Paid for by Connie O'Brien for Kansas House; Medeana Knipp, Treasurer
Lansing Chamber Forum, October 26th, 2010
Good Evening. I’m Connie O’Brien, the State Representative for the Kansas 42nd District. The 42nd District includes most of rural Leavenworth County, the cities of Tonganoxie, Linwood, that part of Lansing west of 7 highway and one precinct in the city of Leavenworth.
I believe in letting people know, “up front“, where I stand on issues. I believe that good leadership includes the ability to listen to the concerns of voters and the ability to take a stand on important issues
Here’s some things you should know about me. I am a fiscal and social conservative. I am pro-woman, pro-family and pro-life. I don’t believe we can tax ourselves into prosperity. I believe that the government which governs least is the government that governs best.
The economy is on everyone’s mind. It’s been the top issue in Kansas for the last two years and it appears that it will remain the top issue until we pull ourselves out of this economic downturn.
We need to find ways to stimulate our economy. I believe the best way is to allow taxpayers and businesses to keep more of their own money. Allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard earned money gives them the incentive to buy or re-invest in their families and businesses.
We must provide a stable economic climate. Kansas citizens and businesses owners need to know that tomorrow they’re not going to get hit with a new tax or regulation. Reducing the size of government, lowering taxes, removing oppressive regulations and providing a stable economic climate is the formula that fuels a thriving economy.
During this past legislative session a COALITION, consisting of the majority of House Democrats and a few Republicans, gave Kansas it’s second largest tax increase in history. This tax increase passed the house by the slim margin of 64 to 61. This coalition also passed a budget that increased spending by two hundred million dollars. And this happened while many Kansans and small businesses owners were struggling to make ends meet. This was the course mapped out by Governor Parkinson in his State of the State address. Friends, this is a course for disaster. I did not support the 18% sales tax increase and I did not support the budget that called for additional spending. The budget proposal that I did support was the one offered by the House Appropriations Committee. That proposal balanced the budget while maintaining current levels of funding for education, the disabled and safety programs without a tax increases. The coalition made sure that this budget wouldn’t see the light of day.
Here are a few things that I believe we can do to help us recover from the economic downturn. We need to freeze spending. We need to look for areas in government that are no longer productive or that have outlived their usefulness.
We need to cut spending in those areas and use those savings to balance the budget and reduce taxes. I would like to see the recent 18% sales tax increase repealed as soon as possible. Eventually, I would like to see the sales tax on food eliminated and I would like to see property taxes reduced or eliminated for seniors who’s only source of income is their retirement checks. We are always looking for ways to help our seniors with prescription drugs, utilities and the rising cost of living. How about giving them a tax break?
Senator Brownback, soon to be Governor Brownback, has said that he would like to form an office of the Repealer. This office would work with a citizen’s regulatory commission to remove old and antiquated regulations.
Senator Brownback has a roadmap for Kansas. In that roadmap he suggest that our focus should be on job creation. I couldn’t agree more. Sam also suggest that we work to improve education. I agree. I don’t believe anyone can say that Kansas hasn’t put education first. Currently .68 cents of every tax dollar goes for education. We need to make sure that more of our education dollars are making it into the classroom and we need to find a way to reward teachers who are masters at their work.
I would also like to see local businesses become more involved in the education process. There needs to be more communication between businesses and schools. Not every student will want to attend college. We need more skilled programs for students who would like to be electricians, pipe fitters, mechanics and welders. Schools need to know what particular skills businesses expect from their employees and students need to know what local opportunities await them.
We need to focus on policies that help families succeed. What’s good for the family is good for the community, what’s good for the community is good for the state and what’s good for the state is good for the country. But it all starts with the family.
Now, I’ve said a lot but as you know it takes a majority of 63 in the House and 21 in the Senate to get things done. Considering the fact that several prominent legislators who supported the tax and spend budget of 2010 were eliminated in the primary, and several others still face stiff competition in the general, and the fact that we are going to have a new Governor, I’m hopeful that better days are ahead for the people of Kansas and the business community.
Let me close by saying that I have the endorsement of the Kansas Chamber, NRA, Kansans for Life, Stand up for Kansas and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. I would like to have your support as well.
I’m looking forward to your questions. Thank You! Connie
Where will you find the money to offer tax cuts.
