When Governor Brownback announced he supported more funding cuts for education, there was a collective moan heard across the state.

Here we go again.

It all seems quite clear to me. I’ve said it before and I guess I’ll keep on saying it. The state’s financial woes could be somewhat alleviated if the Canada oil pipeline exemption was not approved. Not only would it help the state’s finances, it’s the right thing to do because the oil pipeline company does not meet the state statute requirements for the exemption.

Another change state legislators should consider is a cut in benefits paid to politicians.

It has always seemed odd to me that the ones who want to impose changes to Social Security, Kansas Public Employees Retirement System funds, and health care benefits are the ones who are not affected by those changes.

They need to remember what it is like to worry about keeping a job, paying bills, and being able to retire.

We will never have a working class U.S. President like Abraham Lincoln. I doubt if President Obama, Governor Brownback, or the majority of professional politicians worry about how they’re going to pay for health care or if they’re going to have enough in savings to retire at 65 or 70.

— susan berg