Governor Laura Kelly says Kansas is in good shape.
Kelly focused her final State of the State address on accomplishments, bipartisanship and civility, urging lawmakers to avoid “the ways of Washington” as the 2026 legislative session picks up steam in its first week of operation.
Accomplishments for Kelly include fully funding K-12 education, a series of tax cuts, bringing several internationally-known brands to Kansas and luring the Kansas City Chiefs out of Missouri. One of the governor’s education goals for this year, besides solidifying money, is limiting some technology in classrooms.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia supports the cell phone idea — provided lawmakers consider other associated issues.
17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe is looking ahead to discussions on spending cuts and tax adjustments.
76th District Representative Brad Barrett of Osage City says there wasn’t much about property tax relief in the governor’s speech, but there are still conversations on the topic — and it’s something he supports.
Separately, Argabright says there is a lot of work ahead on water policy.
Water policy is a big concern for Schreiber. He says the revenue stream — pun fully intended — is just as important as the policy details.
Barrett says water policy is a big overall topic, but not everybody in the state is facing the same challenges.
13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka did not respond to a KVOE News request for comment.
Kelly, in her eighth and final year as governor, says her budget also sets aside enough money for students on reduced meal prices to eat for free and for several mental health initiatives.
Committee meetings are coming this week. Lawmakers have said they plan to get their business handled faster than normal sessions, so lawmakers representing Lyon County anticipate a more brisk session this year versus past years.
