Brownback discusses health care at breakfast meeting
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback discussed national health care reform during a breakfast meeting organized by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce on Monday. Enlarge video
U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback still wants to shrink the federal government by a third, work for “incremental” change in U.S. health care and maybe even coordinate a U.S. visit for what would be a formidable Sudanese basketball team.
But make no mistake: Despite his focus on work in Washington and on international relations, Brownback — a former Kansas president for Future Farmers of America, former student body president at Kansas State University and former Kansas agriculture secretary — is busy running to be Kansas governor.
During a Monday breakfast meeting organized by the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, the soon-to-be-former senator served up his vision for the state’s future: one that’s pro-growth, pro-business, pro-Lawrence and decidedly pro-Kansas.
He noted previous and ongoing work to win a National Cancer Institute designation for Kansas University, establish a National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, bolster military intelligence activities in Leavenworth, enhance wind-energy efforts in the state, expand animal agriculture production in western Kansas, and boost tourism in the Flint Hills with the possibility of a new destination hotel.
He foresees even more.
“These are the sorts of things we can do to grow: targeted and specific,” Brownback told a crowd of 100 chamber members and their guests. “And where Kansas comes together — Republican, Democrat; liberal, conservative — and says, ‘We can do this, we’re going to do this and we’re pushing it forward,’ that’s the way we grow. We’re not big enough, populationwise, to be fighting with each other, and then think we’re going to be able to take this on and win it on a national and international basis.
“But if we come together — on these specific, targeted areas that we’re world class at — we can win these things, and we do. And that’s the way I want us to move forward as a state.”
Brownback’s hourlong appearance came as part of the chamber’s National Congressional Series. The two-term senator mingled with attendees and offered brief remarks before answering written questions from the audience — a welcome difference, he said, from the “town maulings” that lawmakers in the House of Representatives had been facing during the past week regarding health care.
“Thank you for having happy faces,” said Brownback, R-Kan.
Brownback again turned his focus to state business when discussing growth, comparing the approaches of California and Texas. California looks to lose a seat in Congress after the next reapportionment, he said, while Texas is poised to gain four, because of population shifts driven largely by tax policies and business decisions.
“California is just about to fall off the cliff,” Brownback said. “And every place that I know of, every state that I know — including, I think, Kansas — is poaching businesses out of California and trying to get the people to come with them. And should.”
After the meeting, Brownback noted that he’d worked as Kansas agriculture secretary to convince dairy producers to bolt California for the Sunflower State, where costs would be lower. Today, Brownback said, there are some 20 such large-scale producers in southwest Kansas.
The state should seek relocations and also foster in-state growth, he said. Either way, Brownback expects Lawrence to build upon its ties and strengths with KU, especially in the pharmaceuticals industry as the KU Cancer Center gains National Cancer Institute designation.
“Lawrence needs to be one of the hub cities for Kansas growth,” he said. “This really is one of the key communities for growth in the state of Kansas.”
Brownback also was quick to acknowledge the community’s embracing of even more KU excellence.
“By the way, congratulations on KU being the national basketball champion in 2010,” he said, drawing predictable applause.
Then, continuing the basketball theme, Brownback explained how he’d already informed his staff about a foolproof plan to win his “next election.”
It came when members of the Dinka tribe, of south Sudan, recently visited his office in Washington. The men — averaging 6’ 7” or 6’ 8” easily — had let him in on a little inside information.
“They have 10 guys in south Sudan who are playing basketball, between the age of 15 and 23, that are over 7 feet in height,” Brownback said. “Ten.
“So I’m thinking, if we can get three in Kansas — one at KU, one at K-State and one at Wichita State ... this is all over.”
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
14 years ago, Sam Brownback went to DC saying he wanted to shrink the federal government by a third.
Well, the 1995 federal budget was $1.6 trillion.
The 2009 federal budget was $3.10 trillion.
You know, Sen. Brownback, since you're so interested in Texas perhaps you are familiar with one of their favorite sayings - "All hat, no cattle."
