May 01, 2024 Chair Update
Hello fellow Democrats! Happy May Day (May 1, 2024). The Midwest Spring weather has certainly lived up to its reputation. We are keeping our neighbors to the North and South in Nebraska and Oklahoma in our thoughts and prayers as they recover from the massive tornado outbreaks. Regardless of party or State –– we are all Americans and Midwesterners so we stand with all those affected by the recent severe weather.
It’s been an active and busy few weeks since I’ve shared with you last..
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
DNC TRIP TO CHICAGO: Two weeks ago, I traveled to Chicago with a few members of our team in preparation for the Democratic National Convention in August. We toured the convention center, meeting spaces, and hotel accommodations and I know it will be a fantastic experience.
It’s truly special to join with other Democrats across the country, and I can’t wait to bring our team of Kansas delegates to Chicago in August.
DNC DISTRICT-LEVEL DELEGATE ELECTIONS: After Chicago, our KDP team spread across the state to Wichita, Hutchinson, Overland Park, and Topeka to support our Congressional Districts in electing District-level delegates to represent Kansas at the DNC Convention. Congratulations to everyone who won and thank you to everyone who ran and who attended these conventions to voice their vote.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS CONVENTION: I attended the American Federation of Teachers’ First Inaugural State Convention in Mulvane this past weekend where I was honored to receive the inaugural Friend of Labor Award. Our teachers and their contributions to shaping the great minds of the future are invaluable. We are thrilled to stand with our labor friends –– we are Union Strong!
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The Legislative session is concluding and I want to personally thank every Democrat serving in the legislature. You are all true heroes fighting from the super-minority to protect freedom for all Kansans and to make Kansas the best state to live, raise a family and to thrive! In case you missed it, the State Party held its first ever Legislative Appreciation Day in April. For any Legislators who could not make it, we were thrilled to deliver a gift to them on the last day of session. Please join me in thanking our Legislators for being the fighters and HEROES that they are!!!
And certainly join me in expressing my gratitude to our Governor. Governor Kelly spent another session protecting Kansans from extremely harmful, extremist legislation. We are fortunate to have her. PLEASE consider how you can help us break the Republican supermajority. We are looking for candidates to run in the House, Senate and Kansas State Board of Education. If you cannot run, please volunteer. If you cannot volunteer, please donate. It will take all of us giving all we have. Get comfortable being uncomfortable until we get the job done on November 5, 2024!
On Friday, extreme Republicans in the Kansas Senate voted against Governor Kelly’s Cutting Healthcare Costs for All Kansans Act which would lower healthcare costs for all Kansans, protect and sustain rural hospitals, and provide 150,000 hard-working Kansans access to affordable healthcare.
19 Republican Senators voted no, blocking a bill that over 70 percent of Kansans support –– including 61 percent of Republican voters. House Republicans, led by Speaker Dan Hawkins, refuse to allow a vote on Medicaid expansion.
Republicans continue to make it clear where their priorities lie –– more bans, more divisive bills that take Kansans’ rights away, and protecting the wealthy and the status quo at the expense of working Kansans.
We won’t stop fighting until we get Medicaid expansion passed.
WHAT’S COMING UP/WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT
I was published in the Kansas City Star during Black Maternal Health Week. Read about my own experience and how important it is to expand Medicaid as we work to make healthcare safer and more equitable.
Governor Kelly is the “tops” in our minds, but she is also on top nationally. In a new poll, she was ranked the 7th most popular Governor in the country with an eye-popping 62% approval rating. Read our statement here.
We have had a number of people from around the state sign up to run for the State Legislature this year. But we still need more folks to challenge Republican-held seats. If you are interested in running, let us know here and we’ll be in touch.
We’re hosting our next campaign training event this Saturday, May 4th in Salina. You can find full details and RSVP to join us here.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Remember, no single person has to change the world by themselves. We just have to strive to change the parts of the world that we come in contact with.
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.