Sean Tevis will officially kick off his campaign for Congress tomorrow. Sean is running for the Kansas 2nd Congressional District seat and will be making his announcement on the south lawn of the Capital in Topeka at 2pm tomorrow.

The Sean Tevis for Congress campaign promises to be something you have never seen before, it is going to change everything. So tomorrow come out to the Tevis for Congress rally, and join the movement to end the culture war, fix Congress, and save America!

Kansas state employees earlier this week illustrated the power of collective bargaining for the purpose of encouraging positive change in their government and workplace. State employees, represented by the Kansas Organization of State Employees (KOSE), have successfully ratified their second contract with the State of Kansas, which included $10.7 million in undermarket adjustments for state employees who were being unfairly underpaid for similar private and public sector jobs.

While some bloggers and members of the media will attempt to skew these adjustments as raises for state employees, it is important to understand the nature of these adjustments and who the adjustments impact. State workers receiving equitable adjustments to pay included:

• 466 food service employees, who prepare the meals for those in state hospitals and prisons, who were making, on average, $17,000 annually;

• 1,350 Kansas prison correctional officers, who keep watch of the most violent of Kansas offenders, were starting at an average of $27,000 annually;

• 400 KDOT Equipment Operators were earning an average starting salary of $19,000; and

• 466 custodial workers who were earning, on average, a $23,000 starting salary.

All totaled, 6,800 Kansas workers who were determined to be below comparable market pay in the region, will receive undermarket adjustments to their pay. The adjustments are not about pay raises: the increases are about equity for our employees and providing the best services we can as a state.

The recently negotiated MOA also governs such things as hours of work, benefits, discipline and protocol for classified executive branch state employees. During a seven month period of Meet and Confer with Kansas officials and more than 160 hours of negotiations, the KOSE Bargaining Team also achieved other major victories for state employees, including:

• Neither the Agency Head nor the Governor may implement furloughs without formal Meet and Confer with KOSE;

• During an employee investigation, a KOSE union steward can stop an investigation and offer council for up to 20 minutes;

• Within 21 days of discovery, employees must be made aware of any adverse information that may be used on evaluations and shall be provided an opportunity for rebuttal;

• Right to appeal your evaluation to an Appeal Committee comprised of state workers;

• Stronger language on the grievance procedure;

• No employee will be required to find coverage if absent from work.”

• The Employer will make a good faith effort to avoid requiring employees to work more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period. If the employee is forced over 12 hours and no documentation is provided, then the employee may grieve the overtime; and

• Providing partnership benefits for funeral leave.

KOSE was formed in 2007, after the Public Employees Relations Board (PERB) reorganized the bargaining units for state workers. Prior to the re-organization, state workers were divided into more than 50 bargaining units. Under the PERB directive for reorganization, the bargaining units were consolidated into 16 units. The reorganization gave workers a much stronger voice by bringing more workers together. Since the existence of KOSE, state workers have won historical rights on the job and more money in their pocket books. State workers have received millions of dollars in negotiated market adjustments since 2007.

This year, after the Legislature courageously passed a budget that continued funding for the market adjustments, KOSE negotiated more than $10.7 million in adjustments for the lowest paid workers. KOSE members live in every legislative district across our state. KOSE members clear the snow, answer the abuse hotline, keep inmates locked up and behind bars, and care for the most vulnerable Kansans at our state hospitals. State employees help those who are down on their luck and give a little help when they need it. Most importantly, state employees are watch dogs for taxpayer dollars because they are the agents who investigate fraud and abuse. Members include correctional officers, KBI agents, adminstrative assistants, custodial staff, engineers, equipment operators, direct care staff, and social workers, providing the services that all Kansans depend on.

Labor leaders and workers throughout Kansas are applauding the KOSE victories. Bruce Tunnell, Kansas AFL-CIO Executive Vice President noted the important occasion, saying…

“KOSE, through its newly ratified MOA, has set an example for workers coping with these tough economic times—you don’t have to concede and you can still win no matter what the conventional wisdom says.”

House Minority Leader Paul Davis, who was a valued ally in the fight at the Statehouse over our market adjustments, also praises KOSE for its new MOA and for its activism, saying…

“Thousands of state employees have been underpaid and underappreciated for far too long. The market adjustments approved by the Legislature and ratified by the Master Memorandum of Agreement are a significant step forward in rectifying these inequities and showing state employees that we value their hard work.”

