Politics + Government
Kansas lawmakers, officials march in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., call for unity
TOPEKA — In anticipation of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Kansas lawmakers, civil rights advocates and other government officials spoke Thursday of unity among Kansans as a key to weathering challenging times and making positive progress as a state. Gov. Laura Kelly pointed to the acts of selflessness and teamwork displayed over the COVID-19 […]
Supreme Court blocks Biden workplace vaccine rule, allows health care workers mandate
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday dealt a blow to the Biden administration’s fight against the pandemic, blocking a federal mandate that workers be vaccinated or regularly tested for COVID-19 — though the court allowed a separate rule requiring vaccinations for some health care workers. The two rulings represented a split victory for Republican attorneys general from Ohio, Missouri, […]
Ford County sheriff endorses Mattivi — not Kobach — for attorney general
Ford County sheriff endorses GOP candidate Tony Mattivi for attorney general, despite claim the sheriff had endorsed rival candidate Kris Kobach.
Kansas Senate has no good reason for removing journalists from floor action
The Kansas Reflector welcomes opinion pieces from writers who share our goal of widening the conversation about how public policies affect the day-to-day lives of people throughout our state. Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican, served in the Kansas Senate from 1993 to 2013, including eight years as Senate president. During my eight years as president […]
Congressional Black Caucus calls for Senate action on voting rights
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Senate Democrats on Thursday to push for the swift passage of two voting rights bills, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus are applying pressure for action as well. During a press conference at the Capitol on Wednesday, caucus Chair Joyce Beatty said that members […]
Kansas Board of Regents, Democrats praise governor’s proposal to freeze college tuition
TOPEKA — Kansas college students could soon benefit from a continued effort to minimize rising college tuition, pending approval on a provision in the governor’s budget. In her budget, Gov. Laura Kelly included a request from the Kansas Board of Regents to pay $45.7 million to universities so that the institutions can freeze tuition for […]
Kelly’s budget allows early retirement of $586 million in debt, drops $600 million into reserve
Overflowing state treasury in Kansas — there's $2.9 billion more than anticipated — a wish-list bonanza to Gov. Laura Kelly and Kansas Legislature.
Shawnee Mission hospital official forced to consider morgue capacity amid escalating COVID-19 surge
TOPEKA — At AdventHealth in Shawnee Mission, the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 has doubled in the past week to 82. Another 25 people are waiting in the emergency room for a bed to become available, some for 48 hours. Lisa Hays, the chief medical officer there, says the hospital nearly ran out […]
To track Kansas Statehouse accurately, distinguish shiny objects from vital basics
News from the Kansas Statehouse operates on a couple of levels. On one, you have headline-grabbing hearings about critical race theory and vaccine mandates. On the other, you have the nuts-and-bolts work of allocating tax dollars, funding schools and highways, and overseeing social service programs. Those who follow current events should learn to make the […]
Kansas alternative investment program hits snag with FBI over background checks
TOPEKA — A pilot program designed to lure billions of dollars into Kansas in the form of alternative investments faces an unforeseen obstacle in the FBI’s refusal to conduct criminal background checks, the state’s banking commissioner told lawmakers Wednesday. The idea behind legislation passed last year is to pioneer a tax-friendly framework of regulations for […]
Kelly delivers dazzling show of bipartisanship — however unlikely — at State of the State
If Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly was an aging pop diva, last night’s annual State of the State address would have been a spirited greatest hits show, packed with favorites such as balancing the budget, supporting education and economic development. She previewed a new effort, repealing the sales tax on food, and dipped into her back […]
At MLK alma mater, Biden pitches Senate rule change to safeguard voting rights
ATLANTA — President Joe Biden called for an end to the Senate filibuster during a visit to Atlanta’s Morehouse College campus, arguing Senate Democrats can push past GOP opposition now blocking major voting rights legislation. The visit by Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to Atlanta was the latest sign of Georgia’ central role as […]