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Dear Friends,
With the 2026 Kansas legislative session about to be in full swing, with critical bills advancing that will shape our state’s future. Here’s a roundup of key issues, what’s happening in Topeka, and how you can learn more or take action.
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Judicial Independence & Separation of Powers
What’s happening:
Judicial independence remains a hot topic in Kansas. Recent veto messages from Governor Laura Kelly highlighted the importance of keeping branches of government autonomous, especially when legislation risks undermining the judiciary’s role.
Kansas Governor's Office
Why it matters:
An independent court system ensures Kansans can rely on fair legal rulings — from protecting civil rights to upholding constitutional boundaries.
Learn more:
📄 Read bills & resolutions at the Kansas Legislature — https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/
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Fair Funding for Public Schools
What’s happening:
Kansas has a long history of debate over how public schools are funded. For years, courts have found the state’s education financing system inequitable and inadequate under the Kansas Constitution — leading to ongoing legal and legislative efforts to ensure fair funding for every child in our communities. Wikipedia
Why it matters:
Reliable school funding supports teacher retention, classroom resources, mental health services, and strong educational outcomes across urban, suburban, and rural districts.
Learn more:
Kansas Legislature education budget — https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/ (search “education funding”) Kansas State Legislature
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Reproductive Rights & Bodily Autonomy
What’s happening:
In recent sessions, Kansas lawmakers passed controversial bills affecting reproductive rights — including fetal tax exemptions and mandated fetal development education — often after overriding vetoes from Governor Kelly. Critics argue some of these measures conflict with the 2022 vote where Kansans protected abortion access in our state constitution. KMUW
Why it matters:
Women for Kansas believes in protecting the right to make personal health decisions without government interference and maintaining access to comprehensive reproductive care.
Learn more:
Full texts of reproductive rights bills — https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/ (search “abortion” or “reproductive”)
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Stronger Laws to Prevent Gun Violence
What’s happening:
Several proposals in Topeka focus on “red flag” laws and gun safety measures such as the Gun Violence Restraining Order Act — which would enable temporary removal of firearms from individuals posing a danger to themselves or others. Kansas Divorce
Why it matters:
Women for Kansas supports commonsense, evidence-based policies to reduce gun deaths and protect our communities — from schools to healthcare settings. Laura Kelly for Governor
Learn more:
HB2181 and other public safety bills — https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/ Kansas State Legislature
| | | Virtual Statewide Meet the Candidate Series | | |
Join Women for Kansas as we commence our virtual 2026 "Statewide Meet the Candidate Series." We begin with Democratic candidate for governor, Cindy Holscher, who will tell us about why she's running and how she plans to address the important issues facing Kansans.
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pm_qCq2WStGvUFt6A-EkPg
| | A Rally for People Centered Policies in Kansas | |
On Wednesday, January 14, our communities are filling the Kansas State Capitol Rotunda to deliver a message that cannot be ignored: due process, healthcare, education, safety, and economic security are human rights, not bargaining chips.
This Rotunda Takeover brings together voices that refuse to be silenced. Expect powerful speakers, music, shared lived experiences, and a collective demand for a Kansas that cares for all of us.
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/876443/
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This rally is organized by Kansas InterFaith Action and is co-sponsored by 16 organizations including Women for Kansas. Chapter leaders are organizing carpools so contact your chapter leader if you want to attend or just round up some family and friends and head to Topeka. For addition information contact Mary Knecht (316-942-8068) or email knechtmary@hotmail.com.
Please register your participation with her to receive information about the W4K meet-up after the rally. Hope to see you on January 14 in Topeka. W4K members attending are encouraged to wear their W4K T-shirts. We want everyone present to note that W4K is a presence and a positive force in our state!
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GET INVOLVED WITH WOMEN FOR KANSAS!
Women for Kansas is a powerful network of women and men working together to create a better future for the state. We believe that when Kansans come together, we can achieve amazing things. By joining Women for Kansas, you'll be part of a community of strong, passionate women and men who are committed to creating positive change.
Whether you're interested in politics, education, healthcare, or any other issue facing our state, Women for Kansas is the perfect place for you to get involved.
Join us today and start making a difference in your community!
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Already a W4KS Member?
Don't forget to pay your dues! We'd love your continued support in 2026 to get our message out about our legislative priorities!
PAY MY DUES
| | MEET A WITH A CHAPTER LEADER IN YOUR AREA! | | Contact a Chapter Leader near you to learn more. A complete list is available here. | | |
GEAR UP FOR LEGISLATIVE SESSION WITH US!
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What New Kansas Laws Take Effect on Jan. 1, 2026?
Matthew Self, ksnt.com
Read here.
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WHAT'S NEW IN #KSLEG?
Stay up-to-date with what your KS Legislators are voting for, or against. Watch here.
| | The GKCWPC Campaign School is an annual event to support women interested in running for office or in working on political campaigns. The event, which will be held on January 31st, 2026, at Sylvester Powell Community Center in Mission, KS, from approximately 8:30 am - 4 pm, will include all the basics: fundraising, canvassing, recruiting volunteers, and talking about women's reproductive rights. The cost of training is free thanks to a grant from the Women in Politics Foundation. Space is limited, so we ask that you complete the following application indicating your interest. | | |
The 2026 Kansas legislative session is about the begin. Are you ready?
RSVP Now: Preparing for the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session webinar
Join us January 7 at 7pm for a virtual briefing on what to expect this session, including:
- How the legislative process works;
- Health care policy priorities to watch; and
- Tips for spotting and responding to misinformation
Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned pro, this session will help you stay informed and prepared.
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Meet your new W4K Communications Lead
Jennifer Goetz is a lifelong Kansan with a strong commitment to public service, community leadership, and strategic communication. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Kansas and an MBA from Baker University, where she served as her cohort representative.
Jennifer most recently served as Assistant State Treasurer of Kansas and brings extensive experience in campaigns, marketing, and communications. She is now the Chief Growth Officer for a marketing firm in Topeka, Kansas.
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