KOSE Executive Director Jane Carter released  a statement earlier this week on the finalization of the 2nd contract with the state, saying…

“Our Bargaining Team worked diligently for over 160 hours with the State to hammer out this agreement. I am so proud of the work we accomplished on behalf of KOSE members and state employees. We stuck to our goals, we stayed true to our principles, and in the end we accomplished our mission. From our member’s activism at the bargaining table, at the Statehouse, and on the worksite we have made our state better for all Kansans.”

Too keep up with the activities of the Kansas Organization of State Employees (KOSE), follow them on Twitter at @KOSEUnion.

Today marks a sad anniversary in Kansas history.  On a sunny Sunday morning a year ago today, Dr. George Tiller was killed in his church in Wichita.

The aftermath of this murder was unpredictable.  In the past year, a bizarre series of events have changed much of the face of the choice movement.  With this firebomb event the pro-choice and anti-choice movements have been faced with successes, setbacks, and justice.

Scott Roeder, the man who pulled the trigger, was effectively given a life sentence in a Kansas jail.  While it is excellent that a man who has shown that he has no qualms about killing an abortion provider will not likely be released from jail, he has sent anti-choicers into changing paths on their uterine control campaigns.  It should also demonstrate the absolute need to enforce the FACE act.  Scott Roeder was seen attempting to glue locks at a clinic the day before he murdered Dr. Tiller.  The FACE Act was created to stop the harassment at clinics – but it continues to this day.

Some anti’s will continue in the path of Army of God to call for more murder.  However, most anti-choicers prefer to cloak their statements in terms of life and respect.  While their beliefs demonstrate contrastedly different values, the veil has seemingly been lifted on much anti-choice propoganda.  The outrage over the Oklahoma abortion restrictions in national mainstream press has created a consciousness among many people that anti’s do not have women’s best interests at heart.  To revictimize a rape victim by forcing her to have an object placed in her body against her will shows no respect for the woman, and has demonstrated once again that anti-choice stands more for a clump of cells than an adult woman.

This year’s barrage of anti-choice legislation has been met with national media reception and an elevated public consciousness. This elevated consciousness is bringing to light just how much anti-choice legislation is truely asinine.  State budget situations aside, many anti-choicers will cut schools before corporate tax breaks, and provide no support for children once they are no longer fetuses.  The American public is becoming aware of the unethical tactics and moral blame game being played with women’s bodies and lives.

While we will never be able to replace Dr. Tiller, we can continue his ideas and work to carry out his ideals.  Remembering to always trust women, we can support Dr. Carhart, support the Allentown, PA and Charlotte, NC clinics that are being harassed.  While May 31 may always be a day of sadness, it can also be remembered as a day when we think about what we can do as a pro-choice, pro-woman movement to keep forward and keep positive.

If you’re in Wichita today, you can stop by the KS-NOW candlelight vigil in memory of Dr. tiller tonight at 8 pm in the Old Town Square.

Today, the sentencing hearing in Wichita for Scott Roeder ended with a “Hard 50″ sentence.  Since the life sentence will not be eligible for parole until 50 years (2060), Roeder will be dying in a Kansas prison.

I can only applaud the sentence, and the judgement of Judge Wilbert.  The sentence was even advocated by public defender Mark Rudy.  I also applaud Nola Foulson, Sedgwick County District Attorney for her statement in the courtroom: “Why are we calling him Mr. Tiller?  He is Dr. George Tiller!”  She also continued to state the ridiculousness of Scott Roeder in ending Dr. Tiller’s life because he disagreed with Dr. Tiller’s constitutionally-protected medical service, and then complaining because he thought he was being disallowed his constitutional rights.

The “Hard 50″ rule was used, requiring 50 years instead of the usual 25 before parole, because of the heinous, atrocious and cruel method of committing the crime.

Roeder was allowed to bring character witnesses to the trial to testify on his behalf.  Judge Wilbert stated multiple times that speaking about and discussing abortion would not be allowed, but every single person who stood up to testify focused on the abortion issue.  Testifying on his behalf were a who’s who of anti-choice activists: Eugene Frye, Katherine Coons, Regina Dinwiddie, David Leach (head of the Army of God group, who publishes how-to guides and target lists of abortion providers), George Hough and himself.  Testimony focused on how others “slander” Roeder (such as his ex-wife), and Regina Dinwiddie stated how he would not pay child support to his ex-wife because “she was not saved”.  Roeder made a notable long winded diatribe that Judge Wilbert eventually interrupted as he was not “giving you [Roeder] a soap box for a political diatribe”.

