As we enter the dog days of summer, I hope this letter finds you all able to enjoy this time with friends and families. I intend to steal a little time here and there myself, but wanted to take a few minutes to let you know what I have been up to even though we are not meeting full time in Topeka. In fact, legislative related activities are still going strong. While there are 6 interim committees and one special 'blended committee' that will meet in Topeka there are a whole host of other meetings and duties.
The special 'blended committee' is to recommend innovations in math and science education. It is called blended because it will contain 6 legislators and 8 non-legislators who are business or education community leaders. I am very excited to have been invited to be on this interim committee. It is a great honor and I am looking forward to it. I am also inviting anyone one who has ideas on this subject to call or email me with them. Committee meeting dates have not yet been decided.
In fact, a number of us have been discussing ideas outside the regular,but limited, committee process looking at ways to create a vision that is cohesive throughout the state and/or more long term in thinking and planning. The Republican Caucus that met right after close of session is one example. That meeting was about looking at longer term budgeting etc. Right now we in Kansas don't share a vision about who we are and where we are going together as a state, consequently some legislators tend to vote parochially on issues that cause much unnecessary divisiveness. We have many 'big ideas' that are very good, but none so well articulated that every person, every business, every legislator and every student can see the future and their contribution to it. I am hoping that we begin to touch on that in the new interim committee. This is an idea whose time has come.
Just to keep you up to speed on my comings and goings, since I last wrote before we adjourned in May I have:
· Congratulated local students at the Movers and Shakers Event honoring outstanding youth volunteers.
· Toured the TLC's campus, learning more about the programs and attended the 'Power With a Purpose' Steering Committee and Sponsor's lunch.
· Was a 'Celebrity Server' for the Senior Volunteer Recognition luncheon.
· Attended Johnson County Republican Women's Club Meetings.
· Spoke as part of a panel at the Johnson County Business Leadership Council.
· Participated in the United Community Services Summit.
· Spoke as part of a panel at the Kansas Association of School Administrators workshop on retaining teachers and other topics.
· Feted and 'roasted' retiring school board member John Fuller. He will be missed!
· Attended a seminar by the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
· Congratulated Bob and Ann Regnier named the 2007 Volunteers of the Year by the Volunteer Center of Johnson County at a dinner. They are treasures of the community!
I have also represented District 29 at many functions including:
· The fundraiser for the Kansas Families United for Public Education,
· Kansas Bioscience Stakeholder's meeting and luncheon
· The Life Science Initiatives at the Kansas City Area Life Science Institute's Annual Dinner.
· The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Legislative Wrap Up luncheon.
· The Overland Park Chamber lunch honoring the Johnson County delegation.
· A presentation on the vision and strategies to advance the life sciences at the KU Med. Center.
· The celebration of National Tourism Week and 25 years of the OP Convention and Visitors Bureau at a luncheon.
· The Johnson and Wyandotte Counties Council of Mayors meeting.
· A daylong Legislative Health Care Academy.
· A legislative thank you lunch at the University of Kansas with Chancellor Hemenway.
· A meeting with Olathe School District leaders to discuss No Child Left Behind and the legislation co-sponsored by Congressmen Jerry Moran and Dennis Moore.
· The Republican Wrap Up end of session meeting to discuss a new farther looking budgeting process.
There are numerous other activities I have been involved with like working with four Blue Valley Northwest students who are interested in politics, but more about some of those activities later. Once again I want to thank you, my friends, for the opportunity to serve as representative of this district. Keep well and let me know if there is any way I can be of service.
Respectfully,
Sheryl Spalding
Representative District 29
