Kansas SRS, Dept. of Aging collecting provider names for SEIU
Don Jordan, Secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, sent a letter to an unknown list of Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) providers recently asking for information on behalf of the Service Employees International Union/SEIU including:
- attendants’ names,
- addresses,
- telephone numbers.
Read the text of the letter below (or click on the graphic at the right to see an enlarged version:
August 24, 2009
Dear Provider:
We are asking your assistance in responding to a request for information from the Service Employees International Union/SEIU Kansas. The agency is working to compile a list of all attendants who are compensated using a payroll agent. We feel this is an appropriate use of section 8400, Benefits and Limitations, in the Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) Manual. Considering that the nature of their work can make it difficult to reach these individuals, this will provide an opportunity for these individuals to receive information regarding services offered by this organization. SRS will ensure these lists are available to organizations that promote the interests of HCBS waiver clients and direct care attendants, and will ensure that the organization does not improperly use the information for marketing purposes.
The list should include attendants’ names, addresses and telephone numbers. Please submit this information in an electronic format, preferably a .xls or .pdf file. We ask that you submit this information to Margaret Zillinger, Director of Community Supports and Services, by September 3, 2009. If you have questions, please contact Margaret Zillinger at margaret.zillinger@srs.ks.gov.
Sincerely,
Don Jordan
Secretary
A similar letter and request was also sent to providers by Martin Kennedy, Kansas Acting Secretary of Aging, who recently replaced Kathy Greenlee. Greenlee recently went to work for former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius who serves as HHS Secretary now.
Is this collection of names by Kansas government for SEIU a payback for a $100,000 contribution to Kathleen Sebelius’ Bluestem Fund PAC in Oct 2008?
SEIU's Verified Statement signed by Anna Burger with $100,000 to Sebelius
Because of weak Kansas laws about campaign finance reporting, out-of-state groups like SEIU can “hide” contributions, even contributions as large as $100,000, from being put online by the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) requests were sent to both Don Jordan and Martin Kennedy requesting the list of providers receiving their letters.
This matter will be researched further.
Related:
- HHS Secretary Sebelius to use safe SEIU conference call for “myth busting”, Kansas Meadowlark, Aug 6, 2009.
- Happy 9th Birthday to Gov. Sebelius’ Bluestem Fund PAC. Almost $1 million raised, Kansas Meadowlark, March 16, 2009.
- Treasurer for $100,000 SEIU donation to Sebelius’ PAC likes her for HHS Secretary, Kansas Meadowlark, Mar 4, 2009.
- Over $500,000 missing from online PAC reports in Kansas, Kansas Meadowlark, Dec 4, 2008.
- Out-of-State Money Floods Kansas: Sebelius’ and Greater KC Chamber’s PACs to “own” Kansas, Kansas Meadowlark, Oct 28, 2008.
- Kansas Democrats Use Congressional District Party “Committees” as Political $uperfund, Kansas Meadowlark, Jan 23, 2007.
Tags: Ethics, Kansas Department of Aging, Kansas Department of Social and Rehabiliation Services, Kathleen Sebelius, SEIU, Service Employees International Union
