W4K News We Can Use - March 12, 2024

March 12, 2024

‘AUGUST WAS NOT A FLUKE’: KANSAS ADVOCATES WARN AGAINST RAFT OF BILLS LIMITING REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Rachel Mipro, kansasreflector.com

Since the end of Roe v. Wade in 2022, Kansas has become one of the few states left in the region that protects abortion rights. Unable to change state constitutional protections, some lawmakers are now doing their best to discourage abortion through a slew of legislation instead.

During a Tuesday lobbying event, a coalition of reproductive rights groups set up tables to talk about the cause and combat more than 10 anti-abortion bills.

“A right is a right, and we are going to continue to elevate that message to the legislators until they recognize that and that we see it in policy,” said Amber Sellers, advocacy director with Trust Women.

“August was not a fluke,” Sellers said. “August was the official declaration of Kansans, saying that ‘my right is my right and my choice is my choice.’ Our legislature needs to recognize that and respect that.” Read here.

THIS MONTH'S ISSUE HONORS THE MEMORY OF RUTH BADER GINSBURG

In honor of Women's History month, the Women for Kansas enews is sponsored this week by Mary Knecht in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, March 15, 1933 - September 18, 2020. Ruth was an associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was appointed by President Bill Clinton and took the oath of office on August 10, 1993. She was the second female justice after Sandra Day O'Connor. Before becoming a judge, she spent a considerable portion of her legal career as an advocate for the advancement of women's rights as a constitutional principle.

Wisdom from Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Work for what you believe in. Pick your battles. Don't burn your bridges. Don't be afraid to take charge. Think about what you want, then do the work. Enjoy what makes you happy. Bring along your crew. Develop a sense of humor."

If you would like to sponsor the W4K enews and reach thousands of viewers each week, contact Jan Manlove, Women for Kansas' Treasurer at 316-210-4161 or email jmanlove@hotmail.com.

Visit womenforkansas.org to learn more about becoming a W4K supporter.

HUTCHINSON AREA

MONDAY,

MARCH 18, 6:30PM

WICHITA AREA

SATURDAY,

MARCH 23, 10AM

WOMEN FOR KANSAS LAWRENCE/DOUGLAS COUNTY WELCOMED KAREN WILLEY AND A PROGRAM ON "SOLAR SITING REGULATIONS

IN DOUGLAS COUNTY"

Our guest speaker was Karen Willey, County Commissioner and Dole Institute Fellow-in-Residence. She gave a program on “Solar Siting Regulations in Douglas County” which was wonderful and informative. Thank you to all that donated to the Sunrise Food Pantry. It was a win-win kind of day!

Also in attendance were leaders of the opposition to solar development in our county. Everyone was respectful and listened attentively. Questions were asked in a respectful manner. It was very hopeful for what a successful democratic process can look like as we navigate change! Be sure to like and follow the Lawrence/Douglas County Chapter of Women for Kansas on Facebook here.

WOMEN FOR KANSAS LAWRENCE/DOUGLAS CO. CHAPTER PRESENTS "CLIMATE ACTION AND ADAPTATION PLAN"

The Lawrence/Douglas County chapter of Women for Kansas welcomed Kim Criner Ritchie and Jamie Hofling and a presentation titled “Climate Action and Adaptation Plan”.

Watch here.

WOMEN FOR KANSAS JOIN RALLY FOR EXPANSION

Women for Kansas members joined organizations and concerned Kansans from around the state in rallying to push for Medicaid Expansion at the Kansas Statehouse. Learn more about Women for Kansas by visiting our website at womenforkansas.org.

ALLIANCE FOR A HEALTHY KANSAS: RALLY FOR KANCARE EXPANSION AT THE KANSAS STATEHOUSE

Watch Rally here.

AT STATEHOUSE RALLY, GOV. LAURA KELLY TAKES ANOTHER SWING AT KANAS MEDICAID EXPANSION

Rachel Mipro, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

KANSAS GOVERNOR CONTINUES PUSH FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION AT PUBLIC HEALTH CONFERENCE

Matt Heilman, kwch.com

Watch here.

The Kansas Legislature has agreed to hold hearings on Medicaid Expansion bills.

People interested in providing testimony are encouraged to write now. Contact info and guidelines available here.

