The questions present within this article were based from the Kansas GOP gubernatorial debate that took place Jan. 30.
By: NICOLAS FIERRO & LESLIE MANNING
Salina Post
Salina Post reached out to the remaining governor candidates individually following Kansas GOP gubernatorial debate that occurred Jan. 30, to receive their comments about certain topics and issues.
Those candidates include:
Democrat:
- Sen. Cindy Holscher (District 7)
- Sen. Ethan Corson (District 8)
Republican:
- Vicki Schmidt (Insurance Commissioner)
Click here to see the responses of candidates such as Ty Masterson (Senate President), Charlotte O’Hara, Jeff Colyer, Scott Schwab (Secretary of State), Joy Eakins and Philip Sarnecki.
Cindy Holscher
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "I will work to cut residential property taxes for everyone, and I’ll also add exemptions to make sure seniors and disabled veterans can afford to stay in their homes. This starts with fully funding our schools to avoid localities having to shift the burden and increase property taxes to fill the gap."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: "I am interested in any solution that will drive economic growth without leaving Kansans footing the bill. That is why I’m opposed to the proposed stadium deal in its current form, which shifts too much risk onto taxpayers. STAR Bonds can be a useful tool, but every proposal must be considered carefully to make sure there is no additional burden on hard-working Kansans. I am for common sense solutions like investing in wind energy expansion and legalizing medical marijuana in Kansas. We need smart growth that benefits everyday Kansas families, not just the wealthiest at the top."
Q: Governor Laura Kelly in the past denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to data regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state. At the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has stated about not be updating their childhood vaccine schedule to match recommendations from the CDC. As governor, where would you stand on a relationship with the federal government and the idea of federal compliance versus state sovereignty?
A: "I will fight for what’s best for Kansans, no matter what. I hope the federal administration will work with me to lower costs and keep our families safe. If they won’t, I’ll oppose any plan that will harm Kansans, and I’ll stand up for common sense."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "This amendment, if passed, will bring partisan politics to our courts. Our judicial branch should be independent and chosen based on merit, not in multi-million dollar partisan elections influenced by out-of-state donors like Elon Musk. I oppose this amendment."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "I will make sure our public schools are fully funded, because our children deserve no less. And that includes fully funding special education, which has been under-funded for too many years, leaving our most vulnerable kids behind. When we underfund our schools, the burden then falls on property owners and their costs go up. I will also introduce a statewide plan to improve teacher retention, training, and recruitment, because we all know that too many teachers have left the profession. Finally, I will make sure our taxpayer money is used efficiently, and I will oppose any efforts that would divert money away from our public schools into private schools. Private schools shouldn’t get taxpayer funds."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "It’s long past time to legalize medical marijuana in Kansas. Patients who need it shouldn’t have to leave our state or suffer without treatment. Legalizing medical marijuana will expand options, lower treatment costs for families, and unlock new revenue to fund our schools and strengthen health care for everybody. This is about common sense. And it’s about doing what’s right for Kansas families."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "The voters decided this issue, overwhelmingly, in 2022. As far as I’m concerned, the matter is settled and access to reproductive care is the law in Kansas. This is about privacy, freedom, and respecting families' decisions. I see any effort to take us backwards on women's rights or healthcare as an attempt to subvert Kansas law, and I will oppose those efforts should extremists push for that."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "Again, I will always stand up for Kansans, and I will always take a common sense approach against extremism. We absolutely need to enforce our immigration laws. And we also need to root out abuses by federal agents. The videos don’t lie - we’ve seen ICE agents behave horribly. They have killed U.S. citizens. Those agents need to be held accountable, and the agency needs to be reformed from top to bottom. There’s no reason for ICE to wear masks, and there should be no scenario in which ICE detains legal American citizens without cause, which has been happening far too often. I’ll continue to look for common sense approaches that keep all of our communities safe and that are supported by voters across the political spectrum."
Ethan Corson
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "Cutting taxes for working Kansans is a top priority of mine. I’m in leadership on the Senate Tax Committee, where I’ve worked with Republicans and Democrats to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries, end income taxes on Social Security, freeze property taxes for certain fixed income seniors, remove the state portion of property taxes, lower property taxes across the board, reduce income taxes, and eliminate state sales taxes for 100% disabled veterans, to thank them for their service.