What struck me with the character witnesses was that they repeatedly stated that Roeder was an independent, intelligent man.  What is intelligent, independent, noble or just about opposing social justice, reiterating sexism, reiterating the social norms that have caused our great issues with sexism, pay difference, racial socioeconomic differences.  By sentencing Roeder the state of Kansas has stood up against domestic terrorism, and for the law.  Vigilante justice does not work, and violence is never the answer.  Only one person died in Wichita versus dozens in Oklahoma City.  These are still both domestic terrorism, and should be seen as such.  Bible quotes do not justify murder.  We cannot let anyone take the law into their own hands, and today I’m proud of my home state for standing up and sentencing Roeder.

For play-by-play coverage of what happened during the hearing, Twitter proves it’s relevance with these timelines from RSylvester and Roeder_Watch.

On Sunday, March 7 our next governor, Tom Holland, spoke to a group at The Barn Bed and Breakfast Inn, Valley Falls. I think Sen. Holland is precisely who we need to lead our state through the difficult times we are in. Don’t write him off. That was the mistake made by the last two Republicans he ran against. Both were incumbents; first in a state House race, then a state Senate race. Both districts were conservative. Sen. Holland is a very pragmatic and formidable candidate who will pull no punches in the race against Sam Brownback.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

-We need to increase our caps on temporary and permanent total disability, which haven’t been adjusted  for inflation since 1987.

-People deserve the right to choose their own doctor; someone they can trust. NOT the company insurance doctor, as presently mandated, who presents a definite conflict of interest. “I would say if a criminal has the right to choose an attorney, an injured worker has the right to chose a doctor,” said Sen. Hensley.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Finally, big insurance needs to held accountable for denying treatment, delaying care and jacking up their rates to absurd levels.  Kansans deserve better and we must make our voices louder and fight harder until the proper policy changes are implemented.

Senate Bill 547 and Senate Bill 258 will begin to restore fairness to the system.  Workers aren’t disposable and it’s about time the legislature recognizes that by passing these bills.

I’m glad they’re taking a stand on this.  I can’t see how denying Kansans health insurance makes them more free.  Such a problem to have; being all tied up with health insurance. Here’s the press release:

The Topeka Branch NAACP and the Kansas State Conference of Branches NAACP will hold a Press Conference on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 3:00pm at the Docking State Office Building opposing the Kansas “Health Care Freedom” Amendment.  This proposed amendment would block the implementation of any Federal Health Care Reform legislation here in Kansas. With over 300,000 Kansans uninsured, we can’t afford to play these partisan games.  Join us as we call on the legislature to reject this partisan anti-reform measure and to work for real health care reforms to provide quality and affordable health care for all. 

For further information, please contact Rev. Ben Scott at the Topeka Branch NAACP, 26-NAACP (785-266-2227).

Click here to view the embedded video.

SB 258 adjusts the permanent and total disability caps to account for inflation. Currently, that would put it at a level greater that $300,000. Workers disabled on the job by no fault of their own deserve more than that, but it is better than $125,000. In addition, this bill takes future adjustments for inflation out of the political process.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Senator Anthony Hensley, who has stood up for Kansas workers throughout his legislative career, addressed over 1,000 nurses and nursing students about the need for reform of our workers’ compensation system this past week at the Kansas State Nurses Association’s annual Day at the Legislature. The event was held at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, KS. State of the State KS covered Senator Hensley’s call for action on this issue.

The bill currently sits in the Senate Business and Labor Committee, which is Chaired by Senator Susan Wagle of Wichita. Senator Wagle makes the decision as to whether or not the bill even gets a hearing this session. Please contact Senator Wagle and let her know that we need to get SB 258 passed this session. Together, all working people need to send a message to the Kansas Legislature that workers are NOT disposable.



The Kansas State Nurses Association (KSNA) will hold its 34th annual public policy day on Thursday, February 11 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. Over 1,000 nurses and nursing students from across the state are expected to attend. Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson will welcome the group and provide opening comments at 9 a.m.

