It's time to fight!
Dear Kansan
Yesterday,  I proudly testified in opposition to the proposed amendment that would give the Kansas Legislature absolute authority to pass any legislation restricting women's healthcare, including banning abortion all together in Kansas: HCR5019 and SCR1613 . You can review my testimony here .

Over 150 people filled the Old Supreme Court room to speak before the joint committee. There were 15 proponents who testified in person and 35 opponents who testified in person. Proponents were given five minutes to share their testimony; opponents were afforded only four minutes.
The Chairmen of the Joint Committee, Senator Rick Wilborn and Representative John Barker , quietly announced last Wednesday, January 15th, that there would be an open hearing on January 21st (yesterday) --  the day following a state observed holiday. Initially,  all testimony had to be gathered, copied (80 copies per testimony) and delivered to the Statehouse no later than NOON on Friday, January 17th (less than 48 hours), despite inclement weather that closed down portions of the state. Finally, they refused to publish the schedule of the hearing day, requiring those who wished to testify to spend the entire day waiting in Topeka in order to not miss our opportunity to speak out.
In spite of these intentional barriers, we did show up.

People of all faiths showed up to testify in opposition to these bills. Members of OUR communities showed up: Catholics for Choice, Jewish Community Relational Bureau, National Council of Jewish Women and members of the Muslim community.

Because, in a democracy, we can " hold our own religious convictions about life and choice without forcing others to adhere to the same view. " You can see the names of all of the people and organizations who testified and read of all testimony here: proponents and opponents .
Both HCR5019 and SCR1613 passed out of their respective committees today!

With a GOP super majority in each chamber, it's not a matter of IF
they will pass, but WHEN! 

For those who live in Senate District 11, it's time to contact your Kansas Legislators and urge them to vote NO on these bills and protect women's rights in Kansas!

  • Senator John Skubal (District 11) - 785-296-7301 John.Skubal@senate.ks.gov
  • Representative Jan Kessinger (District 20) - 785 296-7436 Jan.Kessinger@house.ks.gov
  • Representative Kellie Warren (District 28) - 785 296-7646 Kellie.Warren@house.ks.gov

If you don't live in Senate District 11 or you don't know who your legislators are, please look them up at OpenStates.org .
Better yet, join me in our fight to protect women's rights
in Kansas by supporting my campaign.
Your support makes a difference!
Donations from Lobbyists and Corporations will not be accepted during the legislative session.
Paid for by Joy for Kansas, Sandi Fried Treasurer
Joy for Kansas | www.joykoesten.com