More about hopes

Kansas Institute of Health estimates over 150,000 working Kansas are in the "gap" where they earn too much money to qualify for KanCare but too little to purchase coverage in the marketplace. I hope to close the gap.

The Kansas Reflector reported that expansion would unlock $700 million in annual federal funding and could shore up 59 rural hospitals who are struggling to remain open. 

In October 2023 Fort Hays State University released it's annual "Kansas Speaks" survey. This report showed over 67% of Kansans who participated supported recreational sale for persons 21 and older. It would also be a new taxation revenue stream for the State. 

Last session, at least 13 pieces of legislation moved through the State House attempting to restrict access to reproductive care. Kansans spoke clearly in 2022 that we believe that a person's right to access care is between them and their doctor. Not a matter of the legislature. I vow to keep the Kansas House out of your doctor's office. 

We've heard the political talking points about the crisis of mental health. Yet, our leaders seem unable to find any solutions. Access to high-quality mental health services should be a top priority for our State. 

Schools should be fairly, equitably, and fully funded as is enshrined in our State Constitution. 

I believe universally accessible early education benefits students' long-term success and families who need support raising healthy kids into life-long learners.

People who are in the middle and bottom brackets shouldn't bear the burden of funding the state while the top 1% is allowed to loophole their way out of responsibility. I believe in fair taxation with special attention paid to middle and low income earners.

There is no magic formula for protecting Kansans who own their small businesses. Easing their tax burdens, incentivizing them to hire, and giving their employees access to health care through the expansion of KanCare would be a good start. We must work creatively to find paths for them to thrive. Most of our small communities live or die based on how local businesses on Main Street are doing. 

We have a storied history of farmers and ranchers in Kansas. Today, it's harder than ever to try to sustain a family operation in the face of a growing corporate farming culture. I want to find ways for independent farmers to be able to stay independent and pass the tradition to the next generation of Kansas farm families. 

Roads, bridges, and railroad crossings: Oh my! 

From our roads to our water systems, our forefathers and foremothers made sure to invest in the best they could to see towns and areas had access. It's our job to see them being maintained. This isn't inexpensive. It takes thoughtful planning and budgeting. 

Additionally, our generation is being called to build the new "highway" through town. Broadband internet. From farmers to students to hospitals and homes. Fast, affordable, and reliable internet will determine how Kansas competes in the world for the generations to come.