Live Blog: State Senator Donald Betts Jr., Kansas

KansasB,

I did not support the coal fire plant legislation because it did not offer any alternatives. 85% of the energy that would be generated by these plants would have gone to Colorado, and Kansas would have been responsible for 100% of the solution. It takes water to run these coal fire plants. And western Kansas is struggling when it comes to the amount of water available to make a living, let alone the addition of these plants.

Some proponents of the coal fire plant have said that those would provide jobs for Kansans. However, the number of jobs available would be in the construction sector at first, and it was not definite in the bill that employees of the plant would be from Kansas. We need to look to the long term to provide long-lasting jobs and security, not to mention a healthy environment for the citizens of this state.

I have philosophy that if you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain. If anyone cares about our government, then they should participate in the voting process. And right now, you are right. There is sector of Kansans who would be disenfranchised by such a law. We need to combat this, so that people can exercise their rights as given to them by the Constitution. Coming from a home where my mother had to work sometimes two jobs, it's impossible to go to the polls during the week - even with the Advance Balloting.

I would propose a Saturday vote for the convenience of working-class Americans.

I actually offered an amendment that would provide a voter ID for all citizens who did not have identification to vote. I would also propose legislation for Same-Day vote. The Secretary of State's office was unable to find even one case of voter fraud.

Matthew,

Unlike my opponent, my votes have always and will always reflect what I say to my District. I will always support legislation that fights against any injustices against any people the world over.

The United States has a history of coming to the aid of the poor, the hungry, and those searching for the values of freedom and equality that we take for granted. I will always be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, and seek to re-establish our nation's respect and honor around the world.

That is exactly why I worked to get divestment legislation passed in the Kansas Senate.

PS - Thank you for running to D.C. to bring attention to this issue.

The truth is there is not one right answer. We have to take several forms of energy -- oil, solar, wind, coal -- and balance it out. Being dependent on one source of energy alone will put us in the same situation we are in now. It is imperative that we, as young leaders, create options for a healthy future.

In order to be a succesful person, you can not simply take only Math in school. You need to take Sciences, Languages, English, Art, Music, Shop, and Home Economics. In the same way we, as a nation, have to diversify our energy options in order to remain successful and independent.

Kurt,

I can reflect on my peers from college, and nearly all of them have left the state. I think it is important for young leaders to identify the changes needed to make this state one that we can be proud of.

That's why we need leaders to be vocal on increased wages. We need young leaders to speak up and challenge their legislators, business leaders, and community leaders to adopt this challenge as their own. As much as I may wish to legislate in order to keep bright, young people in this state, I can only play my role as a young leader myself and give them advice and opportunities that they will not find if they leave their home state.

I have been involved with 40 Under 40, Leadership Kansas, the American Council of Young Political Leaders. I've travelled all over the world, and Kansas is still, in my opinion, one of the best places in the world to raise a family. Those same individuals who left right after college are now returning to pitch their tent right here in Kansas. Many of those Kansans, like Rep. Goyle, have come back home to raise their families.

I hate cliche, but it really is like Dorothy said: there's no place like home.