May 12, 2026

Dear Friends,



Several major policy decisions are unfolding right now at both the state and federal level. From how we select judges to how we fund farms and manage property taxes, these issues all come down to who holds power and how decisions affect everyday Kansans.



Join us for another installment of our Meet the Candidate Series. Dinah Sykes currently represents District 21 in the Kansas Senate. She is also a candidate for Insurance Commissioner. In this webinar she will share with us more information about the commissioner's responsibilities, why she's running, and her priorities if elected.


Date, Time, Location

May 19, 7pm on Zoom


Register here: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gcQb5-vPS5ODVTlcQKDQjA


Voting No in August on Judicial Amendment


Supporters of August amendment argue that switching to partisan elections for Kansas Supreme Court justices would give more power to voters. On the surface, elections sound like more democracy. In practice, the shift often transfers influence to those who can spend the most money.


SCR 1611 would shift Kansas from a merit based system of selecting Supreme Court justices to partisan elections. While this may sound like it gives more power to voters, experience in other states shows it often shifts influence to those with the most money.



When Ohio moved to partisan judicial elections in 2022, large amounts of outside spending flowed into those races, much of it from national political groups. This is tied to a broader trend since the Citizens United decision, which allows outside organizations to spend heavily in elections, often without disclosing donors.


That kind of spending, often called dark money, can shape campaigns, influence public perception, and ultimately affect who gets elected. In judicial races, that raises real concerns about whether courts remain impartial or become influenced by the same interests funding campaigns.


For Kansas, this is not just about how judges are chosen. It is about whether courts remain independent and able to fairly interpret the law without political or financial pressure.

Representation and the Role of the Courts


A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has cleared the way for what could be the largest drop in Black representation in Congress in decades. While this decision is not Kansas specific, it underscores how court rulings shape representation, voting rights, and political power across the country.


Cases like this highlight why judicial independence matters. Courts are often the final decision makers on issues that determine who has a voice in government and how districts are drawn.


For Kansans, this is a reminder that changes to how courts operate or how judges are selected can have far reaching consequences beyond any single case.



Read more:

https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2026-04-30/supreme-court-paves-the-way-for-largest-ever-drop-in-black-representation-in-congress

Federal Farm Bill and Kansas Agriculture


A new federal proposal, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, is moving forward with support from members of the Kansas congressional delegation, including Sharice Davids.


The bill is being framed as strengthening agriculture and national security, but like most large farm bills, its impact depends on how funding and programs are structured. Key questions remain about how support is distributed across farms of different sizes, how conservation programs are funded, and whether rural communities will see long term benefits.


For Kansas farmers, these decisions directly affect crop insurance, conservation efforts, and economic stability. A farm bill can either strengthen independent producers and rural communities or accelerate consolidation and financial pressure.



Read more:

https://www.kake.com/home/kansas-four-members-of-u-s-house-vote-to-endorse-farm-bill-legislation/article_1dfe67eb-2777-4a3c-93c7-385cf0b16416.html

Support the work!



Women for Kansas is powered by people who care about this state and the future we are building together. Every conversation, event, and outreach effort depends on grassroots support, and that work is especially critical right now. While one-time gifts make a difference, recurring donations provide the steady, reliable foundation needed to plan ahead, stay engaged in communities, and respond when it matters most. A monthly contribution at any level helps turn momentum into lasting impact and ensures this work continues beyond any single moment.


If you believe in informed voters and strong communities, a recurring gift is one of the most meaningful ways to support Women for Kansas and keep that work moving forward.


Ways to give:

https://womenforkansas.org/ways_to_give/

Property Tax Relief and the Governor’s Veto


Efforts to provide property tax relief in Kansas hit a setback as Governor Laura Kelly vetoed a recent bill aimed at reducing property taxes. The proposal raised concerns about how the cuts would be funded and whether they would shift the burden elsewhere, particularly onto local governments or essential services.


