The Morning Sun - Jenkins Learns at Pittsburg Businesses

News Article

By Sarah Gooding

Traveling around Kansas' Second Congressional District helps congresswoman Lynn Jenkins stay in touch with constituents and remain aware of how topics debated in Washington affect individuals and businesses within her district.

Jenkins spent the better part of Friday in Pittsburg, where she hosted an open house in her office and toured several area operations.

"It is primarily to learn a little about the local economy and to find out what our priorities should be in Washington from a public policy perspective," Jenkins said.

Jenkins toured the Kansas Polymer Research Center in the later part of the morning and said she got to see the results of the grant funding there.

"They've got a phenomenal program that is doing great things," she said.

From there, she visited Signet Coffee, Ron's Supermarket, Lindburg Pharmacy and Pinamonti Physical Therapy, where she talked regulations, insurance and more with owners of local businesses of all sizes.

Some of the conversations provided the congresswoman with the local business perspective to keep in mind and others offered topics that Jenkins said should be addressed legislatively.

Jenkins said one such topic is the requirement that businesses offer health insurance to part-time employees, which can cause strain for the employer and may not be something the employees need or desire.

"That is something specific we can address legislatively," Jenkins said.

At Signet Coffee, Leah and Dennis Posterick said the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce asked if they would like to take part int he tour and helped arrange the visit.

Leah Posterick said during their visit conversation covered topics ranging from taxes and regulation to how to help other entrepreneurs understand that small business startups take time and patience.

Staff members said the legislature schedules one out of every four weeks for district work, and that this week Jenkins has been on the road throughout the district she represents, including making stops in Lawrence, Topeka, Valley Falls, Holton, Fort Scott, Pittsburg and other communities.

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