Years Message From Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson

For some people, the New Year means party hats and midnight toasts. For others, we see the holiday as the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and make a new years resolution. This past year Governor Sebelius set a goal of reducing the energy consumption in the state of Kansas five percent by 2010 and ten percent by 2020. In 2008, I challenge you to make the goal of your New Years resolution to help us reach those energy goals. Read more by clicking here.

Energy: A New Direction for Kansas

I have determined to help move Kansas in a new direction that mixes our current coal energy production with the rich opportunities from renewable sources like wind and ethanol. Affordable and reliable must go hand in hand with protecting our state and the health of all Kansans and I think it can. My goal is to see that Kansas becomes a leader in the nation in production of wind energy. Read more by clicking here.

Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson Working for the Future of Kansas

Mark Parkinson at Dodge City Days Parade Click for photos of Governor and Lt. Governor Candidates A Shortly after being sworn is as Kansas 47th Lieutenant Governor, Mark Parkinson was asked by Governor Sebelius to lead major policy initiatives in the areas of energy, bio-defense, and cutting waste from government. Parkinson was named co-chair of the revived Kansas Energy Council in the Governors 2007 State of the State Address, and was tasked with creating a new energy plan for Kansas; one that explored renewable energy, emphasized conservation, and protected the environment. More on Mark.

Names Governor Sebelius One of the Five Best Governors!

Time Magazine just named Kathleen Sebelius one of the country's five best governors. In picking Governor Sebelius as one of the country's top leaders, Time praised her for eliminating a $1.1 billion debt she inherited, ferreting out waste in state government, and strongly supporting public education - all without raising taxes. Also praised was her bipartisan approach to governing with appointments like Governor Mike Hayden to her cabinet. Go to the Time Article Additional stories found in our NEWS ROOM or CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR TV ADS