Over the Cattle Guard | Week 9 – Government Oversight, Route 66, and Upcoming Votes
As we near the final days of the 90-day Kansas legislative session, the pace has picked up, with committees wrapping up their work and more time spent on the House floor debating and passing key legislation. This week, I had the privilege of meeting with organizations from District 1, including Class LTD, Mosaic, and the Riverton FFA. It’s always a pleasure to learn more about the work being done in our community and to hear the concerns of those working to improve the lives of Kansans.
Responding to the “Black Mass” at the Capitol
Many people have expressed concern over the planned "Black Mass" (Satanic Ritual) at the Kansas Capitol. Originally, the event was scheduled to take place inside the Capitol, but after discussions among state leaders, the Governor moved the gathering to the outside grounds.
Protests and demonstrations happen frequently at the Capitol, including those by pro-life advocates, abortion activists, and other special interest groups. However, this particular event stood out because of its intent to include an actual Satanic ritual.
Let me reassure you: God is in control. As 1 John 4:4 reminds us, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” We know that Satan has already been defeated, and God will continue to prevail.
On March 28, a large group of Kansans will gather for a peaceful prayer and worship service in response to the event. I encourage everyone to pray for peace and for God’s presence to be felt.
HB 2217 – Strengthening Government Oversight & Accountability
One of the most important bills passed this week was HB 2217, which expands the authority of the Inspector General in the Attorney General’s Office to oversee waste, fraud, and abuse in Kansas' cash, food, and health assistance programs.
Why This Matters:
Kansas Medicaid & CHIP programs cost $5.4 billion annually, covering 529,000 Kansans per month.
It is estimated that 7% of spending is lost to waste, fraud, and abuse.
Since 2021, investigations have identified $300 million in wasteful spending and $60 million in provider fraud.
Under the current system, the Inspector General is limited to overseeing Medicaid, MediKan, and CHIP programs. This bill expands that authority to all public assistance programs, ensuring that fraud, waste, and abuse are identified and stopped before taxpayer dollars are misused.
By granting the Inspector General the ability to subpoena, administer oaths, and execute search warrants, this bill gives oversight agencies the tools they need to hold bad actors accountable.
What This Bill Will Achieve:
✔️ Prevents fraud before it happens
✔️ Saves taxpayer dollars by reducing wasteful spending
✔️ Ensures fairness and efficiency in public assistance programs
This is a major step forward in improving transparency and government accountability for Kansans.
SB 98 – Celebrating Route 66 with a Special License Plate
With 13.2 miles of Route 66 running through Cherokee County, I am thrilled that SB 98 has passed, authorizing the Route 66 Association of Kansas distinctive license plate!
🚗 What You Need to Know:
Available starting January 1, 2026 for passenger vehicles and trucks under 20,000 lbs.
Supports the Route 66 Association of Kansas.
Allows residents to show their pride in Kansas' portion of the historic highway.
This comes just in time for the centennial celebration of Route 66 in 2026, giving Kansans a great way to commemorate our state’s connection to one of the most famous roads in America.
Looking Ahead – Major Votes Coming Soon
With just a couple of weeks left in the session, we are preparing for some of the most significant votes of the year.
Key issues we will be addressing:
✅ Finalizing the Kansas state budget
✅ Advancing key policy bills before the March 28 deadline
After March 28, we will return in April for the veto session, where we will review any legislation that the Governor chooses to veto.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
I appreciate your continued prayers and support as we approach these final votes. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please reach out to me at [email protected].
It is an honor to serve you, and I ask that you continue to pray for wisdom and guidance as we work to make Kansas a better place for all.
Thank you for allowing me to serve!
Best,
Dale Helwig
State Representative, District 1
