News from Kansas State Representative Ken Rahjes

Hello from Topeka.

We are less than a month before first adjournment and a short break before returning at the end of April. There are several other issues that need to be worked on before we get there.    

Here are some of the highlights of things that have been happening on the House side of the Kansas legislature:

Bringing Economic Opportunity so Kansans can Thrive—It's no secret that the economy has been rough on Kansas families and retirees over the last few years. My colleagues and I are fighting to ensure that politics and foreign adversaries stay out of our state investments, long-term residents who have given our state so much can retire securely, and that energy costs can be reduced for Kansans struggling to keep up. House Republicans are hard at work exploring options that cut burdensome regulations and make us a more inviting state for companies to invest in, providing more opportunities to current and future Kansans.

Expanding Medical Student Loan Agreements—Last week, the House expanded medical student loan agreements with HB 2260. These loans allow more students to attend medical school in Kansas, with the agreement that they will work in underserved communities after graduation. We also received a bill from the Senate increasing the eligibility of similar loan programs for those looking to pursue obstetrics and gynecology. Many areas in the state struggle to get OBGYN services in a convenient location, which SB 98 aims to alleviate. This bill is going through the committee process right now. House Republicans are finding solutions that grow a robust workforce and ensure that Kansas is a state where success can be earned in a variety of ways. HB 2260 and SB 98 help achieve our Better Way commitment, developing skilled workers that will serve needs across the state. This is a win for small communities in need of providers and for talented students who can now obtain financial assistance to attend school.

Promoting Firearm Safety—Youth firearm safety is essential to ensuring respectful and careful usage throughout adulthood. HB 2304 passed committee this week to instruct schools to adopt widely-used programs that demonstrate how to be safe with weapons. These age-appropriate programs can be made available to all students.

Protecting Fundamental Rights—House Republicans will always stand for the fundamental rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. My colleagues and I are looking to expand freedom, so Kansas can remain such a wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family for generations to come.

Fairness in Women's Sports—HB 2238 is continuing to be talked about across the state and in the media. This legislation ensures that young women and girls who work hard and dedicate themselves to their athletic endeavors get a fair shot at success. Across the nation, there are constant examples showing why this legislation is necessary. Sports are a great way for young Kansans to show off their skills and determination, earning awards and scholarships in the process. With the passage of HB 2238, we are fulfilling our Better Way commitment to preserve opportunity for the youth of our state.

You can read about all the bills that passed so far in the legislature online at kslegislature.org and when the house and senate are on the floor or in committees you can see all of them on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel. I am located at 186-W, which is the northwest corner of the capital. My assistant again this year is Terry Benitis. If you would like to contact me, my email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov, phone during the session at (785) 296-7463 or you can always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.

If you have a young person who would like to come and spend the day as a Legislative Page, please let me know as soon as possible and we will work on what is a good day for that to happen.

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.