John,

Kansas Republicans sent a devastating message to our state this week and took a step back by overturning a number of Governor Kelly's vetoes. While Democrats got to work for hardworking Kansans during an unprecedented legislative session, Republicans looked to bankrupt our state and make it less welcoming — they provided tax handouts to multinational corporations; doubled down on voter suppression bills to criminalize healthy parts of our democracy; lowered the age for concealed carry while making it easier for felons to access guns; and glorified a notable slave owner while alienating Kansans. 

Here's a quick summary of all the vetoes which were taken up by the Kansas Legislature: 

  • SB 50 (Tax), Overridden
    • This fiscally irresponsible proposal blows a $307.7 million hole in our state general fund that will undo much of the progress we have made to accelerate out of the pandemic through record economic development and protecting education investments for our children. 
  • SB 55 (Trans Athletes), Sustained
    • This legislation would have sent a devastating message that Kansas is not welcoming to all children and their families, including those who are transgender -- who are already at a higher risk of bullying, discrimination and suicide. This bill would have also undoubtedly harmed our ability to attract and retain businesses and send a signal to prospective companies that Kansas is more focused on unnecessary and divisive legislation than strategic, pro-growth lawmaking. 
  • HB 2183 and HB 2332 (Election Security), Overridden
    • These bills are designed to disenfranchise Kansans and make it difficult for them to participate in the democratic process, not to stop voter fraud. Kansas has always had safe and secure elections; these two bills are a solution in search of a problem.
  • HB 2166 (Gadsden Flag), Overridden
    • The Gadsden flag has become a symbol of racism. Legislation that alienates Kansans and makes our state less welcoming will hurt our ability to attract and retain a talented workforce and employers.
  • HB 2058 (Concealed Carry), Overridden
    • This bill will significantly increase the number of college and university students who are eligible to carry concealed firearms on campus, creating a threatening environment on college and university campuses. This bill would allow previous offenders and felons to obtain firearms, including those who have been convicted for crimes like domestic battery.  

 

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This week left no doubt: Kansas Republicans are more extreme than ever and are out of step with the rest of the state. Thank you to our Democratic legislators who stood up for the Governor during veto-session: Governor Kelly vetoed these bills to ensure Kansas does not return to the backwards leadership championed by Brownback-Republicans. Contribute today to protect Kansas Dems, and your donation will be split between the Kansas House Caucus, Kansas Senate Caucus and the Kansas Democratic Party. 


 


 

 

Onwards,
 

Vicki Hiatt

Chair of the Kansas Democratic Party

 

Paid for by the Kansas Democratic Party, Yolanda Taylor, Treasurer

Kansas Democratic Party
501 SE Jefferson St
Suite 30
Topeka, KS 66607
United States

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