I agree with the idea that we could use a office of Repealer. I did not serve on the Appropriations Committee or Tax Committee but I know some conservative legislators who do and they tell me that there are areas that are no longer useful or productive where we can make cuts. I’m all for eliminating waste where ever we find it and any savings should be used to balance our budget and reduce taxes. I believe that this will help stimulate the economy. Let me tell you about a small business owner who can no longer afford to hire help. Kansas small businesses employee 75% of all the employees in Kansas. Tell these stories. Keep them brief.
There was a business man who told me he felt like he was in the middle of the ocean, treading water. On his back was a box filled with all his business obligations, employees, insurance, overhead, inventory, taxes. He said that a tax increase now would sink him and his business. He told us that before the Kansas House coalition voted to raise his taxes.
There was the married couple who have a business making special orthopedic ware. They recently had to let their only employee go because of the economy’s effect on their business. Now they both put in 12 hours a day or more just to keep things going. They would like to re-hire that employee but they are uncertain about the economy. They know that in January the federal taxes are going to return to the higher tax rates. They are uncertain about their future.
FEDERAL TAX CUTS TO EXPIRE IN 2011
Keep in mind that the federal tax cuts from the previous administration are due to expire in 2011. For me and my family those tax cuts represented a savings of $1,800 per year. The marriage penalty tax will return and the death tax will be back. We’re in trouble Nationally and here in Kansas because of the runaway spending and higher taxes. Over my past 18 years of political activity I have been involved in most everything from Precinct Committeewoman, Party State Delegate, Platform Committees and President of the Leavenworth County Republican Women, just to mention a few. The one thing that I have learned is that People are politics. Once you get to know a person you will know their politics. I’m Connie O’Brien, State Representative for the Kansas 42nd District. I’m Pro-woman, Pro-family and Pro-life. I’m a fiscal and social conservative. I believe that the government that governs best is the government that governs least.
HEALTH CARE / OBAMA CARE
I was a co-sponsor of the Kansas Health Care Freedom Amendment. We failed to pass this in the Kansas legislature but in Missouri the citizens overwhelmingly supported the Missouri Health Care Freedom Amendment. Over 70% of Missouri voters supported this Amendment and I believe that percentages would be duplicated if Kansas had we been given the opportunity to vote.
I don’t believe that the Government takeover of health care, 1/16 of our economy, is a good thing. Quite the contrary. This country has the best health care the world has ever seen. Going to a government run system of health care will result in higher cost, lower availability and rationing. While there are some who do not have health care insurance, I don’t believe anyone in this country has gone without health care. Anyone can walk into the emergency room and get assistance. There’s also the Hill / Burton Act, which provides health care coverage for anyone, individuals or families, who fall into the category of abject poverty. I don’t have the exact figures but I believe the abject poverty level for a family of four is set somewhere around $30,000. Any hospital that receives federal assistance, and that is just about every hospital, must cover medical expenses for those in abject poverty. All that’s required of the person applying for Hill / Burton assistance is that they produce their W-2’s. I must say that now that the Government health care bill has become law I don’t know if the Hill / Burton act still applies. After all, there was 2,800 pages in this bill. I will support state efforts to repeal this law because I believe it’s unconstitutional. Forcing people to buy health care under penalty of fines or jail time is just wrong. This bill gives the government access to our bank accounts as well. What’s up with that?
VETERANS ISSUES; (Possible Closing Statement at the VFW)
Let me start by saying that in Kansas there are three things that take priority in our budget. They are, education, assistance for the disabled and public safety programs. I believe that assistance for veterans should be right up there at the top with those three.
My husband’s dad, Harry, was a WW ONE veteran. Harry O’Brien was born on July 4th, 1894. He fought in Germany during the first WW. My dad, Emery, was a sailor and he fought during WW II. He was a cook in the Navy and he loved to cook his whole life. My brother John served in the Air Force. Ed’s brother, Harry Jr.; now deceased, served in the Air Force. Ed brother Richard, also deceased, was an Army vet. Ed and his brother Paul are Army vets. My sons-in-law, both are named Aaron, both Marines, are Iraq veterans. My National Guard son Shaun will be leaving for “Djubuti” Africa, after the holidays. My grandson Gabriel is currently stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky.
