The annual conference provides a forum for state treasurers and other state government officials to meet with leaders from both Congress and the Administration to discuss issues that significantly affect the states' fiscal conditions. Treasurers from across the country attended informative seminars including topics such as Social Security reform and comprehensive tax reform.

An important development during the conference was the introduction of a bill in Congress that will make permanent tax benefits which are set to expire Dec. 31, 2010. Currently, individuals investing in 529 plans enjoy tax free qualified withdrawals prior to the December 2010 deadline. If Congress does not pass the legislation, earnings on qualified withdrawals beginning in 2011 will be taxed.

Families who make saving for education a priority deserve to know that the tax benefits in existence when they begin saving will be the same when it's time for their loved ones to pursue higher education goals. Contact your elected representatives in Washington to encourage them to pass this legislation. (Please look below for contact information for Kansas' United States Senators and Representatives.)

Learning Quest, Kansas' 529 plan, allows Kansas taxpayers to receive a state adjusted gross income deduction of up to $3,000 per child for 2005 ($6,000 if married, filing jointly) on contributions to Learning Quest and the other Kansas 529 plans. This benefit is in addition to the federal and state tax benefits of tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified educational expenses.

After the meetings, my family joined me in DC. We toured the Capitol, paid our respects at the World War II, Vietnam and Korean memorials, read excerpts from President Lincoln speeches at the Lincoln memorial, and witnessed the emotional and powerful ceremony which marks the changing of the guard at Arlington Cemetery. We went to the many museums in Washington that showcase the best and worst times of our nation's past.

But if you can't travel right now, a piece of history has made its way to our area. The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History exhibit, September 11: Bearing Witness to History, is at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. until August 14, 2005. Just as many who were alive during World War II remember the attack on Pearl Harbor or those who remember what they were doing when John F. Kennedy was shot, 9/11 is an important marker for our generation. I encourage you to take time to see this exhibit. For more information, visit www.unionstation.org.

This time of year always inspires me! The children are out of school. Softball is in full swing. There is a bar-be-que every weekend. From the sounds of crickets to the glow of lightening bugs, the summertime always reminds me how fortunate we are to live in this great state and equally fantastic country. After spending time in our nation's capital, I have an even deeper appreciation and better understanding of our nation's history, purpose and contributions to the world.

Enjoy this time of year. Say hello to your neighbors. Tie a yellow ribbon on your car or tree. Thank soldiers for their sacrifices. Celebrate our nation's past and look forward to our future.

Sincerely,
Lynn Jenkins, CPA
Kansas State Treasurer

Kansas congressional officials can be reached at the following:

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback
303 Hart Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6521

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts
109 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-1605
Phone: (202) 224-4774

U.S. Congressman Jerry Moran (1st District)
2443 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2715

U.S. Congressman Jim Ryun (2nd District)
1110 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6601

U.S. Congressman Dennis Moore (3rd District)
1727 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2865

U.S. Congressman Todd Tiahrt (4th District)
2441 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6216