Over the Cattle Guard: Week 5 Update | Military Families, Welfare Reform & Early Budget Planning

This week was a significant one in the Kansas Legislature, as I had the privilege of carrying HB 2018 to the House floor. This bill addresses a pressing need for poll workers while providing a unique opportunity for military families to serve their communities.

HB 2018: Supporting Military Families as Poll Workers

Currently, military families residing in Kansas due to orders are often ineligible to serve as poll workers because their voter registration remains in their home state. HB 2018 would change this by allowing military family members to work at polling locations, even if their voter registration is out of state.

Additionally, the bill enables Kansans to cross county lines to serve as election workers if a local county clerk confirms that filling polling positions is otherwise impossible. Importantly, the discretion remains with the county clerk, an elected official, to decide who serves as poll workers.

This measure helps alleviate a critical shortage of election workers and ensures a more efficient voting process. I’m proud to share that the House passed HB 2018 favorably, and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Accountability in Welfare Programs

The Welfare Committee tackled several controversial bills this week, focused on increasing accountability and oversight in state programs:

HB 2240: Medicaid Oversight

This bill requires legislative approval for any Medicaid expansions or cost increases, ensuring agencies cannot unilaterally expand coverage. Medicaid has grown from 7% of the state budget in 2000 to 19% in 2020, with costs continuing to rise. HB 2240 aims to provide proper oversight and prevent reckless spending without legislative consent.

HB 2101: Prohibiting Publicly Funded Guaranteed Income Programs

This bill would prevent cities and counties from using public funds for guaranteed income programs that offer periodic cash payments with no requirements for employment or training. While this wouldn’t prevent private organizations from funding such programs, it ensures that taxpayer dollars are not distributed without expectations. Currently, Douglas County is piloting such a program, and this bill seeks to uphold fiscal responsibility.

Early Budget Process: A New Approach

The House has taken a new approach to the state budget this year by beginning work on it ahead of receiving the Governor’s version. This proactive effort allows for greater discussion and input, but the challenges remain clear—Kansas has a spending problem. As we continue to refine the budget, tough decisions will be necessary to maintain fiscal responsibility and secure the state’s future.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you have questions or concerns about these legislative efforts, I’d love to hear from you. Please email me at [email protected].

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your State Representative. Please continue to pray for wisdom as we navigate these important decisions for our state.