KANSANS MUST BE AS RELENTLESS IN PRESERVING VOTING RIGHTS AS EXTREMISTS ARE AT ATTACKING THEM

Micah Kubic, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

ACLU KANSAS APPLAUDS LAWMAKERS FOR REJECTION OF ANTI-VOTING BILL

Sarah Motter, kctv5.com

Watch here.

STRANGE RECUSAL DECISIONS DESERVE TRANSPARENCY

J Christian Adams, hutchnews.com

Read here.

TELL YOUR LAWMAKERS TO SUPPORT VOTING RIGHTS. ACT NOW!

Micah Kubic, ACLU; aclukansas.org

This session, state lawmakers have considered a number of bills that all seek to make it harder for Kansans to register, cast a ballot, and have their vote count. Kansans have been clear: we want voting to be easier, not harder.

That's why we're asking you to contact your lawmakers and tell them you support voting rights and voter acccess. Let's make it clear: we oppose any attacks on our right to vote

KANSAS SENATE ADVANCES BAN ON REMOTE BALLOT DROP BOXES, SHARP LIMITS ON MAIL-IN VOTING

Katie Bernard & Jenna Barackman, kansascity.com

Listen or read here.

BIDEN CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS THE JOHN LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ACT

Cheyanne Daniels, thehill.com

Read here.

PRECLEARANCE UNDER VOTING RIGHTS ACT

Michael Li, brennancenter.org

Read here.

KANSAS EXTREMISTS CAN’T BAN ABORTION. SO THEY’VE DECIDED TO HARASS INNOCENT WOMEN INSTEAD

Clay Wirestone, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

VOTER BACKED ABORTION RIGHTS. YET KANSAS COULD MAKE DOCTORS ASK PATIENTS WHY THEY WANT ABORTIONS

John Hanna, pbs.org

Read here.

KS HOUSE MOVES ABORTION SURVEY BILL, REBUFFS ERECTILE DYS-FUNCTION, VASECTOMY AMENDMENTS

Tim Carpenter, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

10 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Mallory Moench, time.com

Read here.

Erin Thompson, Ashley All and Taylor Morton discuss the ways reproductive rights are being challenged in the KSLEG and what we can do to protect these rights in 2024!

VETERANS ADMIN. FINALIZES ABORTION POLICY FOR VETERANS AMID STATE BANS, ENHANCING ACCESS IN RESTRICTED AREAS

BNN Correspondents, bnnbreaking.com

Read here.

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: NANCY PERRY & SUSAN GARLINGHOUSE

Melissa Brunner, wibw.com

Watch here.

ACLU BILL TRACKER

Learn more here.

GENDER AFFIRMING CARE BAN ADVANCES TO KANSAS HOUSE FLOOR; WHAT’S NEXT?

Rebekah Chung, fourstateshomepage.com

Read here.

GOP LEADER MUSCLES THROUGH VICIOUS BILL AND TRAMPLES FIRST AMENDMENT BUT DONT SAY SHE HATES

Clay Wirestone, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

KANSAS DEMOCRATS BLAST GOP PHYSICIANS FOR PUSHING DISINFORMATION IN DEBATE ON

ANTI-TRANS BILL

Sherman Smith, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

KANSAS LEGISLATURE TARGETS DIVERSITY, EQUITY INCLUSION IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

Drew Gill, ksnt.com

Read here.

TRANSGENDER ADVOCATES ON THE KANSAS LEGISLATURE’S ONGOING ATTACKS

Sherman Smith, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

9 LEADING LGBTQ+ VOICES DISCUSS THE QUEER STATE OF THE UNION: ‘THE STAKES COULDN’T BE HIGHER’

LGBTQ Nation, lgbtqnation.com

Read here.

TRANS KANSANS CANNOT CHANGE GENDER ON DRIVER’S LICENSE WHILE SUIT CONTINUES, JUDGE RULES

Katie Bernard, kansascity.com

Read here.

STATEHOUSE SCRAPS: FLAT TAX AND SCHOOL VOUCHERS BACK FROM THE DEAD. KOBACH OWNED BY SEC. PETE

Clay Wirestone, kansasreflector.com

Read here.

TAX CUTS FAIL AGAIN IN KANSAS AND WISCONSIN; LAWMAKERS SHOULD PIVOT TO PROVEN INVESTMENTS

Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, itep.org

Read here.

"A flat tax system is like flatlining the economy, stifling growth and opportunity for those who need it most. It unfairly burdens lower- and middle-class families while providing tax relief to the wealthy."

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