Laura Kelly in 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: Address financial crisis without new taxes

Those breathtaking years of crisis have left Kansas on the brink of collapse. While the time for finger pointing is over, we're not off the hook for the long-term consequences of past policy decisions. I'm proud to honor my promise to balance the budget without raising taxes. That is why we must be cautious, conservative and fiscally responsible. We must live within our means. Prioritize what matters most. Always look for ways to save. And always make sure our children come first.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature Jan 16, 2019

On Education: Funding schools top budget priority, this year & every year

The days of doing the bare minimum to fund our schools are over. It stops now. The consequences were tangible, and the scars are lasting. Never again. We're going to properly fund our schools this year. And next year. And the year after that. Every year, every month, every day that I'm governor. When I began work on the state's budget last month, this was the very first decision I made. Budgets reflect our priorities, and my number one priority will always be our public schools.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature Jan 16, 2019

On Families & Children: Must fix broken foster care system

The number of children in foster care has skyrocketed--up 45% since 2011. We've seen the programs overwhelmed by the sheer numbers in need. And the caseloads of dedicated social workers are absurdly high. My budget provides funding for the Families First Prevention Services Act. It will inject millions into efforts that strengthen vulnerable families & prevent children from entering the foster care system. My budget includes funding to hire more, qualified social workers & reduce their caseloads.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature Jan 16, 2019

On Health Care: KanCare-based Medicaid expansion to save rural hospitals

According to some reports, 30% of our state's hospitals are considered financially vulnerable. Just by expanding KanCare--the state's Medicaid program--we can help keep these important facilities stay open and provide affordable health care to 150,000 more Kansans--no matter where they live. To date, our failure to act has cost Kansas over $3 billion in federal funding. By Kansas Day, there will be a plan to expand Medicaid put before the Kansas Legislature.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature Jan 16, 2019

The above quotations are from 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019