I’ve supported over $2 billion in tax cuts. But there’s still work to be done. My agenda would cut property taxes for every Kansan, freeze property taxes for more seniors, restore the tax break for renters that Brownback eliminated, eliminate taxes on tips and overtime, establish a tax credit for young families, and provide a $250 tax credit on every vehicle registered in the state.
I also plan to establish a Task Force on Property Taxes to look at what other states are doing, see what makes sense for Kansas, and come up with a durable, long-term solution. Making life more affordable for Kansans across this state is possible and I have the plans to deliver practical solutions."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: "STAR bonds are effective in certain, limited situations, like bringing the Panasonic battery plant to Kansas. But they are just one small piece of the puzzle. For Kansas to continue to grow economically, we need to double down on our workforce development efforts, through the work being done at our technical colleges, apprenticeship programs, trade schools, community colleges, colleges, and universities.
We also need to make Kansas home to the best public schools in the nation. Not only do those schools train the next generation of Kansas workers,but our reputation for educational excellence is part of what makes businesses want to come here. We also need to cut red tape, streamline government, and make sure the country, and indeed the world, knows that Kansas is Open for Business. I’m going to be laser-focused on building 100,000 middle-class homes every year in Kansas, so we can house our expanding workforce and help more Kansans realize the dream of home ownership.
Prior to being a state senator, I worked at the U.S. Department of Commerce, where I led teams focused on both attracting investment into the U.S. and helping farmers and businesses export their products around the world. That professional experience will make me a strong advocate for Kansas farmers and businesses at the national and international levels. And I will lead as many trade missions as it takes to open markets for them. I will also work to attract new businesses into our state to create jobs and bolster the local economy."
Q: Governor Laura Kelly in the past denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to data regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state. At the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has stated about not be updating their childhood vaccine schedule to match recommendations from the CDC. As governor, where would you stand on a relationship with the federal government and the idea of federal compliance versus state sovereignty?
A: "Many Kansans are frustrated with the failures of the federal government right now. Our farmers are being crushed by tariffs, healthcare premiums are skyrocketing, and residents are concerned about their private data, such as their Social Security numbers, being mishandled and ending up in the hands of foreign entities. As governor, I will always put the interests of Kansans first and not hesitate to stand up for our state against federal overreach. That said, I will work with the federal government to ensure that Kansans see their tax dollars invested back into our state to improve our rural healthcare system, our roads, and our water systems."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "This amendment would open the floodgates to out-of-state money trying to buy our courts and will deter the most qualified nonpartisan judicial minds from wanting to be a justice because they don’t want to take part in a political campaign to get there. The wealthy and well-connected would have a leg up in becoming judges, instead of the selection being made off merit. For those reasons, I am voting against this amendment and encourage others to do the same."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "I’m the proud product of Kansas public schools – I went to Kansas public schools from my first day of pre-kindergarten until I graduated from Garden City Community College. I would not be where I am today without the teachers and coaches of Kansas public schools. I’ve spent this campaign talking to parents, teachers, and school administrators and what I’ve heard is clear: public dollars belong in public schools.
As governor, I would ban cell phones in schools. What I’ve heard is Kansas families and educators want their students to succeed in the classroom without distractions and online pressures affecting their mental health. Cell phone use in school gets in the way of that. States that have enacted similar bans to the one we’ve proposed here in Kansas have seen an uptick in test scores and an overall boost in academic performance."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "It’s time we legalize medical marijuana. We’re far behind the rest of the country in doing so. For those suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, and other ailments, medical marijuana could bring welcomed relief."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "Like a majority of Kansans, I firmly believe in a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions. As governor, I would fight back against new attempts to curb access to reproductive freedom."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "It is incumbent on any law enforcement agency operating in Kansas, including ICE, to uphold the rule of law. That means proper warrants, clear identification of agents, no masks, and due process. We have to prioritize public safety, but do it in a way that earns the trust of communities around our state."
Marty Tuley
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "I'm not sure I agree with the idea of "capping" property tax. School districts derive 25% of their budget from local property tax. Seems every time we discuss lowering taxes in one shape or another... it's at a cost to our public schools."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: No, STAR bonds are not the best way to create economic growth in our state, but they are potentially one way. The STAR bonds program is perfectly suited for a project like the Chiefs. In fact, I'd like to see a similar looking project bringing a UFL team to Wichita. But, the real key to sustainable, long term economic growth, lies in investing in our young people!
