Kathleen Sebelius won election as the 44th Governor of Kansas in November 2002, becoming the first daughter of a U.S. governor (John Gilligan, Ohio, 1971-75) to serve in that same position, continuing a proud tradition of responsible public service. 
As Governor, Sebelius pledged to bring a fiscally disciplined, people oriented approach to state government, and she has delivered. In her first three legislative sessions, Governor Sebelius placed the state on sound financial footing, steered a massive economic growth package to passage, and restructured a financially troubled highway program to ensure timely completion of all projects. Budget balances have been restored and safety net services secured, without a tax increase.
Governor Sebelius also proposed sweeping educational reforms and has advanced common-sense health care proposals to reduce costs and increase the number of Kansans who have health insurance, demonstrating her belief that well funded schools and health care support for small businesses will strengthen the economy and provide for a more prosperous Kansas.
Governor Sebelius was also proud to sign a bill giving those who serve our country in the Kansas National Guard a 
“Military Bill of Rights,” offering tangible benefits to support the family members of soldiers who sacrifice to secure our freedoms.
Prior to her election as governor, Sebelius served four terms (1987-1995) in the Kansas House of Representatives and two terms (1995-2003) as the state’s elected Insurance Commissioner. As Insurance Commissioner, Sebelius reduced the operating budget by 19% and did more with less. Under her leadership, the Department became an unprecedented consumer watchdog — cracking down on HMOs that refused to cover legitimate medical expenses and helping Kansas seniors save nearly seven million dollars on prescription drugs. As Insurance Commissioner, Sebelius was named one of Governing magazine’s “Public Officials of the Year” and one of the “100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare” by Modern Healthcare Magazine.
Governor Sebelius presently serves as chair of the Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee of the National Governors’ Association and as policy chair of the Democratic Governors’ Association.
Kathleen has been married to her husband, Gary, a federal magistrate judge, for over 30 years. They have two sons: Ned, a 2003 college graduate, and John, a college senior.
| Governor Sebelius Offers Solutions in State of the State Address |
| Governor Kathleen Sebelius called for a renewed commitment to innovation and education in her sixth State of the State address. Addressing a packed House chamber on the first day of the legislative session, the Governor proposed a package of initiatives that included innovations in energy, education, economic, and environmental policy…all designed to help Kansans meet the challenges of the 21st century. Some of the highlights of her address include calling for full funding of all day kindergarten, a $1 million investment toward producing more math and science teachers, and an executive order creating the Kansas Innovation Consortium that will join business and education leaders to help foster innovative business initiatives across the state, and a renewed emphasis on technical education molded to meet the real needs of our wildly expanding technology/aircraft businesses. Read the full text of the Governor’s State of the State below. State of the State Address It is good to be back here in the newly renovated House chamber, where I once had the honor of serving. Tonight, we have some special guests who represent all the children of our state and are the true inspiration for hope and optimism about our future. Twins Kimberlin and Samuel are here from Mulvane with their parents, Christie and Tom Lovell, and their grandparents, Nita and Don Payne. Kimberlin and Samuel were born on January 8th, 2007, the day I was sworn into office to begin my second term. The decisions that we make in the months ahead and in the years to come will help to determine what opportunities these two young Kansans – and thousands more like them – will have as they grow up in the Sunflower State. Will they have strong schools to attend? Will they acquire the tools they need to succeed? Will they find good jobs that allow them to compete in the global economy?  |
| A New Years Message From Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson |
| For some people, the New Year means party hats and midnight toasts. For others, we see the holiday as the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and make a new years resolution. This past year Governor Sebelius set a goal of reducing the energy consumption in the state of Kansas five percent by 2025 and ten percent by 2030. I challenge you to make the goal of your New Years resolution to help us reach those energy goals. |
| Energy: A New Direction for Kansas |
 I have determined to help move Kansas in a new direction that mixes our current coal energy production with the rich opportunities from renewable sources like wind and ethanol. Affordable and reliable must go hand in hand with protecting our state and the health of all Kansans and I think it can.My goal is to see Kansas becomes a leader in the nation in the production of wind energy. |
| Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson Working for the Future of Kansas |
 Mark Parkinson at Dodge City Days ParadeShortly after being sworn in as Kansas 47th Lieutenant Governor, Mark Parkinson was asked by Governor Sebelius to lead major policy initiatives in the areas of energy, bio-defense, and cutting waste from the government. Parkinson was named co-chair of the revived Kansas Energy Council in the Governor State of the State Address, and was tasked with creating a new energy plan for Kansas; one that explored renewable energy emphasized conservation and protected the environment. |
 Names Governor SebeliusOne of the Five Best Governors! |
| Time Magazine just named Kathleen Sebelius one of the country’s five best governors. In picking Governor Sebelius as one of the country’s top leaders, Time praised her for eliminating a $1.1 billion debt she inherited, ferreting out waste in state government, and strongly supporting public education – all without raising taxes. Also praised was her bipartisan approach to governing with appointments like Governor Mike Hayden to her cabinet. Go to the Time Article |