Candidates for the Kansas House 76th District seat brought different perspectives on various issues to KVOE’s Candidate Forum on Thursday.
Republican incumbent Eric Smith and Democratic challenger Chuck Torres differed on several issues, including the need for Medicaid expansion. Smith, currently the undersheriff in Coffey County, says expansion isn’t financially sustainable.
Torres, a retired registered nurse, believes expansion is a common-sense step for the state and its patients.
On education funding, both Smith and Torres believe lawmakers will take a more outcome-based approach when it comes to education funding. Torres sees one adjustment that’s needed in future conversations.
Smith says fully funding public education isn’t leading to the results he expected, although COVID-19 may have played a role in that trend.
Torres and Smith differ on the intent of the Value Them Both amendment on abortion regulations, as well as the need for future adjustments to state policy.
KVOE’s Candidate Forum series concludes Tuesday with an interview with the Kansas House 60th District candidates, Republican incumbent Mark Schreiber and Democratic challenger Mic McGuire. The program airs at 10:06 am on 14 KVOE, 96.9 FM and KVOE.com.
Be sure to use the KVOE.com Election Information page to get more information about area races, polling places, dates of note and ballot questions.
