Democrat gubernatorial candidate Cindy Holscher spent much of the past weekend in Emporia.
Holscher visited with constituents at Gravel City Roasters on Saturday, following that appearance with an educator meet-and-greet at the Lyon County Democrat party headquarters Sunday. Following the meet-and-greet Sunday, and with lawmakers likely looking at possible changes to the state’s public education funding mechanism in the 2027 session, Holscher says the current formula is effective — but the state’s policy on underfunding special education is not.
Holscher says that decision to underfund special education rolls into the longstanding debate into how to adjust property tax policy and give residents some relief.
Holscher says the Legislature’s most important job is to fund public schools, not develop tax breaks for rich people.
The one issue that has rapidly overtaken property tax adjustments is data centers, and Holscher — who is running against Republican Ty Masterson for the chance to succeed Democrat Governor Laura Kelly — has called for a moratorium on data center policy matters. She wants to see more guardrails, more state-level protections and more guarantees about local jobs before potential projects go forward.
Holscher also tells KVOE News local communities are seeking guidance from the state as potential data center projects, including one in Emporia, continue to generate heated debate.
Political appearances continue this week. Kansas Attorney General candidate Chris Mann, the Democrat facing off against Republican incumbent Kris Kobach, has a fundraiser in Emporia from 5:30-7 pm Monday. The location has not been divulged. US House Second District candidate Don Coover, a Democrat running against incumbent Republican Derek Schmidt, will stop at the Reading Community Center from 6-7:30 pm Tuesday.
