Politicians elected to serve in the Kansas House in the 2025 legislative session endorsed Monday retention of three top Republicans in leadership posts and the nomination of a Democrat to assume responsibility for shepherding the minority party.
The director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation proposed construction of a $114.4 million headquarters to replace buildings that subjected employees to fire-safety dangers and security threats from “homeless people and drug addicts.”
Developers of the state’s new student literacy initiative are pushing ahead with plans to create university centers of excellence and a special credential tied to retraining teachers in a quest to have 90% of third- to eighth-grade students read at or above grade level.
Sherry Lesher stood before lawmakers Thursday holding a photo of her son — who died seven years ago in state custody — pleading for reform.
Kansas is expected to take in about $72 million less in tax revenue next year than initial estimates projected, officials said.
Law enforcement officials say arresting people who are unhoused for minor crimes like trespassing and vandalism will not help reduce homelessness. Experts say it will cost a lot of tax dollars and actually makes homelessness worse.
Senate Republicans could welcome a 31-9 majority when the 2025 Legislature convenes. The Senate GOP’s edge was 29-11. In the House, the GOP majority could expand to 88-37 from 85-40.
As county officials across Kansas continue to submit final vote counts, the Kansas Secretary of State’s Office’s post mortem of the 2024 election indicated a smooth transition of power.
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
Voters have elected candidates to four Kansas Senate and four Kansas House seats that represent parts of Douglas County. Democrat Marci Francisco will keep her Senate seat, and newcomer Democrat Patrick Schmidt won Senate District 19.
Kansas Republicans appear to have preserved the two-thirds edge in the House and Senate despite a costly effort by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to diminish the supermajority and make it easier to veto legislation.
