March 25, 2024 Chair Update
Hello fellow Democrats! I hope the spring is treating you well. I’m looking forward to warmer weather and March Madness.
It’s been a busy month as I traveled around the state, and I’m excited to fill you in.
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
WASHINGTON DAYS: We held Washington Days on March 15 and 16 in Topeka! It was a huge success, and I had a blast seeing Dems from across the state. We sold a record number of tickets and were proud to host at a new venue, Hotel Topeka at City Center.
I want to extend a special thank you to our unions who made the hospitality room so much fun, and to our African American Caucus for putting on the Friday night dance.
It was an honor to host Governor Laura Kelly and Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota as our keynote speakers. We also were lucky enough to hear from Senate Democratic Leader Dinah Sykes, House Democratic Leader Vic Miller, and Lieutenant Governor David Toland.
We featured the Washburn Rural High School Air Force JROTC and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in dinner celebrations.
One of my favorite parts of the weekend was presenting awards to individuals with outstanding contributions to the state –– Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Nancy Pence, Mark Schaukowitch, Dr. Emily Walters, Monica Vargas, Brandie Armstrong, Chris Wing, and Ethel Edwards. Our Party could not exist without dedicated, hard working people like you!
It’s extremely special when our Democrats are able to gather together, and I’m proud that Washington Days provides that opportunity. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to spend time with us and work together to make our state better.
You can look at our full photo album here.
CANDIDATE TRAINING: We were in Wichita on Saturday, March 23 to host our second campaign training of the year! We had more than 30 people in attendance and the KDP staff did a great job preparing and executing the training. We discussed finance, field organizing, communications, and more. I had the privilege to share insights about how to give the world’s best stump speech. A HUGE thank you to SEIU Local 513 and Esau Freeman for hosting us in their wonderful facility! We are Union Strong.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Governor Kelly’s 2024 Medicaid expansion bill finally got a public hearing in the legislature. This is a good step: it’s the first time in four years that the legislature has allowed public hearings on Medicaid expansion. Over 900 testimonies were submitted in support of expansion, and it’s that kind of public pressure that gets things done. Email your representative here to tell them that you support Medicaid expansion—we deserve an actual debate and vote on both the Senate and House floors.
We’re celebrating sustaining the veto of House Bill 2284, the disastrous flat tax bill. House Democrats led the charge against the Republican supermajority to sustain the Governor’s veto. This is a huge win for hardworking Kansans.
WHAT’S COMING UP/WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT
The Kansas Democratic Presidential Primary was Tuesday, March 19. Thank you to everyone who participated in advance and on Election Day. I’m looking forward to supporting President Biden in November. Make sure your registration is up to date here.
Today, March 26 is the deadline to apply to be a district-level delegate for Kansas to the Democratic National Convention this summer! Fill out your application here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As Senator Mary Ware said at our candidate training this past Saturday, this year isn’t business as usual. We’re ready to break the Republican Supermajorities. The last two weeks have shown me more than ever that Kansas Democrats are fired up and fighting hard for change. I can’t wait to see what we can do.
I am inspired to continue this honorable work alongside each of you. Stay inspired, stay engaged, make good trouble, and make Kansas better for all of our neighbors.