State of Kansas Archives: on Welfare & Poverty
Carl Brewer:
Grew up in daily, anxious poverty
Brewer's background is markedly different than the other potential candidates from both parties who are considering running for governor. The names being bandied about include people who grew up as sons of farmers, oil company executives, car dealership
owners, dentists, public school teachers and professors. A 2015 profile on Brewer notes, "He grew up in daily, anxious poverty," and his stepfather was an alcoholic who beat him.
He did not talk about those experiences, but no doubt they inform Brewer's main themes, which he did discuss. "My biggest priorities are jobs and securing a good education for the children of this state.
I have the experience, knowledge and passion to get us back on track. I will bring new leadership and restore confidence in our government. It will take a new vision to do so."
Source: The Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas Gubernatorial race
Feb 26, 2017
Patrick Wiesner:
Change housing policy to avoid taking on more debt
When bankruptcy is the right option, Patrick represents his customers in Federal Court. His work includes helping home owners.
Patrick has seen the problems caused by excessive home loans and government interference in these transactions.
He intends to change housing policy to emphasize building net worth in homes rather than taking on more debt.
Patrick is easy to get to know. Within minutes after he first meets his clients, they are comfortable enough with him to talk about mistakes they made and the financial trouble they are in.
Source: 2016 Kansas Senate campaign website, WiesnerForSenate.com
Apr 1, 2016
Sam Brownback:
Required work/training improves quality of life
We implemented reforms that said if you have no disabilities and no children at home, you should work or train for work at least 20 hours per week. The results are in and our reforms worked: caseloads are
70% lower today before. Before work requirements, 93% of able-bodied adults on welfare were in poverty. But within a year of leaving welfare, their incomes had more than doubled--an increase of 127% on average.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Kansas legislature
Jan 12, 2016
Jim Holt:
Separation of church and state cannot be done
Q: Should public official separate their religious beliefs from politics?A: By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I try to be the same man on the Senate floor as I am at church. Separate yourself from your beliefs? I’ve never
figured out how that can be done. In my view that can’t be done if the beliefs are sincere. If they are not sincere, then what else is that politician not sincere about?
Q: What role do your religious beliefs play in your life?
A: I do the best I
can to conform every area of my life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Does that mean I have arrived? No way, just ask my teenage children. Still, it means that if you elect me you are getting a man (and family) who believes that he is accountable
to God for everything he does. There is no thinking that I will get away with anything shady. There is no thought of failing to keep my word. I fear God and I understand that every action I take on Earth has a just recompense in Heaven.
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Questionnaire
Aug 12, 2004
Page last updated: Feb 13, 2018