(Jan. 16, 2025) – During the Kansas State of the State address, Gov. Laura Kelly highlighted successes, including:
- Fully funded public schools
- A balanced state budget
- Paying down debt
- Bringing in significant economic development investments
- Eliminating the tax on groceries
The governor emphasized the need for KanCare expansion, highlighting that not expanding has cost the state $280 million in Kansas taxpayer dollars. The governor also discussed a proposal to eliminate co-payments on reduced-price lunches for school children and combine water-related efforts to create an Office of Natural Resources.
Gov. Kelly would like to postpone further tax reductions until the state realizes the impact of the recent tax changes. However, she is committed to considering proposals to modify our tax structure so that they would pay for themselves and not threaten our state's long-term financial stability.
The governor also emphasized eliminating red tape regarding childcare and again suggested the state needs an Office of Early Childhood.
The Republican pre-recorded response to the State of the State was delivered by Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover). He highlighted that many of the matters passed by the legislature were bipartisan. He emphasized the following as priority items:
- Property tax
- Simplifying the tax code and reducing taxes
- Government efficiency
- Foreign land ownership
- School choice
- Right to life
- Gender-affirming care reform
Senate President Masterson also wants to make our state healthy again through reforms such as transparency, more competition and less government regulation while preserving a safety net for the most vulnerable. Highlighting the work done to shorten the KanCare waitlist and increase provider reimbursement rates.