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Kansas Legislative Preview

By Steve Kraske,

Published January 14, 2022 at 5:03 AM CST

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The state capital building in Topeka, Kansas.

Kansans can expect lawmakers to address some contentious issues including COVID-19 policies and Critical Race Theory.

The Kansas legislative session kicked off Monday in Topeka with the election year looming large. The 125 representatives and 40 senators will begin committee deliberations this week, hoping to pass legislation Gov. Laura Kelly sees fit to sign.

According to her State of the State speech given earlier this week, what Kelly would like is the elimination of the sales tax on food, a freeze on college tuition rates and a $250 check for each taxpayer.

Republicans are echoing some of those ideas but are also talking about a different need, and that’s shoring up the state pension fund, which has a long-term unfunded liability of $5 billion.

Noah Taborda, reporter for the Kansas Reflector
Jim McLean, political correspondent for the Kansas News Service

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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 construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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Reginald David

As an assistant producer on Up To Date, my goal is to amplify voices of people who serve as pioneers in their respective fields while shedding light on issues that affect underserved communities. I produce daily conversations to uplift and inspire the people of the Kansas City area to make the world a better place. You can reach me at reginalddavid@kcur.org.

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