(Jan. 23, 2025) – The Kansas Hospital Association today hosted their Annual Advocacy Day. More than 130 attendees heard from Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, from Chairman of House Health and Human Services Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado) and Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Rick Billinger (R-Goodland). Attendees got to hear from a panel of policymakers who have had a career in healthcare and serve as an elected official. Panelists included: Senator Bill Clifford (R-Garden City), Representative Ron Bryce (R-Coffeyville), Representative Sandy Pickert (R-Wichita), and Melissa Oropeza (D-Kansas City). Attendees also heard from Secretary Janet Stanek of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment before heading to the capitol where they got to have lunch with State Senators and watch the House in action as they debated their governing rules.