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Kansas governor says ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ could cost state $150 million or more
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to cost Kansas at least $150 million as provisions cutting health care programs go into effect, Gov. Laura Kelly said in an interview with Kansas Reflector.
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Civil rights • Voter rights • Anti-trans legislation • Abortion • Immigration • Municipalities’ local control • Kansas State Board of Education
MORe STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS
Kansas Republicans might redistrict to help defeat the state’s only Democrat in Congress
Statehouse Republicans already redrew Democrat Sharice Davids’ district in 2022. They may try again, joining the national gerrymandering battle over the U.S. House of Representatives.
Advocates’ lawsuit against foreign contributions ban stalls as Kansas crafts rules
Kansas officials brought clarity to a new law that bans financial contributions from foreign nationals to campaigns for or against state constitutional amendments, a law at the center of an ongoing lawsuit.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
City of Lawrence seeking feedback on draft affordable housing incentives policy
The City of Lawrence is seeking community feedback on a draft policy that details how the city will define and invest in affordable housing projects, what criteria developers must meet and more.
Kansas schools have to show fetal growth videos. Critics say it’s another anti-abortion tactic
A new law requires human development videos in classrooms, but leaves it up to local school districts to decide what materials students will see and at what ages.
Kansas state education board expands scoring range for student assessments
State assessments have shown increasing numbers of Kansas students scoring lower on math, science and English language arts tests since 2016, while achieving marks of post-secondary success, such as higher education degrees and military careers.
Rivals launch fight over Kansas constitutional amendment to elect Supreme Court justices
Campaigns for and against a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution allowing direct election of justices to the Kansas Supreme Court have begun the one-year charge to the August 2026 primary election where the issue will be decided.
Housing progress in Kansas may slow with state, federal cuts to programs
The housing industry in Kansas faces a rollback of funding on the state and federal levels, rising building costs, inflation and tariffs, which could affect the progress made to address a dire need for housing in communities across the state.
Kansas could lose millions after Congress cut SNAP funds. Thousands may go hungry
State lawmakers must soon decide whether to cover extra costs to provide food assistance after federal cuts. If they don’t, food banks and pantries alone can’t make up the difference.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Students frustrated after KU complies with state order to strip pronouns from email signatures; experts decry vague directive
KU students and faculty are speaking out against KU’s decision to comply with anti-DEI directives that raise First Amendment concerns. It’s also unclear what the penalty might be if the university were to snub the order.
Federal court rules Kansas legislators tried to suppress speech with 2021 advance voting law
A federal court ruling permanently blocked a 2021 Kansas law that banned groups from sending advance ballot applications to voters, finding that state lawmakers tried to suppress free speech.
Nathan Kramer
In final push to boot DEI initiatives, KU tells employees to remove pronouns from email signatures
KU has eliminated diversity, equity and inclusion positions and programs and is directing employees to remove gender-identifying pronouns from their email signatures before the end of the month in response to state legislation.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Douglas County arts organizations haul $100K in state grants, but receive less than last year
Douglas County brought in more than $100,000 in state grants for arts programs, but received about $50,000 less than last year due to decreased funding from the Kansas Legislature.
Kansas has worst policies in nation for contraceptive access, report finds
Kansas has the nation’s most restrictive policies for accessing contraceptives, resulting in health disparities for low-income and uninsured residents, a new report found.
Kansas lawmakers outline vision for finding solutions to water crisis, and paying for them
The leaders of the state’s new Water Program Task Force say they are committed to finding elusive solutions to the state’s long-simmering water crisis.
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
Lawrence advocacy event provides knowledge, resources to resist anti-transgender legislation
Advocacy leaders gathered Monday to discuss the future of the Kansas transgender community and share resources in the face of state and federal anti-trans laws.
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