The 2010 KRPA Legislative Platform Priority Items

• Support of the local alcohol tax fund for local units of government.  Created by the legislature in 1979, this funding source is vital to park and recreation agencies throughout Kansas in sustaining programming, facilities and staff.  The department of revenue sends 70% of dollars collected from the sale of alcohol back the cities/counties from which the sale originated. It's then split into three equal shares with a portion to the general fund, a portion to a special drub and alcohol program and a share to parks and recreation.
• Supports continued uniformity in recreation commission statures and will assist the legislature in instances where consideration is given to changes in the statues.
• Encourages the reinstatement of Local Government Outdoor Recreation Grant Program (LGORGP), a matching funding resource for agencies to improve recreation facility renovation or development.
• Opposes attempts that may be made to further restrict trail develoment of abandoned rail lines.  Also, KRPA supports any efforts by KDWP to further develop facilities of this nature.
• Supports the concept of encouraging organizations that sponsor sports activities for children to do background checks on volunteer coaches as a way to enhance a safe environment for youth.
• Supports programs that reduce obesity, particularly those initiatives that target childhood obesity.
• KRPA supports the Kansas Coalition for Children and Nature and promotes the concept of improving children's access to nature.  KRPA believes public parks, nature centers and recreation are vital to engaging children in enjoying the outdoors, providing safe, healthy ways to explore nature, and enhance environmental education.
• KRPA supports opportunities for active recreation which are critical to an individual and a community's health and wellness.  We advocate for legislation that supports the growing role of public parks and recreation in improving individual and community health through the prevention of chronic disease, the rehabilitation of wounded service members, and the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in all activities.

The KRPA Public Policy Advocacy Team

Doug Vance
KRPA Executive Director
785-235-6533

Jill Geller
KRPA President
Johnson County Park and Recreation District
913-438-7275

John Knight
KRPA Public Policy Chair
Shawnee County Parks and Recreation
785-267-1156 x12

Public Policy Committee
Mike Buchanan, Manhattan Parks and Recreation
Betty Zeka, Hutchinson Recreation Commission
John Washington, Garden City Recreation Commission
Troy Moree, Rose Hill Recreation Commission
Therron Dieckmann, Ottawa Recreation Commission
Bob Johnson, Blue Valley Recreation Commission (Citizen Representative)
Scott Schoon, Winfield Recreation Commission
Curt Loupe, Manhattan Parks and Recreation