The second Monday in January. Thats the day Kansas legislators officially get to work, although a lot of preparations and behind-the-scenes lobbying take place before then.
As our state senators and representatives head to Topeka, Kansans should consider whether their elected officials are serving the interests of constituents or following partisan leaders to further their own political ambitions.
Its through that lens that voters should judge how well legislators address some of the tougher issues facing the state.
The thing about government is that theres never a shortage of problems prisons, education funding, foster care, Medicaid expansion, rural communities, tax policies and so on.
To hear special interests and some politicians, you might think that just one bill or new law or funding decision can make a problem disappear. For example, advocates of Medicaid expansion imply expansion will save troubled hospitals and make health care affordable for everyone.
It wont.
Health care is a huge issue for Kansans, and especially rural Kansans. Medicaid expansion would provide additional resources for low income families and financially troubled hospitals. But it will treat only some of the symptoms; its not a cure.
Of more concern is the very structure of the health care system, especially in rural areas. Affordability, a shortage of providers, and access to specialized care all loom large in communities outside major urban-suburban areas.
If the states rural communities are to remain viable, Kansas will need to be resourceful and innovative. It will need to take some risks.
That applies not only to health care, but other facets of rural life.
Those trying to re-create populations and institutions churches, schools, etc. that existed 100 years ago have it all wrong. The way things used to be is no more a factor in rural survival than hog oilers and threshing machines.
High-speed internet; accessible transportation options, affordable and decent housing, clean water sources, agriculture-based, value-added manufacturing those are the kinds of assets that will attract people and resources to rural Kansas.
LEGISLATORS will need to think big. But its more likely that they will muck around in the usual sticky issues.
Abortion rights, for example. Republicans could tie support for any form of Medicaid expansion to a complete ban on abortions. Anti-abortion groups and legislators already have signaled that they want the states constitution amended to outlaw all abortions.
