Hello,

It’s been a busy few weeks in Kansas and Washington. I’m pleased to fill you in on what I’ve been working on and what it means for Kansans.

Hope to See You in Kansas!

During the upcoming President’s Day Congressional work period, I’ll be at many events around the state, including several Town Hall meetings to listen to your concerns and ideas. If I’m in your area, I’d love to see you.

Monday, February 18:
Senator Roberts to hold Allen County Town Hall Meeting

11:00a.m. – Allen County Community College Technology and Theater Building, 1801 N. Cottonwood, Iola

Senator Roberts to hold Anderson County Town Hall Meeting

1:30p.m. – Garnett Town Hall Center, 125 East 5th Avenue, Garnett

Senator Roberts to hold Franklin County Town Hall Meeting

3:30p.m. – Ottawa City Hall – City Commission Chambers, 101 S. Hickory, Ottawa

Tuesday, February 19:
Senator Roberts to hold Johnson County Town Hall Meeting with Senator Moran, and Congressman Yoder

4:00p.m. – Olathe City Hall, Council Chambers, 100 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe

If you can’t make it to one of these events, you can live stream the Johnson County Town Hall on Tuesday by clicking HERE.
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Responding to the State of the Union
This week we heard President Obama’s first State of the Union address of his second term.  The President proposed more of the same tax and spend policies that have left us with a nearly $17 trillion -- and climbing -- debt with many who are still out of work. Rather than a path toward fiscal responsibility, we were given another campaign speech.

Kansans are tired of the brinksmanship. They are sick of the unknown; are tired of the government regulations, the taxes and the rising costs and uncertainty of the new health care law. They are fearful of the future for their children and grandchildren. If it was the President’s intention to lead the nation to an economic recovery, I am afraid the President missed the mark.

Calling for a Balanced Budget Amendment
One initiative that would put our nation on sound fiscal footing that I was disappointed, but not surprised, to hear the President leave out of his State of the Union address was a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.

On the family, city, county, and state level there is basic understanding that you have to set a budget and live within your means. The federal government has proved incapable of living up to this same standard. Out of control government spending in the face of a stagnant economy and chronic jobs crisis is not the answer. It is time to stop the reckless spending in Washington and restore some fiscal sanity to our country. If Congress is serious about cutting our ballooning federal debt and deficit, then we must pass a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution, like S. Res. 7, which I co-sponsored this week. We must honestly address our nation’s fiscal problems, use taxpayer dollars more wisely, and lead by example with a balanced budget.

Resolutions to Commend Kansas State and Emporia State Universities on 150 Years Unanimously Pass Senate
As a proud alumnus of Kansas State University, I was pleased this week to take to the Senate floor with my colleague Senator Jerry Moran to introduce legislation commemorating the 150th anniversary of the home of the ever fighting and always optimistic Wildcats. This legislation unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday.

Since its beginning, even before Kansas joined the Union as a free state, all the way up to today, Kansas State University continues to provide a first-rate education to thousands of students. I am proud of our history and look forward to the future as the University strives to become one of the top 50 public research institutions in the country. I have no doubt we’ll make it. Watch Senator Moran and my remarks on K-State’s 150th on the Senate floor by clicking the video below.

Click Here to Watch

Likewise, Senator Moran and I passed legislation commending Emporia State University on the 150th anniversary of its founding.

My mother attended Emporia State, studying education. She later went on to become a teacher educating Kansas’ children like so many other proud and accomplished Hornet Alumni. In true Kansas fashion, Emporia State has faced challenges head on from its earliest days on the prairie. Adversity was not uncommon whether a drought or depression, but the outstanding faculty and staff persevered on behalf of their students to provide a quality education that continues today.

Today, 6,500 students from 45 states and 55 countries are enrolled at Emporia State University, and they are consistently ranked as a Tier 1 Regional University by U.S.News & World Report. We were happy to see the resolution congratulating Emporia State on its historic anniversary also pass unanimously on Wednesday. Watch our remarks celebrating Emporia State on the Senate floor by clicking the video below:

Click here see the video

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Standing up for General Aviation in Lew Confirmation Hearing
Wichita, Kansas, has long been considered the “Air Capital of the World.” A world leader in general aviation manufacturing, this industry contributes over $7 billion a year to the Kansas economy and employs thousands of Kansans both directly and indirectly. That’s why the Obama administration’s rhetorical war on the American aviation industry has been a cause of grave concern.

This week, as a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, I had the opportunity to fight to protect the American General Aviation industry during the confirmation hearing of Jack Lew, the President’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. Click the video below to watch see my questions to Mr. Lew about the importance of not denigrating a great American industry.

Click Here to Watch

Summer Intern Application Deadline March 1st

My Washington D.C. office offers internships throughout the year, and our deadline for summer intern applications is March 1st. The internship program provides a unique opportunity for students to work closely with me and my Senate staff while experiencing the federal government in action.

Interns in Washington, DC carry out responsibilities such as researching legislation, attending hearings, conducting tours of the U.S. Capitol, assisting with constituent concerns and mail, answering phones, and providing support to the administrative and communications staff. Visit my website HERE to learn more and apply.

Check Senator Roberts’ Website, YouTube and Facebook Sites for Updates
You can visit my YouTube site for more information on what’s happening in Washington, D.C. and Kansas by visiting www.youtube.com/SenPatRoberts. It's a great place to find speeches and debates on the Senate floor, press conferences, interviews and Senate hearings. You can also stay updated on all these happenings on my Facebook and Twitter sites.

If you wish to contact me about an issue or want more information, please visit my website, roberts.senate.gov.