Q: Governor Laura Kelly in the past denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to data regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state. At the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has stated about not be updating their childhood vaccine schedule to match recommendations from the CDC. As governor, where would you stand on a relationship with the federal government and the idea of federal compliance versus state sovereignty?
A: "This is political theater and not in the best interest of Kansas. These decisions need to be based on the needs of Kansas. I'm not necessarily a "refuse federal cooperation" candidate."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "I think the current system has served Kansas well. and it has been time tested since the 1950's."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "I'm 100% opposed to any form of voucher or school choice program. Education funding is THE most important aspect of our state budget."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "Marijuana, both medicinal and recreational, needs to be legal in our state."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "Kansans have spoken on the issue and I support their decision. I would not support any coming legislation that would restrict a woman's right to choose."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "Under the constitution, immigration is a federal responsibility and as governor we would cooperate. But I would also hope the federal government would see Kansas as a partner in this action and not work completely unilaterally."
Doug Billings
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "Property taxes are the number one issue I hear from Kansans everywhere, and simply capping something that shouldn’t exist is not the solution. Once a Kansan buys a home, vehicle, farm, or any other property outright, they should never pay another dime in property taxes — it’s unconstitutional, it violates the Founding Fathers’ vision, and it turns the American Dream into renting from the government forever.
That’s why, on Day One as governor, I will sign an executive order creating the Kansas Department of Government Efficiency (KDOGE) to root out waste, fraud, and abuse — I’m convinced we’ll uncover more than $1 billion that we will immediately apply to eliminate property taxes at the county level. I will personally visit every county in Kansas to work directly with local leaders and citizens to make this happen. Finally, I will partner with the legislature to make KDOGE a permanent Cabinet-level office so this relief lasts long after my two terms, delivering real, lasting freedom to every Kansas family, farmer, and business owner."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: "STAR bonds are not our friend, and it is outrageous that a small group of the Topeka swamp secretly cut a risky deal with our Commusocialist governor to bring the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas without giving the people any voice or vote. One of those insiders is even a current candidate for governor — exactly why we must reject anyone already part of the elected class and instead choose a true MAGA populist outsider like me. On Day One, I will sign an executive order creating the Chiefs STAR Bond Task Force to work with our Attorney General and explore every legal way to exit that deal, then let the people of Kansas vote on it themselves. Beyond that, I will personally meet with Elon Musk to bring a SpaceX plant to Wichita and sit down with President Trump to secure a Space Force base in our central location, while slashing red tape, cutting corporate taxes, protecting family farms, championing oil, natural gas, and nuclear power, reforming education for real vocational skills, and attracting manufacturing and logistics hubs to every corner of the state. This isn’t government picking winners with your money — it’s about getting government out of the way and unleashing Kansans to build, grow, and prosper the way the American Dream was meant to work."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "Yes, I fully support the constitutional amendment on the August primary ballot to reform judicial selection and finally let the people of Kansas elect their own Supreme Court justices. Our Kansas Supreme Court is more liberal than California’s — they’ve tried to abolish the death penalty in the worst murder cases, dragged the Gannon school-funding saga for years while threatening to shut down public schools, and flat-out invented a “right” to abortion in our Constitution — all while getting overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court at one of the worst rates in the nation.
That is not interpreting the law; that is radical judicial activism and a direct power grab over the people’s elected representatives. As governor, I will campaign aggressively for this amendment so Kansans can hold these activist judges accountable at the ballot box, use the full bully pulpit to call out every overreach in plain language, and work with the legislature and Attorney General to pass ironclad laws that respect separation of powers and aggressively defend them in court. This is about restoring the rule of law and returning power to the people of Kansas where the Founding Fathers intended it — and that is exactly what I will deliver as your governor."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "Education is one of the most important issues facing Kansas families — and it’s deeply personal to me, as a father of a 22-year-old son with Down syndrome who thrived in public school and as someone who holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Unlike Governor Kelly’s endless massive spending increases that deliver little results, my approach will be smart, accountable, and laser-focused on outcomes — starting with a full audit of the Kansas Department of Education through KDOGE to eliminate waste, fraud, and inefficiency so every dollar goes to our kids, not bloated bureaucracy.
