Over the Cattle Guard: Family Visits, Legislative Updates & Kansas’ Future
Family Visits, Legislative Updates & Kansas’ Future
This week was truly special as I had the privilege of hosting my parents at the Capitol. I am so blessed to have such incredible parents whose guidance and wisdom have shaped who I am today. My daughter Amber was also able to join us during their visit to Topeka, making the week even more memorable. A big thank-you to Rick Hartzfeld for ensuring everyone got where they needed to be! It was an honor to share the history of the Capitol—known as the people’s house—and update them on what’s happening in Topeka.
It wasn’t just family who visited this week; I was also fortunate to welcome many friends and colleagues. Janet Miller with Network Kansas stopped by while she was in Topeka for SEK Inc., and I connected with several representatives from the Kansas Economic Development Alliance. Their commitment to advancing economic opportunities across our state is truly inspiring.
I also had the chance to meet Brian Caswell, Steven Mayberry, and others advocating for reforms in Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBMs). With over 450 pharmacists at the Capitol this week, the message was clear: Kansas pharmacies are under threat, and the system needs change. Without action, many pharmacies across the state and nation risk closure, which could have devastating impacts on access to healthcare.
Legislative Highlights: Protecting Kansas’ Integrity
This week, we passed HRC 5004, a constitutional amendment to strengthen the Kansas Constitution by ensuring that only U.S. citizens can vote in any election.
Why It Matters:
Clarifying the Law: HRC 5004 reinforces the principle that only U.S. citizens can vote, removing any ambiguity in Kansas election laws.
Proactive Protection: While Kansas already limits voting to citizens, enshrining this in the constitution ensures future legal loopholes or reinterpretations cannot weaken this principle.
Preventing Confusion: Some states have introduced non-citizen voting in municipal elections, creating confusion and mistrust. Kansas is taking steps now to avoid similar issues.
This amendment ensures that Kansas elections remain secure, consistent, and resistant to legal challenges—protecting the integrity of our democratic process for generations to come.
HB 2015: Strengthening SNAP’s Purpose
In the Welfare Reform Committee, we passed HB 2015, which now heads to the House floor for further debate. This bill directs the Secretary for Children and Families (DCF) to request a waiver from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) rules to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.
What This Means:
Focus on Nutrition: The purpose of SNAP is to provide nutritional support. This bill ensures the program aligns with its original intent without restricting families from purchasing food outside the program.
Promoting Health: Encouraging healthier food choices helps families while maintaining the program's integrity.
Addressing Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal responsibility remains a top priority as Kansas currently spends $400 million more than it earns annually. Without immediate action, the state’s reserves could be depleted by FY 2029, forcing severe cutbacks or tax hikes.
Key Steps Toward Stability:
Under the leadership of Chair Waymaster, Republicans on the Appropriations Committee have identified $150 million in unused state funds annually.
While Kansas ended FY 2024 with a $3 billion surplus, projections show that without fiscal reform, this surplus will decline rapidly:
FY 2025: $2.5 billion
FY 2026: $1.8 billion
To protect Kansas’ future, we must prioritize budget reform. Failing to act risks funding for essential services like education, public safety, and infrastructure, which are the backbone of our state’s economic growth and development.
Looking Ahead
This week highlighted the importance of family, friends, and fiscal responsibility in shaping Kansas’ future. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit, share ideas, and advocate for change.
As always, it is an honor to serve as your State Representative. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
Together, we can build a brighter future for Kansas.
Dale Helwig
State Representative, District 1
