Laura Kelly in 2023 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Drugs:
Time for Kansas to finally legalize medical marijuana
There's another common-sense way to improve health care here in Kansas--and that's to finally legalize medical marijuana. In 39 other states, Americans with chronic pain, seizure disorders, and PTSD can access medical marijuana to relieve their
suffering. But it's still illegal here in Kansas. Every day, thousands of Kansans are forced to choose between breaking the law and living without pain. It is an unbearable choice--and an absolutely unnecessary one.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Education:
My budgets will fully fund schools every year I'm Governor
Earlier this month, I introduced a budget that fully funds our schools for the fifth year in a row. And in case you're wondering, my budget next year will also fully fund our schools, as will my budget every year I'm Governor.
And to further my commitment to students and families, my budget puts us on the path to fully funding Special Education.
Know this: I will oppose any efforts that are designed to turn parents against teachers. I will resist politicians who want to score political points at the expense of our students and our families. Our students should not be used as political pawns.
Not ever. We all agree our kids do better when parents and teachers are involved in their education?so rather than distracting ourselves with wedge issues, let's focus on giving them both the resources and the support they need.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Environment:
Fully fund State Water Plan; water supply is diminishing
The single most important issue facing Western Kansas is water. Our water supply is diminishing. Parts of western Kansas have an estimated 10 years left. In this year's budget, we fully fund the State Water Plan for the second year in a row.
We'll divert more money to water projects by paying off other debt early?and we'll make additional investments to work with our producers and irrigators to ensure our water quality and quantity.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Health Care:
Expand Medicaid; guarantee mental health care
We cannot talk about rural Kansas without talking about Medicaid Expansion. To date, we have left $6 billion dollars in Washington, D.C.--squandering our own taxpayer dollars. And we have forfeited 23,000 jobs for Kansans. There is an obvious way to
stop the bleeding: Expand Medicaid. By far the most impactful thing we could do for our small towns would be to draw down the billions of dollars--once again, our own hard-earned tax dollars--that are just sitting there.
We need to pass legislation to guarantee mental health care for our first responders. Right now, our police officers, our firefighters, our EMTs and paramedics are not eligible for workers compensation for
PTSD--even if they experienced the traumatic event on the job. That is unacceptable. We say we value our first responders. Let's put our money where our mouth is and protect them just like they protect us.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Jobs:
Increase funding for Office of Registered Apprenticeship
This past fall, I created the Office of Registered Apprenticeship in the Department of Commerce. Right now, 3,500 Kansans are gaining the skills, the mentorship, and the credentials they need to succeed in the industries driving the future of our
state, from energy to healthcare to advanced manufacturing. My budget increases funding for the Office, giving more Kansans the tools they need to join the modern workforce. We must continue building on the Office's good work.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Principles & Values:
My message is this: Continue to meet me in the middle
All of this happened because we came together, Democrats and Republicans. Not a single bill would have been signed into law if people had just dug in their heels and refused to budge. Our friends in Washington could learn a thing or two from how we
operate here in Kansas. But we can't get complacent. My message to you tonight is this: Continue to meet me in the middle. That's how Kansans solve differences in their everyday lives, and it's the only way we'll solve the big challenges ahead of us.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Social Security:
Raise threshold for taxing Social Security to $100,000
Kansas retirees earning $75,000 per year or less don't pay state income tax on social security. But if they make one dollar more the entirety of their social security income becomes subject to state income tax. Our seniors have worked hard
for their entire lives--and their next chapter in life shouldn't be spent figuring out the Kansas tax code. Let's axe that tax cliff and raise the threshold to $100,000 so more of our seniors can enjoy their retirement.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
On Tax Reform:
Axe the tax on groceries, diapers, feminine hygiene products
We began, last year, by finally axing the sales tax on food but it doesn't zero-out until 2025. So the very first thing we must do this session is fully eliminate it, effective immediately. There is no reason that Kansans should ever look down at
their grocery receipts and see this tax. Folks can't afford it. Folks don't deserve it. And there's no need to wait for 2025. Let's end it now. But let's not stop at food, let's also axe the state sales tax on diapers and feminine hygiene products.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 24, 2023
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2023