April 23, 2024

IN THESE FOUR STATEMENTS, A DAMNING ACCOUNT OF HOW KANSAS MAKES LAW BY STRONG-ARMING LAWMAKERS

Clay Wirestone, kansasreflector.com

Let’s consider four statements today about Kansas legislative leadership — and what those statements suggest about how bills become law in our state. Let’s consider if the way we legislate upholds the virtues of collegiality and good-faith debate we expect from representative government. Let’s consider what they mean as the Legislature returns this Thursday for a veto override session.

Let’s consider, in other words, if we’re making fools of ourselves.

I’m going to present the statements one right after the other, with just a splash of context about when and where they were said. Bear with me here. You’ll see where I’m heading soon enough. Read here.

ARROGANT REPUBLICAN LEADERS THINK THEY KNOW BETTER THAN EVERYDAY KANSANS

Clay Wirestone, kansasreflector.com

Arrogance. Read here.

KANSAS POLITICIANS HAVE NO BUSINESS TELLING FAMILIES WITH TRANSGENDER KIDS WHAT TO DO

Riley Long, kansascity.com

Listen or read here.

ANTI-TRANS DISCRIMINATION AN AFFRONT TO HUMAN DIGNITY AND A SIN, RABBI AND PASTOR SAY

Rabbi Moti Rieber and Rev. Dr. Annie Ricker, kansas.com

Read here.

BIBLICAL CONTROVERSY HITS BUTLER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL, RAISING CHURCH-STATE QUESTIONS

Dion Lefler, kansas.com

Listen or read here.

AMERICAN PREGNANCY

Politics Girl, youtube.com

Watch here.

KS CONGRESSWOMAN CELEBRATING LESBIAN VISIBILITY WEEK

Hays Post, hayspost.com

Read here.

W4K BARTON COUNTY HOSTS “PLASTIC BUSTER” BOOTH AT EARTH DAY EVENT

The Barton County Chapter of Women for Kansas manned the "Plastic Buster" booth at the Great Bend Zoo's Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20.

Around 600 people attended the event. Visitors to the W4keww booth learned the dangers of single-use plastics and safe replacements for them.

After spinning the plastic buster prize wheel and landing on a type of plastic, they received a safe plastic alternative, such as coconut fiber straws, biodegradable trash and sandwich bags, totes, laundry detergent sheets, wheat silverware, etc. Be sure to like and follow W4K Barton County on Facebook.

MEDICAID EXPANSION WILL GET A VOTE IN THE KANSAS SENATE BUT NO THE HOUSE. HERE’S WHY

Jason Alatidd, cjonline.com

Read here.

WHY HAVEN’T KANSAS AND ALABAMA – AMONG OTHER HOLDOUTS – EXPANDED ACCESS TO MEDICAID?

Rose Conlon and Drew Hawkins, wwno.org

Listen or read here.

ICYMI: GOV. KELLY URGES KANSANS TO CONTACT THEIR LEGISLATORS TO DEMAND A DEBATE AND VOTE ON MEDICAID EXPANSION ON THE FLOOR

Kansas Office of the Governor

Read here.

‘IT’S A CRISIS’: MIDWEST LAWMAKERS BACK MOMNIBUS ACT TO CURB BLACK MATERNAL MORTALITY

Holly Edgell, kmuw.org

Read here.

GOVERNOR KELLY, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS HOLD ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ABOUT MEDICAID EXPANSION

13-WIBW, youtube.com

Watch here.

KANSAS DISABILITY ADVOCATES SUPPORT MEDICAID EXPANSION DURING KANSAS LEGISLATURE’S HEARINGS: HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Kansas Office of the Governor

Read here.

KANSAS HOUSE SPEAKER MEETS OPPOSITION AS HE MAKES CASE AGAINST MEDICAID EXPANSION IN PLAINVILLE

Dale Hogg, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

DEMAND A FULL AND FAIR DEBATE ON MEDICAID EXPANSION

You demanded a hearing for Medicaid Expansion, and legislators heard you. Now we have to take the next step.

TELL LAWMAKERS –

TAKE ACTION NOW!

BRING BACK THE LEGISLATIVE COFFEES

Susan Thacker, gbtribune.com

Read here.

HERE’S A CLEVER WAY TO UNCOVER AMERICA’S VOTING DESERTS

Quanta Magazine, wire.com

Read here.

