Overland Park, KS – Governor Laura Kelly took to the debate stage to highlight her bipartisan record as Kansas Governor and outlined her ideas for the future of Kansas.
“After inheriting an economy in freefall, a crumbling infrastructure system, and a budget in shambles, Governor Kelly has put Kansas back on track. Her bipartisan track-record resonates with Kansans from all parties in stark contrast to Derek Schmidt, whose track record consists only of being a self-interested politician who stood by Sam Brownback,” Campaign Manager Shelbi Dantic said. “Governor Kelly has broken records and exceeded expectations at every turn, balancing the budget, fully funding our schools, rebuilding our roads and bridges, and growing the economy. Governor Kelly is the middle-of-the-road leader that is building a better future for Kansas, and this November, Kansans will reelect her.”
During the debate, Governor Kelly reminded voters of the hallmarks of her first term including:
Economy:
- Governor Kelly attracted over $14 billion in new business investment and created and retained more than 51,000 new jobs.
- Governor Kelly landed the largest business development deal in Kansas history, bringing Panasonic to Kansas.
- In both 2021 and 2022, Kansas received the “Gold Shovel” award for excellence in economic development, and brought the Governors’ Cup to Kansas for the first time in state history for record economic development investment per capita.
- When Governor Kelly took office, there was $0 in the state Rainy Day Fund; since taking office, Governor Kelly has invested nearly $1 billion in the fund.
Tax Cuts:
- Governor Kelly Axed the Food Tax, which will save Kansas families hundreds of dollars per year.
- Governor Kelly cut property taxes for every Kansas homeowner.
- Over the next three years, Kansans will collectively save over $1 billion in taxes because of Governor Kelly tax cuts.
- Governor Kelly provided tax relief for disabled veterans and Kansas educators, and cut taxes for farmers impacted by natural disasters.
Education:
- Governor Kelly fully funded public schools for four years in a row, ending years of unconstitutional, chronic underfunding.
- Governor Kelly funded higher education in the state budget to allow for a tuition freeze so Kansas college students were protected from a tuition hike.
- Governor Kelly expanded the Mental Health Intervention Team program to protect Kansas students.
- Governor Kelly invested in our trade and technical schools, ensuring that our workforce can meet the needs of our growing economy.
Infrastructure:
- Governor Kelly officially closed the “Bank of KDOT,” ending the Brownback-era practice of draining the Kansas Highway Fund to fill reckless budget holes.
- Governor Kelly passed the bipartisan IKE infrastructure program and now Kansas has over 1,000 infrastructure projects in the works across Kansas.
- Governor Kelly was the first Governor in Kansas history to dedicate state funds – $85 million – to expanding high-speed Internet access.
- Governor Kelly created the Office of Broadband Development and in one year, the office connected over 70,000 businesses and households to reliable high-speed Internet.
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