It’s very busy in Topeka as we transition to Governor Kelly’s new administration, and the state legislature starts organizing itself for January. Here are some quick updates:
Debra Zehr and Rachel Monger met with members of Governor-Elect Kelly’s transition team to discuss budget requests from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and the importance of following our state law on rebasing of nursing home rates. Debra and Rachel also discussed the functioning of KDADS programs, and what issues should be a priority for new KDADS Secretary.
State legislators held their leadership elections on Monday, with the following results:
New House Republican Leadership
Speaker – Ron Ryckman, R-Olathe
Majority Leader – Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita
Speaker Pro Tem – Blaine Finch, R-Ottawa
Assistant Majority Leader – Les Mason, R-McPherson
Majority Whip – Blake Carpenter, R-Wichita
Majority Caucus Chair – Susan Humphries, R-Wichita
New Kansas House Democratic Leadership
Minority Leader – Tom Sawyer
Assistant Minority Leader – Valdenia Winn
Minority Whip – Jim Gartner
Agenda Chair – Brett Parker
Caucus Chair – Barbara Ballard
Policy Chair – Eileen Horn
