As a candidate for the Senate in the 24th District, I am committed to safeguarding and enhancing the future of our public education system. The recent $6.6 billion allocation to K-12 public schools, including a crucial $75 million boost for special education, marks a significant step forward. However, we must remain vigilant against efforts to undermine our progress.

Fully funding our schools is a legal and moral obligation.
The $75 million for special education is vital, but it's just the beginning. We must push for additional funding to ensure the state covers 92% of the extra costs for special education, relieving local districts from financial burdens.
Our work is far from over. Recent proposals by some Republican lawmakers threaten to permanently underfund special education by using faulty calculations. We must maintain and increase our investments in public education to ensure every child in Kansas has access to high-quality education. As your senator, I pledge to continue fighting for the resources our public schools need.

I strongly support the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana. This stance is rooted in the overwhelming support from our fellow Kansans and the proven benefits of such measures.

The recent survey conducted by Fort Hays State University reveals that nearly 70% of Kansans support the legalization of recreational marijuana, reflecting a significant shift in public opinion. This is not just about following trends; it’s about recognizing the voices of our citizens who see the benefits of legalization for individuals and communities.

Legalizing recreational marijuana presents a substantial economic opportunity for Kansas. States that have embraced this change have seen notable boosts in their economies through increased tax revenues, job creation, and business growth. This revenue can be funneled into vital areas such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare, providing tangible benefits to all Kansans.

Legalization also addresses critical issues of social justice. Current marijuana laws disproportionately affect minority communities, leading to unjust incarcerations and long-term socioeconomic disadvantages. By legalizing and regulating marijuana, we can reduce these disparities and reallocate law enforcement resources to more pressing issues, enhancing public safety.

The health and well-being of Kansans should never be compromised for political gain. Yet, for far too long, our state's legislative leaders have neglected their duty to protect and support the lives of our fellow citizens. The failure to expand Medicaid in Kansas has not only left 152,000 Kansans without essential healthcare coverage but has also led to preventable deaths and the potential collapse of our rural hospitals.

Medicaid expansion is not a theoretical policy—it has been successfully implemented in 40 states, providing critical healthcare access and saving lives. Studies have shown that Medicaid expansion is associated with a significant reduction in mortality rates. Every month of delay results in more unnecessary deaths and suffering among our neighbors, friends, and family members.

As a candidate for the Senate seat in the 24th district of Kansas, I firmly support expanding Medicaid. This expansion is not just a policy decision; it is a moral imperative. We must act now to ensure that all Kansans have access to the affordable healthcare they deserve. By expanding Medicaid, we can prevent further loss of life, support our rural hospitals, and create a healthier, more equitable Kansas.

I pledge to fight for Medicaid expansion and to prioritize the health and welfare of all Kansans. It's time to put people over politics and ensure that no one in our state dies because they cannot afford the care they need. Together, we can build a Kansas where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.

I stand firmly in support of a woman's right to make her own reproductive choices. The recent legislative actions overriding Governor Kelly’s vetoes on bills that infringe upon this right are deeply concerning and represent a step backward for personal freedoms and privacy in our state.

In 2022, Kansans made their voices heard loud and clear when they overwhelmingly rejected a constitutional amendment that sought to ban abortion. This decision reflected our collective commitment to protecting women’s reproductive rights. Despite this, the current legislative push to require invasive surveys and enforce punitive measures against women seeking abortions undermines the will of the people and imposes unnecessary trauma and stigma on those making deeply personal decisions.

House Bill 2749, which mandates women to disclose sensitive and private reasons for their abortions, is a blatant violation of their privacy and autonomy. It does nothing to enhance the quality of care or gather critical health data; instead, it serves only to shame and stigmatize. Similarly, while the intent to prevent coercion in abortion decisions is laudable, the legislation should equally address coercion towards forced pregnancies to truly protect reproductive autonomy.

Kansas has been a beacon of reproductive rights in our region, especially following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. We must continue to uphold these rights and ensure that women have safe, private, and respectful access to reproductive healthcare. The government should not intrude into these deeply personal decisions, and as your senator, I will fight to safeguard the freedoms that Kansans have already affirmed.

I am committed to making childcare more affordable and accessible for all Kansas families. Affordable childcare is crucial for our children's healthy development and our families' financial stability. By investing in affordable, high-quality childcare, we ensure all Kansas children get the best start possible, setting the stage for future success.

Affordable childcare allows parents to remain in the workforce, supporting family stability and economic independence. This is essential for the well-being of our families and the broader economy. We must ensure that affordable childcare does not compromise on safety and quality. High standards must be maintained to keep our children safe and provide peace of mind for parents. With the rising costs of living, making childcare more affordable is a practical solution to ease financial pressures on Kansas families.

Affordable childcare is especially important for rural communities, where options are often limited. By expanding access, we support all Kansans, no matter where they live. These policies help everyone, particularly working and middle-class Kansans who feel left out of policymaking. As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." Let's ensure our village has the resources and support to help every child thrive.