The Kansas Statehouse in Topeka.

Anthony Hensley has served in the Kansas Legislature 40 years. The Topeka Democrat was first elected to the Kansas House in 1976 and served there for 14 years until he was elected to the Senate in 1992 in a district that extends into western Douglas County, including Lecompton. He has served as Minority Leader since 1996.

Outside the Statehouse, Hensley teaches high school social studies in the Topeka school district. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in special education from Kansas State University.

For the last six years, Hensley has been a vocal opponent of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax policies. Revenue shortfalls since those tax changes took effect have resulted in state agencies being “picked to the bone,” and he said any further budget cuts will result in state employee layoffs.

“The real solution is to implement a fair and sustainable tax plan with conscientious investments in education, infrastructure, and essential services for the most vulnerable Kansans,” Hensley said.

As lawmakers prepare to write a new school funding formula next year, Hensley said he favors a multi-year plan that targets additional money for reducing achievement gaps for low-income, minority and non-English speaking students.

Regarding LGBT rights, Hensley said, “All Kansas should be treated equally, regardless of sexual orientation.

And while he favors requiring voters to show photo ID at the polls, “I strongly oppose (Secretary of State) Kris Kobach’s relentless and failed attempts to impose a proof of citizenship requirement on Kansas voters.”