I will immediately return curriculum control to parents and local school boards, severely rein in the Kansas Board of Education just like President Trump is doing federally, and restore a world-class, values-driven education built on reading, writing, arithmetic, true civics, philosophy, American and Kansas history, the Pledge of Allegiance, a moment of prayer, and the United States and Kansas flags only — with zero woke agendas or DEI indoctrination. We will protect female sports by keeping biological males out, provide strong support for special education students, and expand school choice like never before through universal Education Savings Accounts so funding follows the child to whatever option best fits each family — public, charter, private, or homeschool. This will create real competition that forces every school to improve, honors parental rights, and delivers the strong, patriotic education Kansans deserve — and that is exactly what I will fight for as your governor."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "No, I will not support or advocate for the legalization of marijuana in any form — medical or recreational. I refuse to turn hardworking Kansans into lazy zombies with another government-approved gateway drug when we already have legitimate FDA-approved treatments that work without clouding minds or weakening families. The “God created the plant” argument is pure nonsense — He also created the coca plant that produces cocaine, and we’re not legalizing that either just to dumb down the next generation. Legalizing marijuana would strip our law enforcement officers of one of their most powerful tools for busting drug runners, human traffickers, and child predators by removing probable cause during traffic stops, and I will stand with our heroes in blue 100% to keep every tool they need. Kansas is one of only two states proud enough to hold the line for strong families, personal responsibility, clear minds, and real law and order — and as governor I will fight with everything I have to keep it that way: no legalization, no compromise, period."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "No, I will not support the Kansas Supreme Court’s activist ruling that invented a “constitutional right” to abortion in our state. As a devout Catholic who believes life begins at conception, I stand with 2,000 years of Christian teaching and the Founding Fathers who gave us the God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — abortion is the exact opposite and was never intended by them.
I’m proud of State Senator Mike Thompson and Kansas citizen Doug Johnson for co-writing a bill to recognize life at conception, and this issue hits home for me: my 22-year-old son with Down syndrome would have been targeted under liberal “death policies,” yet he brings pure joy while 90% of such babies are aborted nationally even as loving families wait six months to adopt them. As governor, we will re-brand this fight with compassion — offering every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy free housing, medical care, full support to choose life, and seamless adoption if needed, while holding men fully accountable for fatherhood. This is compassionate conservatism in action: we don’t just say “no” to abortion — we say “yes” to life with real backing for mothers, fathers, and babies, and that is exactly the bold Kansas way I will fight for as your governor."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "This is a Day-1 issue for me. On my very first day as governor, I will sign an executive order directing the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas National Guard to immediately partner with ICE and remove every single illegal immigrant from our state — Kansas will never be a sanctuary state, not on my watch. At the same time, I will reach out to President Trump for federal funds to launch a bold self-deportation assistance program: any illegal immigrant who comes forward within three months gets free flights home for themselves and their family plus clear instructions on legal entry, while those who refuse will face full, swift permanent deportation. Word will spread fast that Kansas now has strong, no-nonsense leadership that rewards law-abiders and punishes law-breakers, causing illegal immigration numbers to plummet. We will also crush the horror of child and human trafficking with a dedicated Day-1 Task Force using every resource from the Highway Patrol, National Guard, Attorney General, and KBI to hunt down these monsters and end this evil once and for all — because Kansas families deserve real safety, secure borders, and leaders who actually enforce the law instead of undermining it."
Vicki Schmidt
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "Lowering property taxes is what people are telling me is their number one concern right now and I intend to fix that. Yet at the same time, the Legislature is busting the budget. They are spending more than the state is bringing in. You cannot do that and still have money for what’s really important to people, like lowering their property taxes.
As Insurance Commissioner, I have saved taxpayers $96 million dollars by reducing fees and making the Insurance Department more efficient which has reduced the cost of doing business in Kansas. In addition, I have stood up to the big insurance companies and recovered more than $200 million dollars for people who were being cheated out of legitimate claims. It is going to take money to lower property taxes and I’ve got a record of finding it and turning it into savings for Kansans and that is what I will do as Governor."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: "For years the state has focused on larger economic development projects utilizing STAR bonds in urban areas for growth. It’s time we invested in our small towns and rural areas as well. I would recruit businesses to come to Kansas and create jobs in the rural parts of our state. I would invest in public/private partnerships to spur the economy and provide services. We need more housing for workers, access to healthcare for families and quality schools for kids."
