“Educators also serve a special interest group–Kansas kids. I ask you to remember that the lobbyist I’m referring to in this editorial [KPI’s Dave Trabert] is paid to advance the same ideology that has our state on the brink of fiscal ruin but who won’t disclose by whom he is paid (even when pressed to do so by elected representatives). If his plan weakens working conditions, learning conditions, and public schools–as similar laws have in other states–he and his employers are accountable to no one while you and I are left with consequences that impact your child.

“Over specific objections by numerous committee members, a bill offered by this lobbyist and his allies has now advanced in the legislature’s House Education Committee while an amended bill reflecting the consensus of the education community was rejected. The Representatives who voted in favor of this bill did more than thumb their noses at the whole of the education community. They sent a clear statement that opinions of lobbyists paid by outside special interests carry more weight with the legislature and state government than do the opinions of trained professionals and the recommendations of the Governor’s own task force.”

http://www.morningsun.net/article/20150213/Opinion/150219904/?Start=1#sthash.PgVjSKzk.dpuf