Statehouse News

Gov. Laura Kelly said during her inauguration address that Kansas politicians should work together for good policy. But her agenda likely faces strong opposition from Republican lawmakers.

Water experts are warning that farmers and ranchers in western Kansas must stop pumping so much water out of the Ogallala Aquifer. The warning is setting up a big and messy fight in the Kansas Legislature this year.

Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly wants to accelerate the phaseout of the state’s food sales tax. That could have the greatest impact on people with low incomes. But Republican lawmakers may not feel the need to do it.

Kansas Public Radio is hiring a new Statehouse Bureau Chief. Do you have the skills, experience and curiosity necessary to keep an eye on Kansas state government for KPR and its news partners?

The civil rights group argues the Kansas Supreme Court incorrectly interpreted federal law when it ruled race wasn’t a factor in the map drawn by the Republican-dominated Kansas Legislature.

The proposed amendment failed by less than 10,000 votes in the initial ballot count. It would have allowed the Kansas Legislature to take away some policy-making capabilities from the governor's administration.

Supermajorities in the House and Senate mean Republicans have greater opportunity to block or impose laws on taxation, abortion, education, budgets, guns, medical or recreational marijuana and health care, including Kelly’s quest to expand eligibility for Medicaid.

Kansas voters had a choice between reelecting the only Democratic incumbent governor in a state where Donald Trump won in 2020 or a Republican challenger who's aligned himself with the former president.

The race featured a Democratic political newcomer against a Republican who lost the general election race for governor in 2018.

Democratic Governor Laura Kelly and Republican challenger Derek Schmidt present differing visions for the future of Kansas.