Laura Kelly in 2018 KS Governor's race
On Health Care:
Ban gatherings over 10, including church, for coronavirus
A Republican-controlled panel voted to overturn an executive order limiting attendance at church gatherings and funerals in an efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.Kelly announced she was removing exemptions for churches and funerals from a
statewide order that limits gatherings of more than 10 individuals. The Legislative Coordinating Council then voted 5-2 along party lines to rescind the governor's order. The action invited confusion about whether there is no longer a statewide ban on
any kind of large public gathering.
"[This] confusing and overtly political attack [was a] a shockingly irresponsible decision that will put every Kansas life at risk," Kelly said. Governors in 44 states have imposed similar restrictions on church
attendance. But Republicans complained that Kelly had overstepped her authority by restricting religious gatherings. "It appears to be out of line, extreme and clearly a blatant violation of our fundamental rights," said Senate president Susan Wagle.
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Apr 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Expand Medicaid, without further study or compromises
As Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly urges lawmakers to expand Medicaid, the state Senate's top Republican is opening the door to a health care bill that would include provisions favored by conservatives, such as work requirements. But Senate President
Susan Wagle wants the Legislature to study expansion later this year and take up a bill in 2020. Kelly, who has made expansion her signature issue, said in the expansion debate the term "study" has come to mean "stall."
If Kansas increases eligibility in the program, which provides health coverage to low-income individuals and individuals with disabilities, to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, then the federal government will pay for
90 percent of the cost. For a family of four, that's $35,535 a year. The state's share of the cost of expansion has been estimated at somewhere between $34 million and $47 million a year.
Source: Wichita Eagle, "Medicaid," on 2018 Kansas Gubernatorial race
Apr 2, 2019
On Corporations:
Experiment of no taxes on businesses drained our budget
Kelly slammed former Gov. Sam Brownback for his "experiment" of lower taxes and no taxes for certain types of businesses.
That approach drained the state budget and shortchanged Kansas schools, Kelly said.She asked the friendly crowd to "join me in slamming the door shut tight and throw away the key on the Brownback years."
Kelly said Kobach would "double down" on that approach if he's elected governor.
"If you thought Brownback was bad,
Kris Kobach is Brownback on steroids," she said. That phrase has become a rallying cry among state Democrats, and many of the audience shouted "steroids" with Kelly.
Source: Wichita Eagle on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Aug 26, 2018
On Education:
Expand pre-K programs; fully fund our K-12 schools
Democratic nominee Laura Kelly plans to focus on investment in education and has derided the state's sales tax on food.
Kelly marked opening of fall classes in Kansas public schools by pointing to her quest to make education of Kansans from early childhood through college the state's top priority. "And, sadly, for the past seven years,
Sam Brownback and Kris Kobach have let them down," Kelly said. "Instead of focusing on doing the minimum, we will plan and innovate. We will expand pre-K programs, fully fund our K-12 schools and add a cost of
living index to keep us out of court. We will also invest more in career and technical programs."
The 2018 Legislature and Gov. Jeff Colyer agreed to raise state aid to public education by $525 million over five years.
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Aug 16, 2018
On Abortion:
Endorsed by Planned Parenthood
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Laura Kelly won endorsement of a four-state Planned Parenthood organization in the wake of an increasingly bitter attack from a Democratic rival regarding dedication to preserving legal abortion.
Kelly made abortion a campaign issue by repeatedly blasting Democratic candidate Josh Svaty for voting 11 times in support of anti-abortion legislation while a member of the Kansas House.
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Jul 12, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
For alternative energy that benefits the state, like wind
[WFK]: Would you support or oppose policies at the federal level to encourage the growth of alternative energy systems in the United States, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and their effect on climate?
[Kelly]: I would support policies at the federal level that benefit Kansas to encourage the growth of alternative energy systems. I have supported efforts in Kansas to expand the wind energy industry.
Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Environment:
Opposes cuts to EPA's funding; environment needs protection
[WFK]: Do you approve of President Trump deep cuts in funding for the EPA, and Scott Pruitt's efforts to reduce or eliminate environmental regulations? [Kelly]: I do not approve of cuts to the EPA. It is important that we have regulations in place
to protect the environment and resources like water. It is also important to have an open dialogue between the EPA and states to ensure regulations are crafted with input from farmers, ranchers and local environmental groups.
Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Gun Control:
Supports common sense gun safety measures and safeguards
[WFK]: Would you consider steps to regulate gun traffic, such as expanded background checks, and closure of the gun show loophole? [Kelly]: I support common sense gun safety measures to keep our children and communities safe. I voted to ban
guns on campuses, as well as in hospitals and adult care homes. I voted to prohibit anyone convicted of domestic violence from possessing a gun. I also supported safeguards like universal background checks and banning bump stocks and assault weapons.
Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Immigration:
Wants immigration reform that has clear path to citizenship
[WFK]: If elected, would you support "a path to citizenship" for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country? If not, would you support a program to regularize their status without their becoming citizens?
[Kelly]: Yes. As governor, I will push our congressional delegation to fix the broken immigration system and move forward on comprehensive immigration reform that presents a clear "path to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants in our country.
Source: WomenForKansas.org interview: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Jobs:
Endorsed by United Steelworkers:fighter for working families
The United Steelworkers today announced its endorsement of state Senator Laura Kelly for governor in the Kansas Democratic primary. USW District 11 Director Emil Ramirez praised Kelly as a powerful advocate for working families. "As a 4-term state
senator, Laura has never flinched in fighting for working men and women and their families, on the job and in the community." "Sen. Kelly knows the importance of service and integrity," said USW Local 307L President Jody Juarez.
Source: United Steelworkers endorsement: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Tax Reform:
No more tax cuts; restore balance to the tax system
The Brownback years, and the disastrous set of tax cuts that he and conservative lawmakers championed, resulted in underfunded schools, a crippled highway program and a child welfare system so underfunded that it threatens the very children it's
supposed to protect. Kelly has plans to tackle all 3 of those issues. She has pledged to restore balance to the state's tax system by returning to its traditional "3-legged stool" that relies roughly equally on income, sales and property taxes.
Source: Kansas City Star endorsement: 2018 Kansas governor race
Jul 12, 2018
On Drugs:
Supports medical marijuana and treatment over incarceration
The three major Democratic candidates-Carl Brewer, Josh Svaty and Laura Kelly--all support medical marijuana. Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, predicted Kansas is a long way from legalizing recreational use, in part because of the makeup of the Legislature.
Kansas needs to evaluate its sentencing guidelines, Kelly said, adding that the state's jails are full of nonviolent first time offenders who probably need treatment. Medicinal use is much closer to becoming reality, Kelly said.
Source: The Wichita Eagle on 2018 Kansas gubernatorial race
Jun 29, 2018
Page last updated: Apr 19, 2020