Welcome to Lana's Legislative Website
I hope that my constituents and supporters will find pertinent information on this site. This is an everchanging site to match the world in which we live.
"If a Nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed." - Thomas Jefferson
To me, this says it all about the founding of our Representative Republic and the importance to preserve it today. It is important for me to hear from you if you have any questions or concerns.
The next Legislative Session will begin on January 9th, 2012. If you are not already on the list to receive newsletters by e-mail, and would like to subscribe, you may fill in the boxes with your infomation on the left side of this webpage.
I have enjoyed the honor and privilege to serve you in the Legislature.
I can be reached by e-mail at lana@lanagordon.org or by phone at 273-1203.
Thanks,
Lana Gordon
Kansas State Representative 52nd District
National Foundation of Women Legislators
Last year I attended the Annual Conference of the NFWL in Orlando, Florida. I am proud to say that Laurel Gardner, a senior at Shawnee Heights High School, was one of eight winners out of 200 entries in an essay contest sponsored by the NRA. The essay topic was: Freedom and Civic Virtues. I was very impressed with all the bright young women who won the contest- each received a $3,000 scholarship to use towards furthering their education.
This year, I was honored to be elected to the Board of the National Order of Women Legislators as Director for Region 5.
KNI Tour
I was very concerned about the Governor's proposal to close KNI last year. Our Shawnee County Delegation has toured the facility once again this year. This facility serves our most profoundly physically challenged citizens. I was very impressed with what they do to make their lives more comfortable and fufilling at KNI. Not only does KNI serve their residents with dental and medical needs, but also others in the community are able to receive treatment.
We continue to have Legislators determined to try to close KNI down. This year there was an amendment made to the budget in the House Appropriations Committee to keep them from having any new admissions to KNI. We worked the bill in the full House and took that provision out of the bill. I believe that there is a need for this facility for our most developmentally challenged citizens and that we should not be putting such a strict restriction on admissions. There was esentially only one admission last year and that was an individual who had been housed in Community Based Housing for a long time, moved from facility to facility because of agressive behavior. Now, finally able to be at KNI she is thriving. I believe that decisions need to be made on a basis of what is in the best interest of the individual.
Office Depot/NFWL Backpack Presentation to Students
This Fall I had the opportunity to participate as an Educational Team Leader in a program sponsored by the National Foundation of Women Legislators Foundation and the Office Depot Foundation. In the picture below, I was able to present backpacks along with Kent Pope, manager of Topeka's Office Depot to children at Shaner Elementary. It was a heartwarming experience to see the smiles on the students' faces as they proudly put their new bags on their backs. I felt fortunate to have been chosen from the State of Kansas to help children in need.
