We have by far the most expensive health system in the world. We spend 50 percent more per person than the next most costly nation. Americans spend more on health care than housing or food.

But wishing our Kansas soldiers ‘God speed’ is not enough. We need to comfort, care for, and protect their families. And we should ease the financial burdens that these families often face.

The essence of good government is trust.

Although black and white Americans live, work, and learn together now, there is still injustice in America.

A healthy state encourages many voices – and lots of listening.

But the dollars spent on economic incentives and new investment strategies are wasted unless we seriously address the two most important economic issues in Kansas: education and health care.

We have by far the most expensive health system in the world. We spend 50 percent more per person than the next most costly nation. Americans spend more on health care than housing or food.

If your voices are not heard, you can be sure that many others will be – in particular those who are paid to present a point of view, and often do it most effectively.

The men and women who serve this great nation, whether they are stationed in Iraq, Fort Riley, or the Korean Peninsula, or they serve us at home as our community first responders, serve because they believe in America.

I believe we all agree that, for the health of Kansas, nothing is more important than education.

General Motors spends more on health care than steel.