Testimonials
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Greetings from Northwestern Kansas,
My name is Teresa McComb and I am the administrator of a small rural nursing home in Logan Kansas. Logan has a population of about 500 people. Logan Manor has 36 skilled beds, we offer skilled services as well as non-skilled long-term nursing home care. We also have a 10-apartment assisted living. Our facility employs 60 people and we are the largest employer in Logan.
Thank you for your yes vote to use state CARES Act dollars to fund the $20 per nursing home resident day for the first 120 days of the pandemic. This added income will be very helpful in helping us cover some of the added expenses and lost revenue.
I am on the LeadingAge Kansas Board and have been following the progression of the SPARK funding closely. I want to sincerely thank you for the $15M that was added to KDADS recommendation for nursing home funding. Through your support I know that you recognize and support the critical needs of nursing home residents and their care providers through this pandemic.
Logan Manor is not just a nursing home it is a community within itself. Our staff members grow close to all of our residents and it is heart breaking to be going through this pandemic. I am proud of the staff members who have continued to come to work to care for those that we love. We will mourn those that were lost but will continue to move forward. I appreciate all the support you are giving to nursing homes at this hard time.
Sincerely,
Teresa McComb
Senator Hensley, Thank you so much for supporting the $20.00 a day increase for long term care facilities. This money will help pay for the PPE that we are purchasing as well as some staff bonuses that were paid to hire nursing during this difficult time. I appreciate all you do to support the seniors of Kansas.
Thank you,
Crystal Packard, LMSW,
Good Samaritan Society-Parsons
Dear Senator Hensley,
Thanks so much for your brilliant leadership! I have relied on your support for 30 years. I appreciate your efforts on behalf of people with disabilities and the personal care attendants that support us on home and community. With your continued leadership, we will win healthcare!
Mike Oxford
Executive Director
Topeka Independent Living Resource Center
Sen. Hensley,
On behalf of CCCC and all community colleges in Kansas, thank you for your support of higher education. Your work on the Ways & Means Committee is instrumental in helping community colleges continue our work in impacting our state’s economy.
Dr. Adrian H. Douglas
President
Cloud County Community College
Anthony — thank you for all your hard work this legislative session. You, once again, did a great job!
Thank you!
LG Lynn Rogers
Dear Anthony,
Thank you for your hard work this session, especially on legislation proposed by the Insurance Department! I always appreciate the opportunity to work with you.
Vicki Schmidt
Kansas Commissioner of Insurance
Senator Hensley,
I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated your support this year. While we didn’t get it done this year, we are ready to complete the job in 2020.
Thanks,
Chad Austin
Kansas Hospitals Association
Dear Senator Hensley,
Thank you for your vote today. I personally know SO many people affected because they cannot get access to health care. Passing this bill can help so many Kansans. It’s the right thing to do morally and economically. I’m beyond grateful to you for doing the right thing.
– A dedicated voter, one of your constituents, Anita
Just a short note to say “Thank you!” for your support of mental health and addictions services during the 2017 Legislature.
Bill Persinger, Jr., CEO
Valeo Behavioral Health Care
AFT-KS wishes to acknowledge your vote to override the Governor’s failed economic policy. This took political courage and our AFT-Kansas members are grateful for your willingness to recognize that our communities deserve better.
AFT-Kansas
Thanks for the kind words about my career at Washburn and the special recognition in front of the Senate! My family and I will cherish this forever. Thanks again!
Yours Truly,
Bob Chapman
On behalf of The University of Kansas Health System, thank you for your support of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2278….With the passage of this bill all Kansas public hospitals, including The University of Kansas Health System, will maintain local control of security policies and can continue to operate as they do today regarding concealed carry policies. This ensures all hospitals — public and private — can compete on a level playing field with the same rules.
We appreciate your support of this legislation and thank you for your public services.
