Kansas Senate Republicans

Today, the Kansas Senate took a major step towards reducing Kansans’ property taxes by adopting a constitutional amendment which would limit annual valuation increases to 4% for real property for purposes of property taxation. The amendment contains exceptions in the event a property is renovated or sold, yet would provide predictability for Kansans already feeling the pinch of high taxes.

Combined with the Truth in Taxation legislation adopted in previous sessions, the amendment represents a significant step in the effort by Republicans to fight the sharp increases in property taxes that have repeatedly burdened property owners and made it hard for many Kansans to simply stay in their homes.

Kansans are rightfully fed up with shocking property valuation changes that defy logic. For years, Republicans have championed property tax reform - now it’s time we act. If we truly believe property ownership is a cornerstone of freedom, then it must be possible for people to afford the taxes on that property. Simply put, the current appraisal system is not working in a way that protects our fixed-income neighbors. Kansans deserve a direct say in whether they want their property values to grow at a steady and predictable rate, or to continue with the current system where their livelihoods are subject to sudden spikes in property taxes.

SCR 1611 now heads to the House.

After three years of a hard-fought battle, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will now become law, after the Kansas Senate followed in the footsteps of the Kansas House in voting to override the veto of HB 2238 by Governor Kelly.

Senator Renee Erickson, who spearheaded the debate over three sessions and offered powerful remarks in support of the bill and in defense of fairness for female athletes, celebrated passage of the bill.

“Now that the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will become law, Kansas will be able to uphold Title IX and protect fair play for Kansas girls, as it has done for 50 years. Today is truly a victory for all women,” Erickson said.

Erickson noted that the successful effort would not have been possible if not for courageous women like swimmer Riley Gaines, who came to Kansas to testify in support of the bill.

“Women like Riley personified the trophies, placements, and championships that would have been lost by Kansas women if we didn’t pass this. Their courage and testimony – in the face of charges of hatred and bigotry - changed hearts and minds. They made today’s victory possible,” said Erickson.

Senate President Ty Masterson also celebrated the bill’s passage, noting that Republicans vowed they would never give up in the fight for fairness for Kansas women.

“The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act is about just that – fairness. It simply sets guidelines that ensure the fair playing field continues for women and girls that we have recognized for decades. When the override attempts on the governor’s previous two vetoes came up a bit short, we vowed we would never give up - and of course, we did not. While we were hopeful the governor would meet us in the middle and honor her campaign rhetoric, we stood firm on our commitment to fairness for Kansas women. Today, the hard work of so many prevailed when this important bill got across the goal line.”

The Kansas Senate just passed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act with 28 votes, a veto-proof majority! Thank you to Senator Renee Erickson for her leadership in carrying the bill and her powerful remarks in support of fairness for women athletes!