June 24, 2024 Chair Update
Hello fellow Democrats! I hope everyone had an amazing Father’s Day and a celebratory Juneteenth. Summer is officially here and I hope you are staying cool as the Midwest heat sets in. June has flown by, and I’m so excited for the rest of the year!
WHAT’S NEW/WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
After an amazing number of candidates filed on June 3rd, I’ve spent a lot of time attending candidate launches and events. And I can tell you, people are fired up to win in November.
I attended Bill Hammond’s campaign kickoff on June 11. Bill is running in District 117, and I can’t wait to see what his campaign does! The event also featured Kris Meyer, running for State Board of Education in District 4, and Norman Mallicoat, running for State Senate District 9. I also attended Representative Dennis Miller’s campaign kickoff event on June 18, as well as events over the weekend for Jason Anderson and Andrew Mall, who are both running for State Senate. A BIG thank you to all our fantastic candidates running this cycle!
On June 15, we hosted a virtual campaign training event for candidates, staff, and volunteers. We also hosted a second series of virtual Votebuilder trainings for our candidates, county party leaders, and volunteers at all skill levels. We love to support our hardworking Dems!
This past Saturday, I also stopped by and had a great time at U.S. Representative Emmanuel Cleaver’s Annual BBQ event.
With the anniversary of the Dobbs decision, I participated in a DNC Press Call last week, highlighting the high stakes for abortion and reproductive access at stake this fall. You can read an article from Salon with some of my comments here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
As we know, last week Governor Laura Kelly and legislators convened for a special session. Governor Kelly signed Senate Bill 1, bipartisan legislation that will provide tax cuts for all Kansans without threatening the state’s long-term fiscal health. The bill reduces property and income taxes, immediately eliminates the state tax on Social Security income, and increases the standard deduction and Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.
Governor Kelly also signed House Bill 2001, enabling the use of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds, an economic development tool, to expand Kansas’ portfolio of professional sports teams. The bonds are paid off through the sales tax revenue generated by the development. Kansas may soon be home to the Chiefs and Royals! How exciting would that be?!
WHAT’S COMING UP/WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT
I want to give a huge shoutout to our volunteers. As canvassing, phone banking, and other organizing picks up, I cannot emphasize enough how integral you are to our Party. THANK YOU to everyone who has given their time and effort to elect more Democrats and make Kansas better for all. We cannot do this work without you!
FINAL THOUGHTS
On Father’s Day, I reflected on my own father and the incredible lessons he taught me about patriotism and civic responsibility. My father was a Vietnam veteran and was always deeply proud of his service to our country. He passed this pride on to me –– the pride of who we are and where we can go. I feel that pride whenever I do this important work.
Stay inspired, stay engaged, make good trouble, and make Kansas better for all of our neighbors.