Ask me if I think they deserve our respect and support?
Good Evening. I’m Connie O’Brien, the State Representative for the Kansas 42nd District. The 42nd District includes most of rural Leavenworth County, the cities of Tonganoxie, Linwood, that part of Lansing west of 7 highway and one precinct in the city of Leavenworth.
I believe in letting people know, “up front“, where I stand on issues. I believe that good leadership includes the ability to listen to the concerns of voters and the ability to take a stand on important issues
Here’s some things you should know about me. I am a fiscal and social conservative. I am pro-woman, pro-family and pro-life. I don’t believe we can tax ourselves into prosperity. I believe that the government which governs least is the government that governs best.
The economy is on everyone’s mind. It’s been the top issue in Kansas for the last two years and it appears that it will remain the top issue until we pull ourselves out of this economic downturn.
We need to find ways to stimulate our economy. I believe the best way is to allow taxpayers and businesses to keep more of their own money. Allowing taxpayers to keep more of their hard earned money gives them the incentive to buy or re-invest in their families and businesses.
We must provide a stable economic climate. Kansas citizens and businesses owners need to know that tomorrow they’re not going to get hit with a new tax or regulation. Reducing the size of government, lowering taxes, removing oppressive regulations and providing a stable economic climate is the formula that fuels a thriving economy.
During this past legislative session a COALITION, consisting of the majority of House Democrats and a few Republicans, gave Kansas it’s second largest tax increase in history. This tax increase passed the house by the slim margin of 64 to 61. This coalition also passed a budget that increased spending by two hundred million dollars. And this happened while many Kansans and small businesses owners were struggling to make ends meet. This was the course mapped out by Governor Parkinson in his State of the State address. Friends, this is a course for disaster. I did not support the 18% sales tax increase and I did not support the budget that called for additional spending. The budget proposal that I did support was the one offered by the House Appropriations Committee. That proposal balanced the budget while maintaining current levels of funding for education, the disabled and safety programs without a tax increases. The coalition made sure that this budget wouldn’t see the light of day.
Here are a few things that I believe we can do to help us recover from the economic downturn. We need to freeze spending. We need to look for areas in government that are no longer productive or that have outlived their usefulness.
We need to cut spending in those areas and use those savings to balance the budget and reduce taxes. I would like to see the recent 18% sales tax increase repealed as soon as possible. Eventually, I would like to see the sales tax on food eliminated and I would like to see property taxes reduced or eliminated for seniors who’s only source of income is their retirement checks. We are always looking for ways to help our seniors with prescription drugs, utilities and the rising cost of living. How about giving them a tax break?
Senator Brownback, soon to be Governor Brownback, has said that he would like to form an office of the Repealer. This office would work with a citizen’s regulatory commission to remove old and antiquated regulations.
Senator Brownback has a roadmap for Kansas. In that roadmap he suggest that our focus should be on job creation. I couldn’t agree more. Sam also suggest that we work to improve education. I agree. I don’t believe anyone can say that Kansas hasn’t put education first. Currently .68 cents of every tax dollar goes for education. We need to make sure that more of our education dollars are making it into the classroom and we need to find a way to reward teachers who are masters at their work.
I would also like to see local businesses become more involved in the education process. There needs to be more communication between businesses and schools. Not every student will want to attend college. We need more skilled programs for students who would like to be electricians, pipe fitters, mechanics and welders. Schools need to know what particular skills businesses expect from their employees and students need to know what local opportunities await them.
We need to focus on policies that help families succeed. What’s good for the family is good for the community, what’s good for the community is good for the state and what’s good for the state is good for the country. But it all starts with the family.
Now, I’ve said a lot but as you know it takes a majority of 63 in the House and 21 in the Senate to get things done. Considering the fact that several prominent legislators who supported the tax and spend budget of 2010 were eliminated in the primary, and several others still face stiff competition in the general, and the fact that we are going to have a new Governor, I’m hopeful that better days are ahead for the people of Kansas and the business community.
Let me close by saying that I have the endorsement of the Kansas Chamber, NRA, Kansans for Life, Stand up for Kansas and the National Federation of Independent Businesses. I would like to have your support as well.
I’m looking forward to your questions. Thank You! Connie
Where will you find the money to offer tax cuts.
