It was a move indicative of the economic crisis in Kansas and the nation.
Gov. Mark Parkinson spoke to the Lawrence Rotary Club on Monday, and he brought handouts to illustrate unemployment numbers and state budget deficits. Instead of bringing dozens of handouts for the Rotarians, the governor wanted to save money. So he provided only about a dozen copies — one for each table.
“We’re taking our budget situation very seriously,” he said.
Amid measures to pinch pennies, state leaders have instituted deep budget cuts, and the state’s unemployment rate has jumped to 7 percent. But Parkinson said the state’s diversified economy could help give a major boost when things start to improve.
“That provides us a road map for what we ought to be doing in the future,” Parkinson said.
During his speech at the Lawrence Holidome, Parkinson said most economists predict the country is “at or near a bottom” of the recession. He was upbeat the state could make a strong rebound.
Although it has been difficult, Kansas has not been hit as hard as other states because its economy is more diverse — relying on agriculture, energy and manufacturing — instead of relying on just one industry, Parkinson said. The state is also poised to make gains in a developing research and alternative energy sector, he said.
“We’re making incredible success in (industries of) life science and bioscience. That future has not been canceled,” Parkinson said.
After “horrible” revenue projections in May and June, Parkinson declined to predict what his proposed 2011 budget would look like. He said if revenue starts to stabilize, state agencies and departments would likely be funded at current levels after the last round of cuts. If the situation improves, maybe some funding that’s been cut can be restored, he said.
Parkinson also reiterated that he would not seek another term as governor. He is a former Republican legislator who switched parties to become Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ running mate in 2006. He became governor in April when Sebelius was confirmed as the federal Health and Human Services secretary.
“I don’t know what to say or do to let people know that I am not running for anything in 2010, but I really am not,” Parkinson said.
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