Q: Governor Laura Kelly in the past denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to data regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state. At the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has stated about not be updating their childhood vaccine schedule to match recommendations from the CDC. As governor, where would you stand on a relationship with the federal government and the idea of federal compliance versus state sovereignty?
A: "I believe in keeping decisions close to home. As Insurance Commissioner, I have actively worked with every state in the nation to maintain the state-based regulation of insurance. But, for Kansans to be served effectively the state must have a productive relationship with all levels of government."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "Different states have chosen different methods for this. This is going to be up to the people of Kansas, and I'll support whatever they decide."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "Education funding has been in chaos and we need to straighten it out. I will constitutionally fund our schools, so we spend critical tax dollars in the class room and not the court room. I am the product of public education and I will never turn my back on our public schools.
Parents have choices in Kansas right now. They can send their kids to virtual school, home school, private school, or any public school in the state. I support those choices."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "I’m a pharmacist, and I know the harm that this drug can cause. I worry that by reducing the regulations it might indicate to people that this is a safe drug, and it's not. I do not support recreational use of the drug, and I think that medical use of the drug would require a lot of thought before Kansas would be ready to pass legislation. A lot depends on how it would be distributed, the quantities and what the qualifications would be. It would depend a lot on what the legislation would say."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "I don't believe in abortion on demand, but I do believe in reasonable exceptions, and I think that is where most Kansas voters are."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "I’m for catching and deporting violent criminals who are here illegally, and especially gang members and cartel members who have been poisoning our young people with dangerous drugs like fentanyl. This is another example where federal, state and local governments must work together to enforce the law."
Stacy Rogers
Q: The state legislature this year is discussing a potential constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 3% each year. If you become governor what else would you do to help give tax relief to Kansans?
A: "This amendment does not address the underlying issues of why property taxes are rising. These are simply bandaids to the larger issue. The increase in demands from the state in the form of unfunded mandates that require counties to pay for services with no help from the state and very little flexibility in how those can be provided leaves counties with no other option than to raise taxes. While these services are absolutely required such as Public health, Emergency services, Jail and court system, elections, mental health services and roads & bridges, it puts an unfair pressure on the counties to find the funds needed to provide those services.
One way to provide tax relief to the cities and counties would be the return of LATVR (tax on alcohol & tobacco) that was taken away in 2003 and absorbed into the state budget. This total amount lost to the cities and counties since 2003 is in the billions. Returning it would have an immediate and direct impact on property tax."
Q: We’ve seen the use of STAR bonds across the state for numerous different community investments, in your opinion, are STAR bonds the best way to create economic growth in the state, and how else would you plan to invest in economic growth in Kansas?
A: "We should sunset STAR Bonds. We currently have 17 active STAR bonds in this state, in which all, aside from three, when reviewed for years 2018/2019 were not performing at expected benchmarks (per an outside data collection agency). The Commerce department did not have complete data in which to evaluate key points of why a STAR bond is utilized, including how many visitors were out of state vs local and whether those benchmarks were being met. It is estimated that it will take DECADES to recoup the sales tax revenue it gave up for just the THREE STAR bonds that were performing at the levels deeming them “successful”, while that leaves the other 14 performing at substandard levels and not meeting benchmarks. Instead of giving tax breaks to large companies, we should be investing in our own people and encouraging homegrown economic growth and development."
Q: Governor Laura Kelly in the past denied the U.S. Department of Agriculture access to data regarding current recipients of SNAP benefits in the state. At the same time, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has stated about not be updating their childhood vaccine schedule to match recommendations from the CDC. As governor, where would you stand on a relationship with the federal government and the idea of federal compliance versus state sovereignty?
A: "I believe in transparency and accountability. As with any other situation, when it comes to the suspicion of illegal actions, such as fraud and the entity is unwilling to address it, there has to be an authority that steps in to investigate. Leaving any tax payer funded entities to “its own devices”, can lead to neglect, chaos and misconduct. Transparency and accountability to the tax payer is a must."
Q: Coming up on the August primary ballot this year is a constitutional amendment to reform judicial selection in the state. Do you support the change in the judicial selection process, and how else could we reign in a radical state supreme court with one of the worst records of overturned cases in the nation?
