Despite a continuing decline in income tax revenues, a state budget shortfall of $500 million, and another round of budget cuts in the near future, there are still projects being funded that can be classified as downright silly. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported on Friday that the city of Topeka will be going through with a $630,000 project to put up “Welcome to Topeka” signs on at various entry points to the Capital City.

Please join the Topeka Area Chapter of Americans for Prosperity-Kansas for our monthly chapter meeting. Please note the new location for the November meeting: we will gather at the Topeka AFP Office this month. This month’s meeting will feature a discussion of the upcoming Legislative debate of a statewide transportation plan. We are also currently viewing the 10-part series “Free to Choose” at our monthly meetings, with November featuring Vol. 6: “What’s Wrong with our Schools.”

Wichita Kansas blogger Bob Weeks was recognized for his work in conservative online activism during the 2009 AFP Foundation Defending the American Dream Summit. See AFP Foundation New Media Director Erik Telford present Bob with the "Blogger of the Year Award" in the video below.

From time to time we come across a gross exaggeration that just simply has to be called out and this is a gross exaggeration to say the least.

Alan Rupe, one of the attorneys representing the Salina and Dodge City schools in Montoy v. State of Kansas made this statement which appeared in several newspapers, including the Dodge City Globe and the El Dorado Times on April 30, 2009:

“They (the Legislature) seem to have just eliminated their ability to raise taxes,” he said. “Meanwhile, the cuts to the schools are huge, and, in fact, return the education funding to pre-Montoy levels.”

About 50 Kansans were part of the crowd of 2,000 at AFP Foundation's 2009 Defending the American Dream Summit. One of our Kansas attendees, Kimberly Tibbs, has submitted some photos as well as her thoughts on the weekend:

The first day, Oct. 1st, we had a delightful morning full of activity: information gathering, shopping the various booths and countless opportunities to network with other groups. People were excited to be here in Washington, D.C., to let our voices be heard. Hundreds of people milled around striking up conversations with other "Fellow Americans." Strangers did not exist! Even the elevators were chatty with talk of "Where are you from?" and on and on it went. What an exciting time to be here.