Property taxes are a top concern for many Kansans, but the challenge remains how to provide relief without undercutting funding for schools, infrastructure, and public safety.


This debate highlights a larger issue: tax policy is not just about lowering costs, it is about balancing relief with the ability to maintain strong communities.



Read more:

https://johnsoncountypost.com/2026/04/30/kansas-property-tax-relief-bill-veto-285238/

Call Time 101


Call time is one of the most important things a candidate does. It is simply reaching out to people directly to ask for support, whether financial, volunteer, or relational. Start every call by introducing yourself, thanking the person for their time, and briefly sharing why you are supporting the candidate in a way that connects to Kansas issues.


When speaking with supporters, thank them and move quickly to a clear ask. When talking to someone unfamiliar with the campaign, ask what issues matter to them, listen carefully, and connect your campaign to those concerns before making a softer ask to stay engaged. If someone is not a supporter, keep the conversation respectful, avoid arguing, and leave the door open for future dialogue. 


When making a donation ask, be direct and specific about the amount, then pause and let them respond. The goal is not to give a perfect pitch, but to have a real conversation and build genuine support.


Key Rules for Call Time

  • Be clear, not clever
  • Ask early, not at the very end
  • Listen more than you talk
  • Always make a direct ask
  • Always say thank you


Nonpartisan Tools


If you want reliable, nonpartisan tracking on bills tied to core W4K priorities (taxes and budget, elections, Medicaid expansion, judicial selection, school funding, separation of powers), check out these resources!


For the most current Kansas updates, the Governor’s press release page is updated frequently.

Governor Kelly “Kansan to Kansan” and Kansas Updates



If you like a straightforward weekly roundup from the Governor’s office, the “Kansan to Kansan” newsletters are archived through the state’s GovDelivery bulletins.


Kansas Appleseed: Democracy, Courts, and Voting Rights


Kansas Appleseed continues to provide Kansas-focused research and advocacy on judicial independence and the 2026 amendment, including educational resources and toolkits.



Kansas Rural Center: Rural Issues, Water, Local Food, and Policy Watch



Kansas Rural Center’s Policy Watch tracks Topeka decisions affecting the environment, water conservation and quality, diversified agriculture, rural communities, and local and regional food systems. They also publish weekly session updates and a way to subscribe.



League of Women Voters of Kansas



The League of Women Voters of Kansas is a nonpartisan, grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering everyone to fully participate in our democracy.




Kansas Legislature Bill Tracker



What's going on in the legislature today? Check out this handy bill tracker to keep up with the judicial amendment and more.



Happy Mother's Day!


Many Americans don't realize that Mother's Day is a holiday deeply tied to women's rights. Early calls for the holiday, in the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, centered on increasing women's influence in politics to avoid violence and promote peace. Others positioned the holiday as part of the effort to expand public health and combat disease (especially deadly for children), build community, and bring attention to the voluminous unpaid labor of mothers.


Read more: https://womenshistory.si.edu/blog/history-mothers-day-global-peace-greeting-cards



Thank you for staying informed and engaged in building a stronger Kansas.



In solidarity,

Women for Kansas



WATCH


Watch our next in the Virtual Candidate Series featuring Jennifer Day who is running for Secretary of State. She is a dedicated Kansas leader and advocate for strong communities and thoughtful policy. This is an opportunity to connect, learn more about the issues shaping our state, and engage in meaningful conversation with others who care about Kansas’s future.

ACLU Work in the Legislature


The ACLU of Kansas has remained actively engaged throughout the 2026 legislative session, advocating for civil liberties, voting rights, free speech, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ equality, and judicial independence. Through public education, testimony, legal analysis, and community organizing, the organization has continued monitoring legislation that could impact constitutional rights and government transparency in Kansas. Their work this session has focused heavily on ensuring Kansans remain informed about how proposed laws may affect individual freedoms and access to equal protection under the law.

ATTEND


WOMEN FOR KANSAS

womenforkansas@gmail.com

womenforkansas.org



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