Oh, Kansas Legislature.
Each year, we want to praise you for putting the people of Kansas first. And each year, it’s honestly a bit of a struggle. You all spend so much time doing nonsensical things, while ignoring the very real struggles of many in our state.
So without further ado, then, here’s what the Legislature should have worked on this session. And what they shouldn’t have bothered with.
Should have:
Medicaid expansion
We know that expanding the KanCare program will help rural hospitals. We know it will help thousands upon thousands upon thousands of uninsured Kansans. What makes this worse is that we suspect the House and Senate would pass the bill, but leadership has spent this year and last actively blocking consideration. Now that the American Rescue Plan is offering additional federal funds, the lack of action looks even more foolish.
Shouldn’t have:
Banning transgender
women in school sports
We wrote about this before, and our words still stand. Legislators addressed a nonexistent problem. They singled out a tiny number of youths for further persecution. They should be ashamed.
Should have:
Medical marijuana
With Colorado, Oklahoma and Missouri offering medical marijuana options (and even more in the first case), it’s long overdue for Kansas to pass medical marijuana legislation. We all know that prohibition hasn’t worked in the past, and it doesn’t work now. Every year the Legislature doesn’t take action, we’re further behind our neighboring states.
Shouldn’t have:
Adults under 21 can conceal carry guns