Sincerely,
Bob Page
President and Chief Executive Officer
The University of Kansas Health System
Thank you for voting against any and all cuts for K-12 education. As a student, it would be devastating for my education to be cut. Kids are our country’s future.
Thank you,
Mihir
Dear Senator Hensley:
Thank you for your opposition and explanation of vote on S Sub for HB 2053. On behalf of KTLA members, we appreciate your work and your leadership on so many issues important to us and to Kansans. Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Callie Denton
Kansas Trial Lawyers Association
Senator Hensley,
I want to thank you for speaking at our Local Government Day program at the Capitol Plaza on January 25. County officials (and our city colleagues) are better able to engage in the political process when armed with information. Your presentation was very helpful in communicating the challenges facing the 2017 Legislature.
Thanks again,
Randall Alen
Kansas Association of Counties
Dear Senator Hensley,
We want to thank you for speaking to the League of Kansas Municipalities members at Local Government Day. We appreciate your insight on local issues in the Capitol.
Also, thank you for your support of the League’s issues and for taking time from your busy schedule to speak.
Regards,
Erik Sartorius and Cindy Green
Dear Senator Hensley,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with the bishops, they appreciated it.
Michael Schuttloffel
Executive Director
Kansas Catholic Conference
Senator Hensley,
Thank you for your support of the resolution that recognized March 3 as National Speech and Debate Education Day. Without your leadership, the students and coaches of Kansas would not have had this incredible recognition of their work. It was amazing to hear that 100 former students of the NSDA work at the Capitol in some capacity. Thank you for using your voice to shed light on the value of speech and debate.
Sincerely,
The National Speech and Debate Association Team
Now that the 2017 legislative session has concluded, I wanted to personally thank you for your commitment to higher education this session, especially those issues relevant to Fort Hays State University. Through your efforts, Fort Hays State has been able to accomplish many of its goals this year in providing exceptional educational opportunities at an affordable rate for all the people of Kansas – particularly of western Kansas.
We are particularly grateful for the support we have received and look forward to working with you in the months and years ahead….
Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable summer!
Dr. Andy Tompkins
Interim President
Fort Hays State University
I am writing on behalf of the 23,000 students, their families, and the Board of Education of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to share our sincerest appreciation for your work during the 2017 legislative session. Thank you for renewing our hope and confidence in the legislative process, and for working on half of the children and families across our great state.
For today, please know that your actions have restored faith in our legislative process.
Thank you, again, for lifting up our common values, and working to ensure state policies reflect the spirit of what it means to be a Kansan. We stand willing and ready to assist in any manner necessary.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cynthia Lane
Superintendent of Schools
Thank you so much for your outstanding service to the state of Kansas in the Legislature. It has been an honor and privilege to work with you. I am looking forward to working with you as a contract lobbyist as I transition into retirement.
Sincerely,
Gary Robbins
Senator Hensley,
Thank you for creating such a unique and lasting memory for our students. They appreciated the opportunity!
Kelly Vosilus
Eisenhower Middle School
Dear Anthony,
Thank you so much for participating in our 41st annual sweetheart dance. We appreciate your support of our organization.
Sincerely,
Virginia Mendoza
LULAC Council
Last week was a pinnacle moment for the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library celebration for receiving the 2016 Library Journal’s Library of the Year Award. And we have been celebrating – with our staff, with our retirees, with our partners, with our donors, with our customers and with our community. It was also a career highlight. The well-crafted resolution approved by our State Senate effectively described what we strive to do at the Library every day as we commit to serving the public to the best of our ability. I was genuinely touched that each of you took the time to speak about who we are and what we do for the community. A number of our trustees, staff, and guests have expressed to me how moved they were hearing the resolution read and your heartfelt individual remarks.
…
Thank you again for sponsoring Senate Resolution 1731 and honoring the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. You have an open invitation to visit your library!
Warm regards,
Gina Millsap, CEO
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Senator Hensley,
Thank you for all your hard work over the years. I see the current situation with the Medicaid expansion as a direct result of your persistence over the years. Keep up the good work.