I agree with the idea that we could use a office of Repealer. I did not serve on the Appropriations Committee or Tax Committee but I know some conservative legislators who do and they tell me that there are areas that are no longer useful or productive where we can make cuts. I’m all for eliminating waste where ever we find it and any savings should be used to balance our budget and reduce taxes. I believe that this will help stimulate the economy. Let me tell you about a small business owner who can no longer afford to hire help. Kansas small businesses employee 75% of all the employees in Kansas. Tell these stories. Keep them brief.
There was a business man who told me he felt like he was in the middle of the ocean, treading water. On his back was a box filled with all his business obligations, employees, insurance, overhead, inventory, taxes. He said that a tax increase now would sink him and his business. He told us that before the Kansas House coalition voted to raise his taxes.
There was the married couple who have a business making special orthopedic ware. They recently had to let their only employee go because of the economy’s effect on their business. Now they both put in 12 hours a day or more just to keep things going. They would like to re-hire that employee but they are uncertain about the economy. They know that in January the federal taxes are going to return to the higher tax rates. They are uncertain about their future.
FEDERAL TAX CUTS TO EXPIRE IN 2011
Keep in mind that the federal tax cuts from the previous administration are due to expire in 2011. For me and my family those tax cuts represented a savings of $1,800 per year. The marriage penalty tax will return and the death tax will be back. We’re in trouble Nationally and here in Kansas because of the runaway spending and higher taxes. Over my past 18 years of political activity I have been involved in most everything from Precinct Committeewoman, Party State Delegate, Platform Committees and President of the Leavenworth County Republican Women, just to mention a few. The one thing that I have learned is that People are politics. Once you get to know a person you will know their politics. I’m Connie O’Brien, State Representative for the Kansas 42nd District. I’m Pro-woman, Pro-family and Pro-life. I’m a fiscal and social conservative. I believe that the government that governs best is the government that governs least.
HEALTH CARE / OBAMA CARE
I was a co-sponsor of the Kansas Health Care Freedom Amendment. We failed to pass this in the Kansas legislature but in Missouri the citizens overwhelmingly supported the Missouri Health Care Freedom Amendment. Over 70% of Missouri voters supported this Amendment and I believe that percentages would be duplicated if Kansas had we been given the opportunity to vote.
I don’t believe that the Government takeover of health care, 1/16 of our economy, is a good thing. Quite the contrary. This country has the best health care the world has ever seen. Going to a government run system of health care will result in higher cost, lower availability and rationing. While there are some who do not have health care insurance, I don’t believe anyone in this country has gone without health care. Anyone can walk into the emergency room and get assistance. There’s also the Hill / Burton Act, which provides health care coverage for anyone, individuals or families, who fall into the category of abject poverty. I don’t have the exact figures but I believe the abject poverty level for a family of four is set somewhere around $30,000. Any hospital that receives federal assistance, and that is just about every hospital, must cover medical expenses for those in abject poverty. All that’s required of the person applying for Hill / Burton assistance is that they produce their W-2’s. I must say that now that the Government health care bill has become law I don’t know if the Hill / Burton act still applies. After all, there was 2,800 pages in this bill. I will support state efforts to repeal this law because I believe it’s unconstitutional. Forcing people to buy health care under penalty of fines or jail time is just wrong. This bill gives the government access to our bank accounts as well. What’s up with that?
VETERANS ISSUES; (Possible Closing Statement at the VFW)
Let me start by saying that in Kansas there are three things that take priority in our budget. They are, education, assistance for the disabled and public safety programs. I believe that assistance for veterans should be right up there at the top with those three.
My husband’s dad, Harry, was a WW ONE veteran. Harry O’Brien was born on July 4th, 1894. He fought in Germany during the first WW. My dad, Emery, was a sailor and he fought during WW II. He was a cook in the Navy and he loved to cook his whole life. My brother John served in the Air Force. Ed’s brother, Harry Jr.; now deceased, served in the Air Force. Ed brother Richard, also deceased, was an Army vet. Ed and his brother Paul are Army vets. My sons-in-law, both are named Aaron, both Marines, are Iraq veterans. My National Guard son Shaun will be leaving for “Djubuti” Africa, after the holidays. My grandson Gabriel is currently stationed at Fort Knox Kentucky.
Ask me if I think they deserve our respect and support?