The most powerful expression of Kansas values appears in the form of the annual state budget.  No one grasps the necessity of doing more with less in the Capitol than Kansas House Democrats.  As a caucus outnumbered 49-76, our members must rely heavily on innovative thinking and talent in order to protect the interests of hardworking Kansas families.  With this frame of mind, House Democrats clearly understand the challenges that await in the development of the next budget.  With increased competing interests and declining state revenues, allocating funds proves to be a challenging process. 

As expected, the national economic recession required the Kansas Legislature to spent the entire 2009 session grappling with a devastating budget shortfall.  It is never easy to cut programs and services, but the financial crisis we faced this year was severe and immediate.  Several proposals surfaced throughout the session to shore up the budget gap, but many of them failed to embrace a spirit of "shared sacrifice" and cut too deeply into public schools and services for the disabled.  It took a significant amount of time and compromise to finalize a budget that included provisions that were important to both sides of the aisle.  Although we were forced to make difficult cuts, the budget we approved was the best choice for Kansas families and communities.  We are very proud of the Legislature's good-faith effort to protect our most important investments as much as possible. 

Unfortunately, all states are struggling with declining revenues, and Kansas is no exception.  This is a budget crisis of historic proportions and is a situation beyond our control.  We knew more cuts were coming and in July the Governor was forced to make additional allotments.  Every group, every agency and every program affected by the budget was once again called upon to share in the solution. 

The governor cut only what he needed to, and only when he had to.  As a result, he protected our schools, public safety and vulnerable Kansans as best he could. Governor Parkinson's action this summer will see us through the fiscal year in a way that protects the folks who are hurting most during this difficult time.  Ultimately, how we maintain a positive ending balance is just as important as the bottom line itself.  We have a responsibility to protect Kansas families and taxpayers who rightfully expect safe communities, strong public schools, and resources for those in need.  These are our most important investments that will cost the state more in the future if not adequately provided for now.

Looking ahead, we must stay committed to a bipartisan spirit of compromise for 2010.  The next session will require even more painful decisions.  The FY 2011 budget can only be balanced with a reasonable mix of cuts and revenue enhancements.  Everything will have to be on the table.

State budgeting is a complicated process that involves tough choices, compromise and prioritizing at several levels of government.  House Democrats' resolve to keep budget priorities in touch with the priorities of everyday Kansans, however, remains strong. Though lawmakers face challenges from a deteriorating national economy, we have a responsibility to invest in our children, our aging parents and our neighbors in need.  Failing to provide for vulnerable seniors, refusing to fund health care measures and eliminating necessary social services for FY 2010 will only move Kansas in the wrong direction.  It is time now to redirect our priorities so they reflect the most important values of our state.