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What Kansas Citians Want To Ask Lawmakers In Kansas And Missouri

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As legislators in Kansas and Missouri get back to work, we thought it a good time to ask you, the people of Kansas City, what you would like to ask them. Or tell them, if you're so inclined. 

We got an array of responses back.

@Mattk2 tweeted: if given the choice between funding education and cutting taxes, which would you choose and who (did you) listen to?

A number of you referred money in politics.

Anne McGregor on Facebook cited Article III, Section 15 of the Missouri Constitution which requires lawmakers to take an oath.  “I will not knowingly receive … any money or other valuable thing for the performance or non-performance of any … duty pertaining to my office,” it reads.

“Why is the legislature routinely violating this oath?” McGregor wonders.

Randy Hite says he’d ask for campaign finance reform.

“You either have to be a millionaire and spend your own money or find a rich sugar daddy to finance your campaign and who you are beholden to after the election,” he said via voicemail.

Hite was among a number of you who referred to gun laws — stricter ones.

Ellen Murphy of Mission Hills said she’d tell the Kansas legislature “it does NOT have my endorsement to open the state to gun makers in order to cover up Brownback’s mishandling of our state’s school funding.”

Other issues that were brought up include:

  •        Immigration reform
  •        Reduce militarization of police 
  •        Keep religion out of politics 
  •        Greater funding for the arts 
  •        Water crisis  
  •         Better employment protection for the the LGBT community

Interested in hearing more from your legislators? Listen to our new podcast Statehouse Blend, featuring in-depth conversations with Kansas lawmakers.

Tell KCUR is part of an initiative to engage the community and shine a light on your experiences and opinions. We’ll ask a new question every week and then share your feedback on the air and online. Everyone has knowledge and insight to share. Be a source for our Tell KC network and let us know more about your expertise.

I partner with communities to uncover the ignored or misrepresented stories by listening and letting communities help identify and shape a narrative. My work brings new voices, sounds, and an authentic sense of place to our coverage of the Kansas City region. My goal is to tell stories on the radio, online, on social media and through face to face conversations that enhance civic dialogue and provide solutions.
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