If there is anything I can do to be of assistance on any issue, please feel free to call upon me.
Thank you,
Terry Roberts
Burlingame, KS
Thank you for meeting with me and our group from Overbrook yesterday during the annual City Hall Day at the Capital event.
It’s impressive to hear about the many matters you deal with in comparison to what our City handles. I wouldn’t change jobs with you!
As you continue to serve, please let us know of times when our support would be productive to your efforts!
Thanks for your dedication to excellent service!
Don Schultz, Mayor
Overbrook, KS
I want to express my gratitude for your leadership to ensure the legislature meet its obligation to fund Kansas schools equitably. Facing extreme opposition, your leadership was instrumental in creating a solution that would both meet the constitutional requirements, and keep Kansas schools from closing on July 1st.
I recently read that a politician debates the cost of a plan, while a statesman questions the wisdom of the plan. It was clear that the coalition that formed, to equitably fund out schools, was focused on the wisdom of the plan, and the need to do what is right for Kansas children.
We are sincerely appreciative of your leadership.
All the best,
Dr. Cynthia Lane
Superintendent of Schools
Kansas City Kansas Public Schools
You have been a CHAMPION for education for years! Thank you so much for the great work you do. I know you will continue this good work before the June 30th deadline to fix funding for schools. Please let me know what you need from me…even if it’s just a cup of coffee on a late night!!
Sincerely,
Christine Sturges
Topeka, KS
I just wanted to take a moment and say “THANK YOU” for voting in favor of HB2001 and for your continued dedication as a Senator of the 19th District for the State of Kansas. I also appreciate both political parties working together to solve the school finance equity problem so that districts are able to continue to operate on July 1 and that there will be no interruption in education for the students of USD 330 Mission Valley and for the other students in Kansas.
Again, thank you for your time, service, and vote of support for public education.
Respectfully,
William J. Clark
Superintendent of Schools/Director of Special Services
USD 330 Mission Valley
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the opportunity to serve on the Children’s Cabinet as your appointee and for accelerating the timeline so that we could quickly deal with issues that were developing.
I appreciate your dedication to responsible policy and the state and look forward to working with you to restore and health and well-being of Kansas and its people.
Annie McKay, Executive Director
Kansas Action for Children
I saw on the news that you and others walked from the school to the capital on this anniversary of Brown v BOE to decry the governor’s kicking out a leg from the three-legged stool of state finance. Thank you for your continued support of education AND for the state of Kansas as a whole. I hope the next election brings in more legislators who share your pov!
Donna Viola
Over the years, I have read your name and your remarks many times in the Wichita Eagle. I have not had the pleasure of hearing you speak until tonight, and I wanted you to know how incredibly impressed I was. Most of all, I was grateful for your intelligent, articulate, unrelenting refutation of the Governor’s remarks and impending plans. I feel much better, knowing how informed and strong you are.
I can tell you, Senator, I am scared witless for the future of the state. I fear we’re headed toward the status of Mississippi, and there aren’t many of you to prevent it. While it’s exhausting and demoralizing to fight battles that could end in defeat, I feel better, knowing you’re up for them. Your tenacity, knowledge and obvious love and concern for the citizens of Kansas have buoyed me.
Lynn Stephan, Women for Kansas
Wichita, KS
Thank you for your continued service in the Kansas Legislature. I appreciate your ongoing support of public education in Kansas. I am counting on a speedy and common sense approach to the wrap-up of this year’s legislative session. Thank you for sticking your neck out to combat the craziness!
Anna Moon Bradley, Teacher
Melvern, KS
Thank you so much for your outstanding service to the State of Kansas in the Legislature. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you. I have appreciated your friendship over the years.
Gary Robbins
Kansas Optometric Association
You probably don’t remember me but I wanted to send you a note thanking you for your strong support for all schools in Kansas not just the wealthy ones. The action taken by the Democrats this morning is much appreciated. I have always greatly appreciated your stand for public schools.
