GUESTS: Rep. Jason Probst and Rep. Steven Becker, our guest speakers. Craig Davis, returning guest of Randall Haltom. John Knipp, past member and guest of Brad Thompson.
FINES: Troy Thode with help from Paul Brown were our Sergeants. Yours truly was fined since it was (almost) my birthday and…I had to pay an extra buck to listen to Paul Brown sing a pathetic rendition of Happy Birthday. Marsha McConnell was fined for being late. Jeff Brewer was fined for no blue shirt. You know…it was only 5 days ago and I don’t remember the details. The center table was fined for talking, then our table and finally the whole room. You two lost control fast…but you did raise $$.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Board Meeting at 6:15 AM this Friday!
Kathy Hanks announced that she would be leaving our esteemed group, The Hutchinson News and our fine city at the end of July to take a job as a Senior Reporter with the Lawrence Journal-World. You will be missed by all!!
PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Representative Jason Probst and Representative Steven Becker. Jason was chosen to fill the term left by the late Patsy Terrell for the 102nd District. Jason does not have an opponent this year. He spoke about the real possibility that we could have lost the Kansas State Fair to another city and the efforts made to secure its place in Hutchinson with a special sales tax bill. Steven Becker, on the other hand, does have an opponent for the primary election Paul Waggoner. Steve was elected in 2012 for the 2013 session. He spoke about Brownback’s failed income tax relief and the financial fiasco it has caused the state with no safety net. The House and Senate have made steady strides to dig us out of the hole but we’re not out yet. He said that it would take several more years of improved relief until we are out of the hole with past debt paid off. He also discussed a recent Medicaid expansion bill that failed for the second year in a row. The school finance bill had to be addressed and took the lead this session. Remember to vote Tuesday, August 7.
Lucky Ace Drawing: Scott Potucek drew the Ace of Clubs for $5. The pot is $?
Newsletter Drawing: Terry Brigman didn’t know the answer.
Newsletter Question: For $40…Lets play reporter. Who’s leaving, When are they leaving, Where are they going and What will they do? We can guess Why.
Next Meeting: 7/13 – It’s Friday the Thirteenth…maybe your lucky day? Come find out.
Editor: Steve Conard