Local Columns

Opinion: The choices for transgender Kansans

Is the Kansas Legislature driving out “undesirables”? It would appear so. In a recent series on KCUR’s “Kansas City Today,” reporters documented numerous personal stories of transgender Kansans and Missourians who no longer feel safe in either state. Some are simply packing up ...

Opinion: Some thoughts on Gov. Kelly’s vetoes

In 2023, Gov. Laura Kelly issued a near record number of vetoes (though close to half were overturned). What were her motivations in making use of her veto power so extensively? Some of Kelly’s vetoes reflect her very practical, service-oriented vision for Kansas. More than anything else, ...

Opinion: Thoughts on being a liberal Christian

We liberal Christians are used to being overlooked. I was reminded of this the other day while discussing religion and politics with an otherwise smart, worldly, well-read former student who had never heard of liberal Christianity. Liberal Christians are woven into the fabric of Kansas and ...

Opinion: Public health is a partisan battleground

Gov. Laura Kelly recently vetoed House Bill 2285, which would have restricted the ability of public health officials to respond to public health emergencies in the state of Kansas. While Republican legislators will be unable to override this veto, bill proponents have promised this fight ...

Opinion: Gun deaths and Medicaid expansion

Medicaid expansion has been a hot topic over the past decade. Despite many states across the country expanding their Medicaid programs under the Affordable Care Act, Kansas has yet to do so. According to the 2022 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey distributed by the Docking Institute of ...

Opinion: The aftermath of school choice battles

They waited ’til the midnight hour, almost; it was the evening of the final day of the 2023 legislative session when lawmakers compromised on school funding and school choice voucher bills. Republicans, Democrats, legislators from rural counties and urbanites from upscale northeast suburbs ...