Ray Daniels, Former Superintendent of KCK schools
I thank you for your vote to support special education funding for our students. It is imperative to education in Kansas that $25.3 million in special education funding is added to the budget to meet the most current estimate of federal maintenance of effort requirements.
I offer my services to you if you need information to help this debate.
Sincerely,
Kathy Mickelson, Ed.D.
Director, Three Lakes Education Cooperative
Lyndon, KS
On behalf of active and retired teachers in Kansas, thank you for opposing SB 469. With the Capitol environment being quite vindictive, your vote was courageous. It is one thing to verbally support teachers, but taking action that supports your words is truly appreciated. I am sincerely grateful that you remain steadfast for teachers.
Thank you!
Jan Martens, Retired teacher
Senator Hensley’s constituent
Thank you for your vote regarding SB 469. I appreciate that you stood up to those who don’t seem to understand the value of a union. Sadly, this is just one of what seems to be an endless attack on teachers and public schools by the state government.
Words cannot express my gratitude to you for the energy and commitment you openly display for our children, teachers, public schools, and the future of our state.
Strength for tomorrow,
Lucinda Crenshaw
2016 Regional Kansas Teacher of the Year
Now that this year’s Legislative Session is over, my husband and I want to thank you for steadfastly representing all working Kansans and voting against the tax increases that unfortunately passed at the last minute and by the smallest margins.
While closely following the course of the budget debates this year, we became increasingly disheartened that common sense and fairness played no role for far too many legislators when dealing with the State’s current – and worsening – fiscal problems. We were always glad to see that you consistently offered practical and equitable measures, despite your not being heard or, at times, even respected by some elected officials.
Thank you for your ethical and responsible conduct and ideas and your service to your constituents for the good of Kansas.
Sincerely,
Mary Greb-Hall
Doug Hall
I want to offer heartfelt thanks for your eloquent expression of statesmanship and loyalty to Kansas today, regarding the continuing destruction of this my adopted state by the irresponsible behaviors of the governor.
Your words were moving and went to the heart of the situation with clarity and courage. I am one of your champions for as long as I can conscience remaining in Kansas. Unfortunately, I am not one of your constituents, as I live in Manhattan.
I am sure that the sadness and the struggle of conscience I am experiencing are shared by many, many Kansans. However, today the voice of your leadership was so profound that even the conservative media had to report it, and that leadership is so valuable to me and no doubts many others.
Thank you again. Feel free to call on me, if a retired old woman can contribute to our cause in some way you believe would be helpful.
Sincerely,
Marianne Adams
Manhattan, KS
I first of all want to say how much I admire you and your good works! I am so sorry to write you about this but my heart, head and pride can no longer contain these so negative feelings I have. I do understand you are NOT a miracle worker but that you are among just a few good men/women in the Legislature.
I am so opposed to the destruction of the Docking Building, but more than that I am sick and tired of legislators not having the BACKBONE to say no to Gov. Brownback. What is wrong with this picture? The “people” voted for these representatives to work for us not Brownback. His plans have failed miserably and he is making Kansas the laughing stock of the nation and the free world. Stop him for God’s Sake.
I apologize for this very negative email to you but I can no longer hold my tongue or thoughts. I am disgusted to be called a Kansan or to say I am from Kansas or Topeka.
Again, I appreciate all you do and stand for. May God bless you.
Ginger K. Napue
We wanted to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give us a private tour of the Capitol. The kids really enjoyed the experience, especially the elevator ride. We hope to see you again soon.
The Gould Family
Thank you for service for our district and state. I recently read some of your positive statements toward public sector workers. I know you probably never hear it but thank you. Thank you as both a citizen and as a public servant. I know you were always appreciated by my grand parents and I want you to know that the next generation appreciates you work too.
A State Employee and District 19 Constituent