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08/27/2003 Archived Entry: "SEIBELIUS LAUNCHES STATE 'E-NEWS'"

SEIBELIUS LAUNCHES STATE 'E-NEWS'

You've got mail -- from the governor.

As of Tuesday, state employees began receiving an electronic newsletter from their boss, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, an effort of the state's chief executive to improve communications.

Sebelius' 'E-News' will be sent to all state employees with e-mail accounts, as well as residents who subscribe to the newsletter through the governor's official Web site. Sebelius said the newsletter is a response to requests statewide to be better informed about her activities.

"We have great things happening around the state and this 'E-News' will enable us to share some highlights that I am able to be part of," the governor said.

The first edition included photographs and short news items from Sebelius' visit to a General Motors plant, where she picked up a new Chevrolet Malibu and the dedication of the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at The University of Kansas.

Sebelius also mentioned in the newsletter progress of her Budget Efficiency Savings Team process, which she claims has identified more than $60 million savings out of the state's $10 billion budget since January.

The initial newsletter had a few glitches. Of the 10,013 newsletters sent, many were returned because of security programs in the state's e-mail system. The format was revised, without photos, and newsletters retransmitted. Those who don't wish to receive the newsletter can unsubscribe to the service and view it instead on the governor's Web site.

According to Sebelius' staff, the governors of Hawaii and Washington also use electronic newsletters to communicate with employees and the public.

Not everyone was enthusiastic about the new service.
House Speaker Doug Mays, R-Topeka, said he found it ironic that the governor was sending out thousands of unsolicited e-mails at a time when federal officials are looking to eliminate so-called spam messages.

"I think we're going to see a little loss of productivity," Mays said.
Nicole Corcoran, the governor's spokeswoman, said she had received telephone calls from employees Tuesday who were "excited" to hear what is happening in Kansas.

"This is a governor who wants to be forthcoming with information," Corcoran said.
She said the newsletter would be sent every other week, or more frequently as events warranted. The next newsletter will have details of Sebelius' trip to Bosnia to visit Kansas National Guard troops, Corcoran said.

If you'd like to subscribe to the Governor's newsletter, CLICK HERE.