By SALINA POST
Republican state Rep. Susan Concannon of Beloit announced Friday that she will not seek reelection after serving six terms in the Kansas House.
Concannon will serve out the remainder of her term which ends January 13, 2025.
"It has been an honor to serve North Central Kansas in the House of Representatives," said Concannon. "I have loved my legislative experience and will miss it tremendously, but it's time for the next chapter. I'm not sure what that will be, but it starts with spending more time with my family."
Concannon was first elected in 2012 and was re-elected in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022. During her time in the House, she served as Chair of the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, Children and Seniors Committee, the Joint Committee on Child Welfare System Oversight, the Special Committee on Federal 340B Drug Program, the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, and the vice chair of Health and Human Services Committee.
Through the years, Susan also served as a valuable member of the Appropriations Committee, Judiciary Committee, Taxation Committee, General Government Budget Committee, Federal and State Affairs Committee, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Social Services Budget Committee, and the Robert G. (Bob) Bethell Joint Committee on Home and Community Based Services.
Representative Concannon has also served the national organization Council of State Governments as the Midwest Co-chair for Health & Human Services for 6 years. She is a graduate of the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development and is a CSG Toll Fellow.
Concannon has focused her policy initiatives on child welfare, health issues, and rural Kansas. As the chair of the Child Welfare Committee, Susan shepherded numerous major improvements in the foster care system including the Gail Finney Memorial Foster Care Bill of Rights, establishment of the CARE Network, the SOUL Family Legal Permancy Option, the We Can Drive program, and the Office of the Child Advocate.
The health policy aimed at protecting health care workers passed last year after many previous efforts. Concannon has been a fervent supporter of Medicaid Expansion and looks forward to celebrating its passage someday.
Speaker Dan Hawkins commented on Susan's departure from the House.
"Among other accomplishments, Representative Concannon has played a key role in bringing about critical change to our state's foster care, namely the creation of an Office of Child Advocate," Hawkins said. "Her voice has been invaluable in this area and will be sorely missed going forward. I wish her all the best in her retirement from the legislature and appreciate her 12 years of service to our state."
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Submitted
On Monday, Susan Concannon, state representative for 107th District, officially filed for re-election to serve a seventh term as State Representative.
With more than 12 years of dedicated service to the community, Susan has been instrumental in enacting meaningful legislation and policies that address critical issues facing our state, particularly in the realm of child welfare and foster care.
As the Chair of both the Child Welfare & Foster Care Committee and the Joint Committee on Child Welfare Oversight, Concannon has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children and families throughout the state. Under Susan Concannon's leadership, these committees have implemented innovative initiatives and reforms aimed at enhancing support systems for foster children, strengthening families, and ensuring the well-being of our youth.
In addition to her pivotal roles in child welfare advocacy, Concannon serves as a valued member of the Appropriations and Judiciary Committees, where she has played a crucial part in shaping the state budget and advancing legislation to promote fairness and justice for all citizens.
"It has been an honor to serve my constituents and fight for their interests in the state legislature. I am proud of the progress we have made together, but there is still much work to be done. I am committed to continuing the fight for a brighter future for all residents of our great state," Concannon said.
Concannon looks forward to continuing her work on behalf of the people of District 107, advocating for policies that promote equity, opportunity, and prosperity for every citizen.