RELEASE: In State of the State speech, a fresh vision for Kansas children and families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Jan. 16, 2019

TOPEKA, Kansas – Kansas Action for Children’s President and CEO Annie McKay released the following statement after Gov. Laura Kelly’s State of the State address: 

“Kansas’ new governor, Laura Kelly, presented an exciting vision for our state tonight. In idea after idea, in proposal after proposal, Gov. Kelly emphasized an important point: 

“For Kansas lawmakers, all roads lead to strengthening children and families. 

“The governor’s call to expand KanCare and bolster the Children’s Health Insurance Program would safeguard the health of our state’s babies and mothers. At Kansas Action for Children, we have made infant and maternal health one of our top priorities. 

“Her call to end cuts made to the Children’s Initiatives Fund would allow a host of programs serving Kansas’ youngest and most vulnerable residents to work at peak effectiveness. At KAC, we have also made availability and affordability of child care a focus for the next two years. High-quality early education has been proven time and again to be one of the smartest investments a state can make, improving health, education, and economic outcomes for kids now and well into the future. 

“As the governor noted tonight, Republicans and Democrats united to bring our state out of a budget crisis less than two years ago. Kansans must unite again to protect and further our ongoing recovery. 

“All roads lead to strengthening Kansas kids and families. It’s now up to the governor and lawmakers to follow those paths.”