I await your proposal to cut $2 trillion from federal spending and thus achieve your 1994 goal of reducing the federal government by a third. It's a shame so many Kansans are willing to listen to what you say when what you actually have done in Washington is the polar opposite.
Centerville (anonymous) says…
God forbid this state should actually encourage a tax base.
gccs14r (anonymous) says…
The biggest favor Brownback could do for Kansas is to move out of state. He can take Roberts, Tiahrt, and the rest of the Reichwing idiots with him.
puddleglum (anonymous) says…
aw man.
b-back has worked so hard for kansas, while in washington.
he eliminated the Clintons
defeated health care
became a catholic
ate some donuts
got rich(er)
brought in yellow cake
ate Osama's children
and looked pretty good while doing it.
more coal plants!
maybe we could build another nuclear energy plant and sell the power to missouri?
63BC (anonymous) says…
Folks, is it too much to ask that one actually spend a few moments listening to what the man has to say about how we can start growing again?
Some good ideas here and the experience to get them done.
none2 (anonymous) says…
edjayhawk (Anonymous) says…
Surprised he didn't mention his Christian agenda…What exactly does incremental change in healthcare mean?
==================================
Sprinkle more holy water the sicker someone gets -- especially for mental illness.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
Since when is it "character assassination" to point out that this man's only experience is going to DC and doubling the federal budget in 14 years?
And it is funny, the "growth" he talks about is all reliant upon literally hundreds of millions of dollars in state spending.
And to pay for that spending, he wants to cut taxes? I've seen this budgetary tactic before, and frankly I want no part of Washington, DC back home in Kansas.
If you want to cut taxes as a way to "pay for" hundreds of millions in new spending, you better stay in DC. Here in Kansas we must balance our budget on an annual basis.
As for comparing states, if you look at CNBC's widely regarded "Top States of Business," it is true that Texas ranks #2.
Kansas ranks #7. Of course, in terms of Business Friendliness, Kansas actually ranks two spots ahead of Texas. We are already beating Texas on the very measure Brownback says we should be emulating them on!
Rather than reading a silly analysis of Texas vs. California in The Economist, perhaps he should be reviewing metrics that analyze Kansas, metrics which compare Kansas to its peers.
It isn't character assassination, it is a simple review of the facts to demonstrate that Mr. Brownback has a poor grasp of the issues. That's a dangerous thing for a would be CEO of the State of Kansas.
BigPrune (anonymous) says…
Pro-business AND pro-Lawrence? I wonder how well the comments he made went over with our local Chamber?
I'm surprised our embarrassing local radical left didn't throw pies at him during his speech. They must've had good security.
He will be the next governor of Kansas. It would be wonderful if Lawrence someday was capable of attracting businesses and jobs. So far, the past local regime change didn't do much of anything. Progressives in drag perhaps?
JackRipper (anonymous) says…
BigPrune you must not have a lot of faith in Kansans that we always need to be "drawing business" from elsewhere. In the big picture how does it help to move a company from California to Kansas? Just more of the stupid "growth" that will assure we continue to decline as a great nation. Right now our biggest concern should be local food and manufacturing so we'll be better prepared to face the effects of peak oil which if people would just pay a little attention to it would recognize it is real and it will change the way we live. Mr. Brownback the 20th century is over and we must move forward and come up with 21st century ideas.
davidsmom (anonymous) says…
Brownback did not grow the federal government single-handedly.
JackRipper (anonymous) says…
No but he should have known he wasn't going to fix it either but Americans like to live in fantasy land and close their eyes to the problems coming that won't be fixed with pork barrel for the state.
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
I don't think it's fantasy to want, and to try, to shrink federal government. Further, bringing businesses and more folks to the state is not pork. I hope he does it.
