The other night Governor Mark Parkinson addressed the harsh realities of this past year’s budget cuts that he declared as “brutal.” He also made it clear that it is not responsible governing to cut “beyond the point of waste.” This is heartening news since Kansas state employees and KOSE members know all too well how brutal these cuts truly have been. The Governor has also shown great courage by calling for modest tax increases to preserve vital state services and avoid outright catastrophe for education, public safety, and aid to our most needy.
It is well known that Governor Mark Parkinson has faced the worst crisis Kansas has ever seen since the Great Depression and cut more waste from the state budget than any of his predecessors. That is why his remarks are a sincere reminder that we cannot afford anymore devastating cuts.
Governor Parkinson must be applauded for his perseverance and courage as we try to salvage our economy and learn from this crisis.
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