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Kansas Lawmakers Heard Plenty On Redistricting Tour

By Steve Kraske,

Published August 16, 2021 at 5:59 PM CDT

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Photo taken from back of a large conference room show a projection screen at the front of the room with all seats taken and people standing along the sides. — On August 12, the Kansas legislative joint listening tour on redistricting stopped in Overland Park to hear comments from an overflow audience.

From hospitals to brain drain to quality of life, Kansas lawmakers got an earful at 14 town halls held over five days.

Republicans called the tour “unprecedented transparency” in the redistricting process, but Democrats criticized it for not having enough advance notice and for many sessions being held before the 2020 census was released.

How the state's districts are drawn could drastically change the congressional 3rd District currently represented by Congresswoman Sharice Davids, but it could also send more Democrats to the Kansas statehouse.

Abigail Censky, political reporter, Kansas News Service
State Rep, Charlotte Esau (R-Olathe)
State Rep. Stephanie Clayton (D-Overland Park)

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Up To Date Podcast Kansas Redistricting Kansas Legislature State Government politics Kansas politics

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I want to pique the curiosity of Kansas Citians and help them understand the world around them. Each day, I construct conversations with our city’s most innovative visionaries and creatives, while striving to hold elected officials accountable and amplifying the voices of everyday Kansas Citians. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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