JackRipper (anonymous) says…
maybe you should explore what was costing and going to cost, pre-Obama, and how he was planning on doing that. but we can't expect Americans to look at the facts when there are so many pretty commercials. so I take it you think Kansas small business should be walked on so we can subsidize corporations that specialize in exploiting cities and states? Is the country as a whole better off if a business that already has the infrastructure in place in California moves to Kansas?
cowboy (anonymous) says…
While Brownback seems an affable guy in casual conversations will he disclose this whole "Family" cult issue that he has been involved in up in DC. How much money have they given him and what has he done on their behalf ?
What will his evangelical beliefs have on womens health care issues in kansas ?
Since the dems have no candidate we need full disclosure Sam. Does Kansas need a governor who feels the nightly news is too racy ? There is a bunch of really off the wall religious stuff just under the surface here that paints this guy as quite the odd bird.
Google Brownback , Family
georgeofwesternkansas (anonymous) says…
You can call Sam alot of different things if it makes you happy, but at least you know where he stands on all the issues. He said he would serve 2 terms and come home and that is exactly what he did.
You may not like him but at least you know what you are getting if you elect him gov.
georgeofwesternkansas (anonymous) says…
Hey Log, you forgot Bush in that one....Do one on him...
autie (anonymous) says…
I don't like Sam or his policies. But I'm afraid to say that he probably will be the next Governor. This will end up with KOCH written all over it. And their pro business policy is government for the rich, by the rich etc....Middle class Kansans, hold on, your taxes are going up.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
davidsmom (Anonymous) says…
Brownback did not grow the federal government single-handedly.
--------------------------------
Excellent point.
Tell me, what has Senator Brownback cut since joining that chamber in 1997? As you know, individual US Senators can wield tremendous influence, particularly senior Senators, which Sen. Brownback is.
What parts of the federal budget, which was 50% of its current size when Sen. Brownback took office, did he at least attempt to cut? Where are his specific proposals, his specific amendments offered?
To the contrary, Sen. Brownback has been as guilty as the rest of the GOP in offering nothing more than spending increases during his term. As Governor, he will absolutely bankrupt this state. This will cause long term damage to our top assets - our schools and our universities, our infrastructure, and our ability to attract and sustain business growth.
scott3460 (anonymous) says…
If Kansas is successful in stealing business from California, how long before that business moves to Arkansas or Alabama, or Mexico?
verity (anonymous) says…
georgeofwesternkansas (Anonymous) says…
"You may not like him but at least you know what you are getting if you elect him gov."
No, I don't think we do. What, exactly, do we know about the "Fellowship" and Opus Dei, which is a secret organization of the Roman Catholic Church.
What I do know about Brownback scares the crap out of me.
Read "God's Senator" in the Jan 25, 2006 edition of the "Rolling Stone."
nugget (anonymous) says…
Ah, yes, that favorite old Republican conservative tactic that works best with the poorly educated Kansan. Run on button-topics and while simultaneously sticking your hand in the pocket of big business. "Pro-business", read, no control so they run out of control ala Bush-Cheney. Yea, that got us into fine shape, didn't?
Oh, I'm sorry, it's Obama that created this huge housing and financial global meltdown. Bush didn't have a thing to do with it.
Sorry.
zzgoeb (anonymous) says…
Sam has proven he is a Christian zealot that voted in lockstep with the Bush/Cheney cabal. Yes some folks on the board are correct, he will be our next governor and the state will be in shambles both fiscally and environmentally very soon. The Chamber's agenda is what we followed as a nation for 8 years and look what happened on Wall Street! Vote against Sam...show up at his "listening" tours and pretend you are a part of the Brooks Brothers Brigade that is shouting down any real discussion of health care reform...Power to the People!
Orwell (anonymous) says…
No point developing a tax base if you refuse to tax it. The Koch boys know good ol' Sam will let them keep their billions, and damn the consequences.