The purpose of the day is to discuss policy issues that impact the practice of nursing and the delivery and financing of health care. Andrew Allison, PhD, Acting Executive Director of the Kansas Health Policy Authority, will be the keynote speaker at 11:15 a.m. The Kansas Health Policy Authority is the principal health care agency for the state of Kansas. Established in 2005, KHPA serves as the single state Medicaid agency in Kansas, administering the medical portion of the Kansas Medicaid program, as well as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP, also known as “HealthWave”); MediKan, which provides coverage for certain low-income, disabled Kansans; the State Employee Health Program; and the State Self- Insurance Fund (SSIF), which provides workers compensation coverage to state employees.

Other presenters include Patricia Plank, MSN, RN, KSNA President; Dawn Zimmerman, President of the Kansas Association of Nursing Students; Sarah Tidwell, MS, RN, KSNA Legislative Chair; Anthony Hensley, Kansas Senate Minority Leader; Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD, MPH, State Health Officer and Director of the Kansas Division of Health; Rachel Lindbloom, MS, MSW, LSCSW, Section Chief for Health Data Analysis, Kansas Office of Health Assessment; Robert Stiles, MPH, MS, BS, Director of Primary Care, Kansas Bureau of Local and Rural Health; Ronda Eagleson, MN, ARNP, FNP-BC, ARNP Task Force Chair and KSNA Board Member.

For additional information, please contact KSNA at 785-233-8638 or ksna@ksna.net

There’s a bit of upcoming Democratic (or just plain liberal!) action coming up in Kansas these next few weeks.  Here’s a quick guide:

Tomorrow, the Fourth District Young Dems (4DYD’s!) will be meeting and holding a meeting with everyone’s favorite addition – margaritas! (I’m sure you can get a virgin one, high school kiddos.)  Details here, 4-5 pm at El Rodeo, 5730 Central, Wichita.

This Sunday, February 7 at 4pm the Johnson County Democratic Women will be hosting their annual Super Bowl Party fundraiser.  Tickets are $25 each, and $3 for a cup to drink all night long!  RSVP to Mary Kay Ziegler to get the address.  (This way, you get to comment on those “non-political” ads without offending your non-Democratic family members!)

Monday, February 6 is the Kansas City Metro Action team of Planned Parenthood of KS + Mid-MO.  6:30 pm, email Jen for details and location.  Always some good activists there! (and free condoms, if you’re in need).  If you can’t make the Action Team, email them for info about a volunteer night on February 24 as well.

Tuesday, February 9 the Kansas City Young Democrats will be hosting a meeting and commencing the first Drinking Liberally! in KC.  Plenty of local elected officials for your amusement, and after we’re done with them we’ll all find a good bar!  7 pm at the Lucky Brewgrille on Johnson Dr, in Mission.

Also Tuesday, the 9th the Manhattan Alliance for Peace and Justice will be hosting a showing of the film “American Casino”, which talks about the banking crisis and how Wall Street was gambling with the money of Main Street.  6:30 pm, Manhattan Library (upstairs in the auditorium), details here.

Not to forget – the Vagina Monologues!  KU is hosting their performances February 12 + 13 (Friday + Saturday), 7 pm, Hashinger Hall Theater, and tickets are $5 at the door.  UMKC is also hosting two performances – February 17 + 18 (Wednesday + Thursday), at their Pierson Auditorium, doors at 7 pm, tickets $10 for students/$15 for public in advance, or add $2 to each of those at the door.  They also have activities for the whole month!

AND, of course, WASHINGTON DAYS! February 26 + 27, Ramada in Topeka.  If you need more details than that, you need to get more involved!  Or, find the details here on the KDP website.

County Parties – Tomorrow, February 6 the Leavenworth County Party will be holding their regular 1st Saturday meeting.  9 am, Basehor Public Library.  February 13 will be the Johnson County party’s Second Saturday meeting, 8 am at Cafe 75 (75th + Quivira), and  February 20 will be the Wyandotte County party’s Third Saturday meeting, at 8:15 am – Granny’s Chicken Ranch, Village West, KCK.  (Will someone please think of those of us who like to sleep in on Saturdays?)

To think… some people say the Democratic party doesn’t exist in Kansas.  It does, and well all know it.  Every time we stay out late, get up early, call 500 people, or knock 50 doors – we are Kansas Democrats, and we’re not going down any time soon!