IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
November 28, 2007 


For More Information, Contact:
Sherriene Jones-Sontag
Office of Speaker Melvin Neufeld

785/296-2302

SPEAKER: AFP-Kansas Input on State Budget Welcomed

Topeka – Statement from Kansas House of Representatives Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) regarding the fiscal restraint campaign launched today by Americans for Prosperity-Kansas.

“Kansas House Republicans worked hard during the 2007 Legislative Session to limit increases in state government spending and actually did much better than in previous years.  However, we know we are just beginning to set our state on a path of fiscal responsibility and to reduce the tax burden of Kansans.

Our immediate fiscal year 2008 looks strong but the recently updated Consensus Revenue Estimates shows our state’s economy is expected to slow in coming years.  That is why earlier this month I, House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell), House Speaker Pro-Tem Don Dahl (R-Hillsboro) and House Appropriations Chairman Sharon Schwartz (R-Washington) sent a letter to our fellow House Republicans, asking them to begin preparing for our work in the upcoming session by taking a hard look at the current budget for areas that can be reduced or cut. 

Chairman Schwartz and Vice Chairman Rep. Lee Tafanelli (R-Ozawkie) also will challenge their committee and the House Budget Committee chairmen and their committees to review the agencies’ budgets carefully for possible savings.  Working together, we are confident we will find spending that can be reduced or is not necessary.

It will not be easy but I believe the Kansas Legislature, the Governor and state agencies can find ways to tighten state spending.  I welcome input not only from AFP-Kansas but from all Kansans on how we can better prepare our state for its financial future and for the future fiscal responsibilities our children will face.”

 -30-