Kansas lands $14M in venture capital investments during quarter
Venture capital investments surged nationwide during the second quarter, including more than $14 million invested in Kansas-based startups.
More than half of that amount came from the Kansas Technology Enterprise Corp. , which the Kansas Legislature eliminated in the spring.
The National Venture Capital Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP said Wednesday that investors placed $7.5 billion in 966 deals, the highest single-quarter total since the second quarter of 2008. The big winners were Internet-based companies ($2.3 billion), the life sciences sector ($2 billion), software ($1.5 billion) and clean technology ($942 million).
Governor demands Obama to stop attacks on Kansas aviation industry
During a news conference in Sedgwick County on Wednesday, Kansas governor Sam Brownback and Rep. Mike Pompeo, asking President Barack Obama to "stop his attack on the aviation industry."
“General aviation is one of our state’s – and indeed, our country’s – leading industries, employing more than a million Americans and generating $150 billion in revenue annually. We were pleased when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood came to Wichita earlier this year to recognize the importance and sing the praises of the aviation industry,” Brownback said in a statement. “That’s why it is alarming that President Obama and his administration seem to continue to search for ways to ground this important industry. We call on the President to instead focus on supporting and growing these high-skilled, high-wage jobs and stop his attack on the aviation industry.”
Since the U.S. House of Representatives is in session this week voting on Cut, Cap and Balance and continuing negotiations over the debt ceiling, Congressman Pompeo joined the news conference via live video stream.
“The President has continued to single out and demonize the General Aviation community in Wichita, KS – The Air Capital of the World. Not only does the GA industry support 1.2 million jobs in KS and throughout America, but it adds $150 billion to our economy. In fact, the President’s own corporate jet (Air Force One) is built and serviced by the hard-working people of Wichita. His class warfare rhetoric and purely political attacks on aviation workers are unwelcome and unhelpful at a time when the economy is on its knees.
Huelskamp: Congress should OK balanced-budget amendment
The U.S. House is considering a plan that would boost the government's debt ceiling, but only if Congress approves immediate spending cuts and passes a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget. Kansas Congressman Tim Huelskamp is one of the sponsors of the "Cut, Cap and Balance" plan, which is set for a vote today in the House. But the bill may face an uphill struggle in the Senate, where Democrats hold the majority.? Huelskamp complained Monday that President Obama called for raising the debt ceiling and balancing the budget, but he did not provide a road map for reaching those goals. Consequently, he said, lawmakers devised a plan of their own.
Mission Discusses Proposed Budget
Mission city administrator Mike Scanlon discusses the city of Mission’s future budgets, revenues and expenditures. The budget can be viewed online at the cities website.
Kobach Appears on Lou Dobbs
National Immigration Forum Executive Director Ali Noorani, immigration attorney Alberto Cardenas, Jr., and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach on the growing debate over the Dream Act and immigration reform.
Kansas Board of Ed seeks additional $525 million
Kansas State Board of Education members voted Tuesday to ask state legislators for at least $525 million in additional money to help fund 10 state-required education programs to levels specified in state statutes. Board member Walt Chappell of Wichita predicted the approximately $1.4 billion request, which next will be forwarded to Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback for inclusion in his 2013 budget proposal, "will be dead on arrival." "There is no way the (Kansas) Legislature will pass this bill," said Chappell, who voted against both measures because he said they were out of line with fiscal reality in the state. Board member Sue Storm of Overland Park, who voted for the larger request.
Fairway Seeks Pool Input
The city of Fairway has hired a contractor to design a replacement for the pool’s aging filtration system and future pool complex improvements. To help gauge community interest in several possible new pool features, the city is asking residents to take an online survey.
Five Big Wins for Gun Owners In House Spending Votes
This week, the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee approved amendments blocking the use of federal funds to implement two controversial schemes by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and it rejected amendments proposing two of gun control groups’ other top priorities. In addition, the full House adopted a provision protecting gun possession on Army Corps of Engineers land.
USF&W Seeking Public Comments on proposed range
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment until July 27 for a proposed shooting range at Hillsdale State Park. Miami County Undersheriff Wayne Minckley said the possibility of a local range where residents can shoot safely is extremely important. Minckley also values the idea of the range for those who take part in shooting sports or hunting clubs, as well as teaching youths how to shoot properly. “It’s a great way to keep them disciplined, as long as an adult who has had the safety practices is present,” he added. “It’s a great pastime for dads and grandpas, daughters and granddaughters.” Since Miami County does not have a shooting range, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states the purpose of the Hillsdale range would be to provide a safe setting for shooting handguns, rifles and shotguns. Louisburg police Sgt. Bill Smith also supports the proposed range and said with the small fee that may be charged, anyone should be able to shoot there.
Kansas Debt Clock
The Kansas “Drudge” Meadowlark
Click here to get an update on current news and information in Kansas courtesy the Kansas Meadowlark website.
The Times Public Service: Registered Sex Offenders
As a public service to the residents of Northeast Johnson County the Times offers Family Watchdog as a web generator to view if an offender lives near you.