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES UPDATING VOTING RIGHTS AND ELECTION WEBSITE

U.S. Department of Justice, justice.gov

Read here.

BEFORE TRUMP AND JOHNSON, KANSAS TRIED A PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP VOTER LAW. IT FAILED

Jonathan Shorman and Daniel Desrochers, kansascity.com

Listen or read here.

VOTING TECHNOLOGY COMPANY SETTLES LAWSUIT AGAINST OAN OVER 2020 ELECTION CLAIMS

Associated Press, npr.org

Read here.

HUNDREDS OF SIGNATURES IN FAVOR OF FORT HAYS STATE POLLING LOCATION SENT TO ELLIS

COUNTY CLERK

Rachel Mipro, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

A NEW, STABLE FISCAL FORECAST FOR KANSAS REINFORCES THE DYNAMICS OF A DEBATE OVER TAX CUTS

Associated Press, ksn.com

Read here.

KANSAS GOV. KELLY’S ‘GUT SENSE’ SAYS RECENT TAX PROPOSAL TOO EXPENSIVE, UNSUSTAINABLE

Jenna Barackman, kansascity.com

Read here.

TRANSGENDER CARE, ABORTION, PLASTIC BAGS AND MORE: YOUR GUIDE TO KANSAS GOV. KELLY’S 2024 VETOES

Blaise Mesa, kcbeacon.org

Read here.

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS BANNED RACIST KANSAS HOUSING RULES TOGETHER

Joel Mathis, kansascity.com

Read here.

KANSAS LAWMAKERS DANGLE $36 MILLION FOR PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES TO SECURE ANTI-DEI COMMITMENTS

Tim Carpenter, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN #KSLEG?

Watch here.

GOV. KELLY SIGNS BILL LIFTING STATE INVESTMENT IN KS’ NETWORK OF AIRPORTS $15 MILLION ANNUALLY

Tim Carpenter, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

KS SCHOOL EQUITY AND ENHANCEMENT ACT

12 News, youtube.com

Watch here.

Mark your calendar. More information here.

Mark your calendar. More information here.

Watch your inbox for more information. Register here.

Mark your calendar. More information here.

VISIBILITY EVENT: EMPOWERING VOICES, SHAPING TOMORROW: BUILDING A BETTER KANSAS

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 12-2PM

Kansas State Capitol, 300 SW 10th Ave., Topeka

Join Planned Parenthood Great Plains for a Day of Action at the Kansas State Capitol! On April 29th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, come to the 2nd Floor Rotunda to rally with Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, and coalition partners, and show your support for reproductive and human rights. As crucial vetoes on restrictive bills loom, this day is our chance to encourage our legislators to uphold these vetoes and protect our healthcare choices. Hear from leaders, engage in discussions, and help send a clear message to lawmakers. Sign up today and help us ensure our voices are heard and that our rights are defended in Kansas! RSVP here.

WE NEED YOUR HELP MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD!

HEALTHY KS ADVOCACY COMMUNITY MTG

WEDNESDAYS, 7PM

Via Zoom

APRIL 24

MAY 8 AND 22

JUNE 12 AND 26

JULY 10 AND 24

AUGUST 14 AND 28

More info, additional dates, and RSVP here.

LOUD LIGHT

PHONE BANK

VOTING RIGHTS DEFENSE PHONE BANK APRIL 25 – 6-8PM

LoudLight.org/events. More information here.

WICHITA PRIDE PARADE 2024

SAT, JUNE 29, 11:30AM

Join us for the vibrant Wichita Pride Parade, a celebration of love, inclusivity, and equality. March together through the heart of Wichita, spreading joy and acceptance. Stick around after the parade and join us for the Pride Festival.

More information here.

TUESDAY TOPICS

MAY 7, 2024, 11:30AM

Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library

1515 SW 10th Ave.

Sherman Smith, Editor of the Kansas Reflector will talk about their coverage of KS government and politics. Attend in person or click Zoom link here.

STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 6AM-11:45PM

1919 E Douglas Ave., Wichita

The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. More info here.

WICHITA BUDGET CRISIS: DON’T LET CUTS DESTROY PUBLIC TRUST

The city council needs to reduce spending. Proposed cuts has already begun. The rush, unfortunately, is without enough data. Make your voice heard.

MONDAY, MAY 13

6:30-8:00PM

View Facility

Evergreen Community Center & Library

2601 N Arkansas, Wichita