The Newborn Screening program promotes early identification of serious medical conditions that may respond to early treatment, thus better protecting the newborn infant. The current test methods utilized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment were devised some 30 years ago, have an unacceptably high margin of error, and have not been modernized. Physical health is only a part of the health needs of our children. These are but a few of the programs and funding I will recommend to improve the physical and mental health care of our children. The education of our children continues to be the first priority of Kansans.
Education opens the door to their future.
For some it is where dreams are given a chance to become reality. Unfortunately for some it is the only safe harbor from the grim reality in which they live. For all, education is a critical component in determining their future, and I am determined to continue providing enhanced resources to our system of education. My budget recommends more than 87 million new dollars for K-12 education. This includes additional dollars for each child in each classroom, continues our efforts to make the funding formula equitable for all school districts and meets the increased costs for special education.