And we pretty much knew as well where the Taliban stood on issues when they were formally in charge in Afghanistan. That's some real comfort, that is.
handlon (anonymous) says…
Oh my god, Sam Brownback as our governor..... Looks like I'll have to retire to bedlam....or perhaps Minnesota. :-)
dudedog12 (anonymous) says…
You guys can call him anything you want, just don't call him late for the next fundraiser,
Phillbert (anonymous) says…
Brownback sits on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which gives him more power to control federal spending than most senators have - not that he's ever walked the "lower spending" walk.
oneeye_wilbur (anonymous) says…
those three laughing are probably laughing about how they will pull the wool over everyone's eyes, and continue to tell the publc what they want to hear,so Brownback is pro business and comes to a community that is anti business, is city hall waiting for direction from Brownback?
Lawrence is truly "special" and barely able to think outside the box instead deferring to Brownback.
I'll vote for our local senator for governor instead.
Cappy (anonymous) says…
Brownbacking leads to Santorum.
deathpenaltyliberal (anonymous) says…
BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
"I'm surprised our embarrassing local radical left didn't throw pies at him during his speech. "
Progressives have more class than that. Unlike the rightwingnuts that have been foaming at the mouth at the health care town hall meetings.
Brownback will just mouth platitudes about "small government" and "family values", while growing the budget and government just like he's been doing in Washington.
jhawks1510 (anonymous) says…
Logrithmic - there are no plans to build a bio-weapons plant in KS. Regarding the planned facility, any engineered bacteria/viri/prions, etc., are purely for the purpose of finding a defense against them. Bio-weapons are extremely unpredictable and could very easily backfire. Trust me, if that were truly the case, I'd be standing right there with you against it.
Relative to his Senate counterparts, he's done more to reduce governmental growth than accelerate it, although the Republicans lost a golden opportunity to do that when they were in control. I was very disappointed in the spending incurred by the Republican House & Senate, but they can't hold a candle to what's happening now.
b_asinbeer (anonymous) says…
International relations? Are you kidding me? I more than once wrote a "concerned letter" about nations that practiced isolationism and oppressed its people, he just gave me a generic response that he's working hard and gave me some examples of other work he did. It's fine that he did work in other countries, but the countries I was talking about were worse off than the ones that he cited.
He'll probably win, but I won't vote for him.
Bob_Keeshan (anonymous) says…
jhawks1510 (Anonymous) says…
Relative to his Senate counterparts, he's done more to reduce governmental growth than accelerate it,
-------------------------------
Wow, that is lovely rhetoric.
Do you have any proof to support that? What specific reductions?
And what is "reduce governmental growth?" That's not what Sen. Brownback talks about, he talks about reducing the current size of government. Reducing governmental growth is still growth.
Irish (Leslie Swearingen) says…
I would hate to think that the Catholic Church would advocate voting for someone simply because they are Catholic.
obviously there are idiots in every faith and sometimes new converts are more zealous and out there at first and then they mellow with time.
And, then some don't.
Some are still pre Vatican Two and have no idea where the church stands now on some things. And, don't want to know.
This is not going to go away ever.
It might actually make more sense just to have two people arm wrestle each other and the winner is right.
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
If you don't want to 'lure' businesses to Kansas, do you see another way of luring jobs to Kansas?
pace (anonymous) says…
Is something wrong with the photo, he looks awful yellow to me.
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
:-) Take of your glasses.
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
Correction: Take off your glasses. :-)
JackRipper (anonymous) says…
1510 much of the reason they are spending like crazy now is because the house of cards built over the last 20 years has collapsed and they are desperately trying to revive it.
exhawk, why do we have to lure businesses from elsewhere, are we too stupid to develop from within for the needs of Kansans, especially in the new times coming?
exhawktown (anonymous) says…
Jack, are you kidding? I'm all for Kansans developing from within, but I do wonder about what "new times" you're talking about. Further, why not lure business? Are you simply "ant-business?" You seem like it one minute, then talk about developing it in your last post. Curious.
JackRipper (anonymous) says…
Of course I am not against but I don't think business as it is defined by so many now days is a large corporation. The new times are the post peak oil days we are entering, the signs are everywhere and we should work to shore up local means to continue that don't have us dependent on long supply lines. we can't look to the merc crowd for the answers either since so much at the merc comes from far away too.