My Fellow Kansans

Statewide criminal registries took off in the 1990s, fueled by crimes against children and a desire to alert people to the presence of sex offenders in their neighborhoods. But some are saying that Kansas’ database has gotten out of hand , that it’s expanded to include too many different types of offenders . So, a debate is beginning about how it might be streamlined. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play

Kansas is one of a handful of states that have not expanded Medicaid. This has created a gap for patients who are too poor to afford insurance, but make too much money to be eligible for Medicaid. Advocates say that expansion could give coverage to these people, but with consistent legislative opposition, what are the odds of a bill passing this year? Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR

The political divisions in America, and Kansas, appear deeper than ever. Republicans and Democrats can't seem to work together on anything. One candidate for Kansas Governor thinks an independent party might help our polarized politics. We talk with Greg Orman on this episode of Statehouse Blend Kansas. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming

How important is the tone a Governor sets in state politics? Can a tenor of optimism or the opposite affect policy? As Kansas transitions from former Gov. Sam Brownback to new Gov. Jeff Colyer, we discuss what practical difference this change in leadership might make in the statehouse. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app . Music used in this episode: Warming Evening by Nameless

During his State of the State address, exiting Gov. Sam Brownback said his budget recommendations included an additional $600 million in funding over the next five years. That left many lawmakers stunned, and Senator Jim Denning, a Republican representing the 8th District, angry. We sit down with Denning to talk about what he's expecting as Lt. Governor Colyer takes on a new role as governor, and discuss why an attempted ousting of a legendary state employee ignited a major backlash. Subscribe

For a while, it seemed as though it would be a long time before Kansas lawmakers came up with a tax plan that could pass. Just when it seemed the impasse was at its worst, the Women's Caucus stepped up with a plan that led to a compromise. Guests: Stephanie Clayton , R-Overland Park, Kansas House of Representatives Cindy Holscher , D-Olathe, Kansas House of Representatives Monica Murnan , D-Pittsburg, Kansas House of Representatives Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with

For a while, it seemed as though it would be a long time before Kansas lawmakers came up with a tax plan that could pass. Just when it seemed the impasse was at its worst, the Women's Caucus stepped up with a plan that led to a compromise. Guests: Stephanie Clayton , R-Overland Park, Kansas House of Representatives Cindy Holscher , D-Olathe, Kansas House of Representatives Monica Murnan , D-Pittsburg, Kansas House of Representatives Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with

With school finance, taxes, and a budget passed, the Kansas Legislature adjourned. Just after the final yays, nays, and hurrahs, podcast host Sam Zeff hopped into the Topeka studio with Kansas News Service reporters Celia Llopis-Jepsen and Jim McLean for a quick take on the legislative session that was.

With school finance, taxes, and a budget passed, the Kansas Legislature adjourned. Just after the final yays, nays, and hurrahs, podcast host Sam Zeff hopped into the Topeka studio with Kansas News Service reporters Celia Llopis-Jepsen and Jim McLean for a quick take on the legislative session that was.

Conservative Republicans have joined with moderates and Democrats to override Gov. Sam Brownback's veto of a $1.2 billion tax increase. This brings to a close many of the tax cuts pushed by the Brownback in 2012. Subscribe to Statehouse Blend Kansas, and stay up to date with the latest news from the Kansas Legislature: iTunes , Google Play , and on the NPR One app .