A: "Yes, I support this change. The history of this can be read by searching the Kansas Triple Play. I have concerns about how we currently select Supreme Court Justices. The voters and our elected officials are largely left out of the decision-making process. I am first and foremost for the people of Kansas and what we see today is not interpreting of the law, but law making done by the judicial branch."
Q: The governor has proposed high spending increases in education with her budget proposals overall. As governor what is the approach you would take in education funding, and how would you raise quality of standards, and potentially expand school choice in the state?
A: "The education system itself is broken. We rank 15th in what we spend per student and 34th in outcomes. We have people leaving our education system woefully unprepared for real life. This is not the fault of teachers; it is a fundamental breakdown of where we are focused. Instead of teaching to the state assessments, teaching to the student to ensure proficiency and preparing the student to be successful in adult life should be our main concern. In Harvey County, 70% of 3rd-12th graders are at remedial levels in both math and English. That should concern everyone.
As far as school choice, we already have that; if you can get your child there, they can go to whatever school they choose. What is being talked about now would open up the ability for families of all income brackets to recoup those expenses and ensure the proper education environment for their child. As a former public, private and homeschool parent, two of my 3 children needed something different due to learning challenges. It was a financial struggle to meet their needs. That should not be a barrier to learning the skills necessary for life."
Q: President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for marijuana to change from a Schedule 1 to a Schedule 3 drug, which would allow the research of marijuana for potential medical benefits. As of right now, Kansas is only one of two states nationwide that has yet to legalize marijuana for a medical or recreational purpose. Idaho being the other. As governor, would you support and advocate for the legalization of marijuana in some form?
A: "We are not in a position any longer of if it will be legalized, but when. I worked 15 years in pharmacy and when President Trump moved the classification from schedule I to III, that was the absolute safest decision he could have made in order to protect people from the negative aspects of legalization.
The fact is, Kansas does not have the infrastructure to protect its citizens. Not from the drug itself, but the negative effects that can come with legalization regarding entities that could take advantage of people and the ability of children to have access. There are some key issues that we have not fully addressed, such as the ability for foreign entities to purchase our land. While this has been addressed in part of the state, it has not been passed to cover the entire state and entities already owning such property in Kansas has not been addressed."
Q: The Kansas Supreme Court has deemed abortion as a constitutional right in the State of Kansas. As governor, would you support the Kansas Supreme Court, and how would you work with the legislature to represent Kansans regarding this right?
A: "This is a loaded question as through discussions with quite a few voters, the constitutional amendment was confusing to what a yes vs a no vote would mean. I am for clearer and simpler language in general to not attempt to confuse voters or sway voters to a particular outcome. This is my view on all votes to change our constitution. I believe it is a fair thing to ask that each person seeking an abortion have complete education, including ultrasound. I am pro ALL life, our unborn, our children, our disabled and our elderly and everyone in between, but those four groups of people are the most unseen, unheard, taken advantage of, manipulated, groomed, used and abused and deserve our protection."
Q: The ICE protests in Minneapolis, Minn. with the leadership, mayors and governors, fighting against the Trump Administration to enforce laws, as governor, how would you work to enforce immigration law in the State of Kansas and what can we do to prevent that type of scenario here in Kansas?
A: "I used to live next door to an immigration officer who was an immigrant from Mexico and had gained citizenship. I asked him once what his thoughts were about people in this country illegally. His response to me was about how unfair it was for people to be here illegally as it took him years and thousands of dollars to gain citizenship. It is unfair to those working to become citizens through the proper channels. So when asked, I always recall this conversation from an immigrant, now citizen.
Supporting the federal law enforcement agency is not a question. It is Constitutional compliance. That does not mean that state resources and law enforcement would be allocated to assist, that would be considered on a case by case basis. We do not want a scenario like Minneapolis in Kansas by any means and as immigration has been enforced in this state already without incident, I believe that the people of this state want safe and law abiding communities to live in. Immigration itself needs reform and the process needs to be revamped in order to allow immigrants seeking to proudly become citizens of our great country a more expedient path, with the proper vetting to ensure we are not missing out on great assets to our country, while making sure we are not allowing those who intend harm, either financial or physical to become citizens."