State of Kansas Archives: on Families & Children

Dave Lindstrom: Raise cap for tax free accounts for dependent care

One way we can bring relief to families and help employers find top talent is to increase the Flexible Spending Accounts cap for Dependent Care. This allows families to set aside part of their paycheck tax-free to pay for daycare. Right now, annual Dependent Care contributions are capped at $5,000 dollars per family, regardless of the number of children that need care. That doesn't even cover half of the average cost for one child.

Laura Kelly: Must fix broken foster care system

Jeff Colyer: Favors religious exemption for gay adoption

Analysis by KCUR: The Legislature has approved a measure allowing faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to be reimbursed for placement services, even if they turn away prospective parents who don't fit their religious beliefs. Opponents argued the religious protections would open the door to state-sponsored discrimination, particularly against same-sex couples, but also single people and minorities. Legislative Outcome: Passed House 63-58-4 on May/3/18; Passed Senate 24-15-1 on May/3/18; Signed by Governor Jeff Colyer on May/18/18

Laura Kelly: Opposes religious exemption for gay adoption

Analysis by KCUR: The Legislature has approved a measure allowing faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to be reimbursed for placement services, even if they turn away prospective parents who don't fit their religious beliefs. Opponents argued the religious protections would open the door to state-sponsored discrimination, particularly against same-sex couples, but also single people and minorities. Legislative Outcome: Passed House 63-58-4 on May/3/18; Passed Senate 24-15-1 on May/3/18; State Sen. Laura Kelly voted NO; Signed by Governor Jeff Colyer on May/18/18

Susan Wagle: Favors religious exemption for gay adoption

Analysis by KCUR: The Legislature has approved a measure allowing faith-based adoption and foster care agencies to be reimbursed for placement services, even if they turn away prospective parents who don't fit their religious beliefs. Opponents argued the religious protections would open the door to state-sponsored discrimination, particularly against same-sex couples, but also single people and minorities. Legislative Outcome: Passed House 63-58-4 on May/3/18; Passed Senate 24-15-1 on May/3/18; State Sen. Susan Wagle voted YES; Signed by Governor Jeff Colyer on May/18/18

Jeff Colyer: Safe and professional workplace, free from sexual harassment

I signed my first Executive Order which first requires all Cabinet Agencies to update their sexual harassment prevention policies. Every employee, every intern, every contractor shall receive the material.

Second, it requires every state employee, every manager, even every intern to undergo sexual harassment prevention training. This will happen annually.

Third, allegations of sexual harassment will be investigated promptly and appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken swiftly.

Jeff Colyer: More child welfare staff; more family programs

• hire additional child welfare field staff,
• establish emergency placement options so there are no more kids sleeping in offices,
• hire additional investigative staff to track down missing foster children,
• and invest in new community based family preservation and family strengthening programs.

Derek Schmidt: Combat the serious problem of elder abuse

He pointed to estimates that one out of every 10 people 65 and over and living at home will become an abuse victim. "As the population age 65 and older continues to grow, it is clear that we all need to do more to combat this serious problem," Schmidt said in a press release. "My hope is that when this year is ended, we have identified some of the best ideas from around the country and made them readily available to adapt for other states."

His push for the state law enforcement chiefs will cumulate in a two-day NAAG conference on the issue next April. Schmidt, a Republican, has put together a bipartisan elder abuse working group for the association that includes attorney generals Mark Brnovich (R-AZ).

Patrick Wiesner: Ancestors immigrated to Kansas; kids raised in Kansas

All of Patrick's education came from Kansas schools: St. Mary's Grade School, and Ellis High School. Patrick received a Master of Business Administration from Fort Hays State University; and a law degree from the University of Kansas.

Patrick's two children are college graduates. His son, Frank, graduated with a computer science degree from Wichita State University. His daughter, Stephanie, graduated with a finance degree from Clemson University. His children were raised in Lawrence. Both attended Saint John's Grade School, Southwest Junior High, and Lawrence High School.

Kris Kobach: Gay marriage makes it worse for traditional families

Chad Taylor: Successfully prosecuted case on child sexual exploitation

Jean Carnahan: Workplace child-care & more commitment to families

Jean Carnahan declined to be interviewed for this article, but in a campaign commercial she said she shared her husband’s commitment to families, children and the elderly.