State of Kansas Archives: on Welfare & Poverty
Carl Brewer:
Grew up in daily, anxious poverty
Brewer's background is markedly different than the other potential candidates from both parties who are considering running for governor. The names being bandied about include people who grew up as sons of farmers, oil company executives, car dealership
owners, dentists, public school teachers and professors. A 2015 profile on Brewer notes, "He grew up in daily, anxious poverty," and his stepfather was an alcoholic who beat him.
He did not talk about those experiences, but no doubt they inform Brewer's main themes, which he did discuss. "My biggest priorities are jobs and securing a good education for the children of this state.
I have the experience, knowledge and passion to get us back on track. I will bring new leadership and restore confidence in our government. It will take a new vision to do so."
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal on 2018 Kansas Gubernatorial race
Feb 26, 2017
Jake LaTurner:
Work requirements and drug testing for welfare recipients
Washington has failed Kansas for too long. Conservatives are fed up with politicians only worrying about keeping power, while our freedoms and values are under assault. I pledge:Fight for Work Requirements and Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients:
Welfare has robbed many individuals of the dignity that comes with hard work. Those who fall on hard times deserve a hand up, not a hand out. I will be at the forefront of this fight in the US Senate, just like I was here in Kansas.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website LaTurnerForSenate.com
Jul 19, 2019
Patrick Wiesner:
Change housing policy to avoid taking on more debt
When bankruptcy is the right option, Patrick represents his customers in Federal Court. His work includes helping home owners.
Patrick has seen the problems caused by excessive home loans and government interference in these transactions.
He intends to change housing policy to emphasize building net worth in homes rather than taking on more debt.
Patrick is easy to get to know. Within minutes after he first meets his clients, they are comfortable enough with him to talk about mistakes they made and the financial trouble they are in.
Source: 2016 Kansas Senate campaign website WiesnerForSenate.com
Apr 1, 2016
Roger Marshall:
Work requirement for able-bodied adults on food stamps
Congressman Marshall also supported a food stamp work requirement that would require able-bodied adults without children
to work or work training for 20 hours per week in order to receive welfare benefits.
Source: 2020 Kansas Senate campaign website KansansForMarshall.com
Jun 17, 2020
Sam Brownback:
Required work/training improves quality of life
We implemented reforms that said if you have no disabilities and no children at home, you should work or train for work at least 20 hours per week. The results are in and our reforms worked: caseloads are
70% lower today before. Before work requirements, 93% of able-bodied adults on welfare were in poverty. But within a year of leaving welfare, their incomes had more than doubled--an increase of 127% on average.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Kansas legislature
Jan 12, 2016
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026