FRIDAY,OCT.12.2001
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 9B
Budget woes force SRS to cut program costs
The Associated Press
TOPEKA — The state's top social services official is defending her efforts to cut program costs as necessary because the state faces serious budget problems.
Secretary Janet Schalansky said yesterday that the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services is trying to make good business decisions that won't hurt its attempts to protect children and help adults become self-sufficient.
SRS estimates that it will
need another $123 million just to meet the current demands for its services over the next 21 months, through the rest of the state's 2002 fiscal year, which began July 1, and its 2003 fiscal year.
Schalansky had a public tele conference for SRS staff, private organizations and advocates for the poor and disabled, attended by about 100 people in Topeka and another 250 at SRS offices around the state. The message of the meeting was that the state doesn't have enough money to
meet the needs in the SRS budget.
In discussing fiscal realities, Budget Director Duane Goossen noted that his staff originally expected the state to collect between $100 million and $130 million more in revenues in fiscal 2003 than in fiscal 2002.
The state already has a list of commitments, such as keeping up with employee salary, pension and health insurance costs, that more than exhaust the extra revenue expected, he said.
Cessna gives union new proposal
The Associated Press
WICHITA — Cessna Aircraft and union negotiators reached a tentative contract agreement yesterday that will give workers a raise of $11,800 in wages and benefits over three years.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local Lodge 774, is recommending its members accept the proposal in a letter posted on its Web site.
Union members will vote tomorrow on whether to accept the package, valued at $72 million over nearly three years. The current labor contract, covering
6,100 workers, expires at 12:01
a.m. tomorrow.
Cessna issued a statement saying only that the company had made a proposal. Union officials did not return numerous messages left by The Associated Press seeking comment.
Union negotiators told members that while they did not achieve all their goals, the tentative proposal does not take away any existing benefits and has many improvements.
The proposal posted on the union Web site shows the contract would give workers three wage increases totaling 11.5 percent over the term of the contract. The first raise, effective immediately, would be for 4.25 percent in wages per worker, and about $3,933 per year in wages and benefits.
Hundreds of union workers carried signs, chanting "no takeaways" at a rally Tuesday. Workers said the wage increases offered at that time were canceled out by the company's desires for workers to pay a portion of health insurance costs.
This latest proposal does not take away any existing health benefits, the union said.
Wichita lands celestial meeting
The Associated Press
WICHITA — About 300 scientists and planetarium professionals are expected to gather in Wichita next summer for a biennial gathering of the International Planetarium Society.
Known as the Olympics of planetarium meetings, the event could mean about $500,000 for Wichita businesses during the five-day convention July 28 to Aug.1.
Wichita became the host city when Morelia, Mexico dropped out in late August for "financial and political reasons," said planetarium society president Martin Ratcliffe. Ratcliffe also is director of theaters and programs at Wichita's Exploration Place, a $62 million science center and museum that opened last year.
It took Wichita only two weeks to arrange and submit a proposal to play host to the convention.
"I knew Wichita was ready," Ratcliffe said. "I knew we could host it. But the process to bid is quite long and political. Like the Olympics, it normally takes four years."
The group last met in Montreal in 2000 and will be in Valencia, Spain, in 2004. Vienna, Austria, is the leading contender for 2006, Ratcliffe said.
Wichita officials hope the convention will focus international attention on Exploration Place, the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson, and Wichita's various aircraft industries.
"Wichita is a good place for international meetings." Ratcliffe said. "We will change people's opinions about what we have to offer."
Couple finds moth larvae in candy bar
The Associated Press
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Hershey's bars aren't supposed to squirm.
Michael and Lauri Acton said they found moth larvae in their mostly eaten Hershey's bar with almonds.
amphithes.
"They were alive and moving," Laurie Acton said. "I have no idea if I ate any of them. I think back now, I remember pushing things away from my mouth because it didn't feel right. I was just munching away when I opened it up. My husband had a whole mouthful and threw it up."
They are suing.
The lawsuit against Hershey says the 32-year-old couple bought the 4-ounce candy bar April 7 at a Springfield grocery store. Lauri Acton said she spoted the moth larvae after unwrapping the last few bites of the candy bar.
Joshua K. Roberts, the Actons' attorney, and Hershey tested the candy bar and found Indian Meal moth larvae, a common kitchen pest.
Roberts said Hershey representatives had told him they didn't know how the bar became infested.
Hershey representative Judy Hogarth declined to confirm that Hershey had tested the bar, and refused to comment because the case is in litigation.
A manager at the store, which was not named in the lawsuit, said Hershey found no other infestations in the store's stock.
The suit asks for up to $128,000 for the couple, which Roberts said would keep the case out of federal court.
Roberts said the Hershey Foods Corporation initially mailed the Actons $6 worth of coupons. The company then offered to settle for $500.
"It was a complete insult," Laurie Acton said. "They're a big corporation. They should be cleaner than that. I don't care what anybody says ... it's disgusting."
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learn to ask questions...beware! An open letter to all KU students from members of the Kansas University
Religious Advisors listed below
As an organization committed to caring for the spiritual life of students at KU, we KU Religious Advisors hope that your time here can be a time of spiritual growth. However, we encourage you to be questioners when approached on campus by persons from religious organizations.
In the last few years, KURA has received complaints from students about organizations which do not respect individual rights and follow KURA Religious Activities Guidelines, particularly the statement that all religious groups on campus will conduct their affairs in such a manner that no one will be intimidated or coerced and that participants in any group may freely express their beliefs and values. We encourage you to ask questions and be careful. When invited to participate, ask about the group, its history and its purpose. Ask about their expectations of members. Legitimate religious groups have nothing to hide and are clear about what is required to be a member. If you are not sure about a group which approached you or about one you may be a part of, please contact one of the campus ministries listed below. Information and persons who care are available.
- American Baptist Campus Ministry • KU Hillel (Jewish) • Campus Crusade for Christ
- Ecumenical Christian Ministries (Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Quaker) • United Methodist Campus Ministry • Harambee Black Christian Fellowship • Chi Alpha Fellowship • Church of Latter Day Saints • Baha'i Faith • The Net
- Lutheran Campus (ELCA) • St. Lawrence Catholic Center • The Navigators • Intervarsity Christian Fellowship • University Lutheran Fellowship • Canterbury House (Episcopal)
- Lithuus • Young Life • Chinese Evangelical Church • Unity Church • Campus Christians
Christian • Young Life • Chinese Evangelical Church • Unity Church Campus
Ithus • Christian Fellowship (S. Baptist) • St. Laurence Orthodox Fellowship
Questions? Call Thad Holcombe, President of KURA 843-4933
We invite you to be our guest at church this Sunday.
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Phone 842-2343 for details
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