Saturday, October 27, 2007

The Devil Of Kansas

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius

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Last Updated April 20, 2007

Pledging independent leadership to move Kansas forward, in 2003 Kathleen Sebelius became the 44th Governor of the State of Kansas. Governor Sebelius was reelected to a second term in 2006.

At the heart of Governor Sebelius’ administration is a commitment to growing the Kansas economy to create jobs; ensuring every Kansas child has an effective – and efficient – school; protecting Kansas families and communities; making health care more affordable; and taking advantage of the state’s renewable energy potential. In 2005, Time magazine named her one of the nation’s top five governors.

Through a commitment to making the Kansas business climate more attractive to businesses – and by balancing the state budget without raising taxes – the Kansas economy has rebounded and created thousands of new jobs. The Governor also made cutting waste in government a priority, and moves such as selling 700 unneeded state cars have added up to more than $1 billion savings and efficiencies during her term.

Because good schools equal good jobs and a growing economy, Governor Sebelius has made improving public schools a priority. During her first term the state made a historic commitment to Kansas’ schoolchildren, as well as undertaking audits to ensure the resources Kansas spends on schools are being used in the most efficient manner possible.

Another important responsibility is to keep Kansas communities safe. That’s why the Governor pushed for a law that makes it harder to get the ingredients that go into meth, and why her administration works with local law enforcement to prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies. Governor Sebelius has called for – and signed into law – tougher jail terms for sexual predators and a minimum marriage age.

Since the rising cost of health care is a threat to families and businesses, which is why the Governor is working to lower health costs, starting with the 30% of every health care dollar that goes to administrative costs. She’s also proposed providing health insurance to every uninsured Kansas child from birth to age five in order to give these children a healthy start on life.

Finally, Sebelius believes Kansas must take advantage of its enormous potential for renewable energy production. She’s working with business and community leaders, utilities, and local governments to promote wind energy and biofuels production in Kansas, as well as expanded energy conservation efforts.

In 2006, Governor Sebelius was elected chair of the Democratic Governors Association. She also chairs the Education Commission of the States, as well as serving on the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee.

Kathleen Sebelius has been married to her husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 32 years. They have two sons: Ned, age 25 and John, age 22. Both Sebelius boys are products of the Topeka public school system, pre-Kindergarten through high school. Ned is a law student, and John recently graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. Sebelius is the first daughter of a Governor (John Gilligan, Ohio, 1971-1975) in U.S. history to be elected to that same position.

Kathleen Sebelius - Brief Biography

(Suitable for introductions)

Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in as the 44th Governor of Kansas in January 2003, and just under three years later, Time magazine named her one of the nation’s top five governors, citing her work to cut waste in government and bridge the partisan divide. Governor Sebelius was reelected to a second term in 2006.

A hallmark of Sebelius’ first term was the historic commitment made to Kansas schoolchildren, as well as audits to ensure those resources were being spent effectively. She also led efforts to create jobs and improve the safety and security of Kansans. These initiatives continue in her second term, with helping more families afford health insurance and taking advantage of Kansas’ opportunities in renewable energy being key priorities as well.

In 2006, Governor Sebelius was elected chair of the Democratic Governors Association. She also chairs the Education Commission of the States, as well as serving on the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee.

Sebelius served four terms in the Kansas House of Representatives, two terms as the state’s insurance commissioner, and is the first daughter of a U. S. governor to serve in that same position.

Kathleen has been married to her husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for 32 years, and they have two sons: Ned and John, both college graduates.



To request a printed photo or 3" x 5" biography card of Governor Sebelius Contact:
Governor's Office of Constituent Services
Toll-Free
1-800-748-4408
Local 785-296-6240
Fax 785-368-8788


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