We think Rep. Becker’s survey results reflect how a lot of Kansans feel. Now we just need to get our legislature to vote accordingly, or get some new legislators. Thank you for sharing, Rep. Becker!

As I head back to Topeka today to begin the 2016 Legislative session, I wanted to share the results of the survey that I received back from you.

NEWSLETTER SURVEY RESULTS

If you remember, in early November I mailed a newsletter with a short survey on a variety of issues. I was pleasantly surprised to receive over 200 surveys in return mail. I thank you for your interest & effort in these issues.

I personally compiled the results of the survey as your input is incredibly important to me.

For you number-crunchers – some questions had multiple answers and not all questions were answered on every returned survey.

YOUR top four concerns for our State, in the order that was most mentioned in the “open” question were:
1. Budget
2. Taxes
3. Education/schools
4. Our governors leadership

Did you support the $431 million tax increase ( THAT I VOTED AGAINST) that was passed last year to fill the budget shortfall?
Yes – 32 No – 152

If the state faces another budget shortfall, what is the best approach to balancing the budget?
Raise sales tax – 17
Raise property tax – 2
Discontinue Governor’s income tax cuts – 152
Cut spending – 53

The Kansas Legislature needs to focus more on: (eight categories to choose from)
The three top categories you chose by a wide margin were education/schools (133), taxes/budget (147), highways (91).
The three lowest categories were abortion (19), guns/2nd amendment (15), marriage/family (15).

Do you support the expansion of liquor laws in Kansas to allow wine, beer and liquor to be sold in grocery and convenience stores?
Yes – 31 No – 195

Do you think our K-12 schools are:
Adequately funded – 40
Have too much funding – 14
Need additional funding – 145

The state remains in a lawsuit brought by parents over funding for K-12 schools. The court recently sided with the parents saying the new block grants did not provide an equitable and adequate education. What do you think of the court’s ruling?
The court was right to side with the parents – 123
The court was wrong to intervene – 38

I invite you to comment and reply with any additional thoughts.
Personally, I find the number of returned surveys and the results of the surveys very encouraging. I assure you these results will be with me throughout the 2016 legislative session.
Thank you for trusting me to serve you.

I look forward to keeping you updated, RIGHT HERE ON FACEBOOK, as the session plays out.

Lastly, I want to hear from you on the issues that are important to you! Please feel free to post comments, my staff will be helping me utilize Facebook this session.

Steven R. Becker
Representative, 104th District