Kansas Democratic Party Logo

Friday, September 10, 2021

Welcome to the KDP Weekly Newsletter – the Kansas Democratic Party’s update of the biggest things going on in the state party and the state government. What are we focused on this week? Suicide Prevention Week, 9/11, Value Them Both, 2022 Elections, Demofest, COVID-19, Voting Rights, Republican Obstruction, Medicaid Expansion, Democrats Care, Social Media Updates, KDP Merch and more!

Interested in helping the Party get out our messaging to encourage Kansans to vote blue? Sign up for our new Letter to the Editor program here!  

 

This September 11th will mark 20 years since the tragedy that shook our nation to its core and taking the lives of so many of our fellow countrymen and women. The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and onboard United Flight 93 cut short the lives of 2,977 innocent people. These attacks tore a hole in the heart of our country and the pain of this tragedy still remains. Today, we honor our friends, family members, and first responders who lost their lives on one of the darkest days in our nation’s history. Let us never forget the true heroism demonstrated by first responders, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens on 9/11. May their legacy live on forever.

 

KDP PRESENTS: DIGITAL DEMOFEST 2021

The KDP will be hosting a virtual Demofest Reception online next Saturday, September 18th at 12 p.m. Due to the uptick of the Delta variant of COVID-19 in Kansas, the KDP, in conjunction with the KDP Executive Committee, have decided to pivot this year’s event to an online reception. We’ve secured an exciting lineup of featured speakers and you won’t want to miss this year’s programming that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home!

The Keynote Speaker for Demofest will be former Senator Doug Jones (D-AL) and we’ll also be hearing remarks from SGOTUS Doug Emhoff, US Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), with virtual appearances by our very own US Representative Sharice Davids, Governor Laura Kelly and Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple! This is an event you won’t want to miss.

 

 

TEXAS IMPLEMENTS THE WORST ANTI-ABORTION LAWS IN THE NATION, KANSAS FACES SIMILAR FUTURE 

This week, Texas implemented SB8, the most dangerous and draconian ban on our right to abortion in healthcare history. The ban places a bounty on the heads of anyone who receives an abortion after six weeks and has no exceptions for rape or incest — adding to the horror of the bill that will harm millions.

This nightmare law is chillingly similar to the Value Them Both amendment here in Kansas, which was passed by Kansas Republicans and will be on the Primary ballot in August 2022. It is more important now than ever, with reproductive rights on the line in Kansas, that we show up to the ballot boxes and make our voices heard so that no person will have to forfeit the right to their autonomy in our great state.

  • Read more about the news here.

 

GOVERNOR KELLY DECLARES SEPTEMBER AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH

To raise awareness and educate Kansans on suicide prevention, Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation this week designating September as Suicide Prevention Month in the State of Kansas.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for Kansans of all ages to have access to comprehensive mental health resources across our state. This month and every month, we must focus on ways to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, and make sure people of all ages know that help is always available if they need it,” said Governor Kelly.

If you or a loved one are experiencing any suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741.

 

 

UPCOMING KDP TRAININGS

In an effort to ramp up training for upcoming elections in 2021 and beyond, the Kansas Democratic Party, together with the DNC Best Practices Institute, are excited to offer a series of virtual trainings over the course of the next few months. These programs will enhance the skills of progressive activists and volunteers by ensuring comprehensive training is free and accessible for Democrats all over the country. The training and its description are listed below:

  • Franklin County Democratic Party 
    • The Franklin County Democratic Party is hosting a Virtual Canvassing Traning on September 25. You can find more information here at the top of their page. To sign up, click here.
  • BPI State Party Leadership and Staff Resources 
    • The BPI’s 9-part DEI Training Course is now available for use by County Parties. Learn more about the process for implementing the BPI DEI Training Course in your state HERE. Those interested should email bpi@dnc.org to schedule a call with the BPI team.
  • Democrats Care Projects
    • Are you working on a community service project in your area? KDP and the DNC would like to amplify your work as part of the new Democrats care project.
    • To learn about the program, you can read more here.
  • How has the Biden Administration impacted you? Let the DNC know!
    • The DNC is putting together a story bank of real people who have been positively impacted by the Biden agenda. They are looking for people from every state, every identity, every professional, and activist behind every issue! If you are interested, please fill out this form.

Events

  • Midwest Rural Conference
    • The Midwest Rural Conference is from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on October 2, 2021. You can find more details and sign up here.
  • SCDP Demofest Friday Night Reception
    • Support the Sedgwick County Democratic Party and kick off Demofest with the SCDP’s Friday Night reception at 6:00pm on Friday, September 17th.
      • Get your tickets here.

Press Releases

 

 

REPUBLICANS PLAY SELF-SERVING POLITICS, GOV. KELLY FIGHTS FOR KANSANS TO RECEIVE MEDICAID

What’s happening?

(JC Post) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly is calling on Congress to pass legislation that would provide affordable health coverage to about 165,000 Kansans, including 7,400 veterans and their spouses.

Governor Laura Kelly said she sent a letter to Congressional leadership to urge Congress to pass legislation that would create a workaround for Medicaid expansion in non-expansion states, which she believes would provide 7,400 Kansas veterans and their spouses with coverage.

“Kansas is one of twelve states that has failed to expand Medicaid, and this political obstruction has prevented 165,000 Kansans from accessing quality, affordable health care,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration will continue to fight for Medicaid expansion at the state level, but until then, this federal legislation will allow us to bypass the self-destructive politics pushed by the Republican leaders in the statehouse and bring resources, jobs, and life-saving health care to our state.”

 

PANDEMIC EXPOSES HOUSING CRISIS, THOUSANDS OF KANSANS FACE LOSING THEIR HOMES

What’s happening?

(Kansas Reflector) – Sheena Mooney has spent the past year without a job or a safety net living in a trailer park a few miles from Washburn.

Mooney is one of the thousands who have been evicted or are facing the threat of eviction during the pandemic in Kansas. She joined Kansas housing advocates on a new episode of the Kansas Reflector podcast to discuss the realities of renting amid COVID-19.

Estimates from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation indicate more than 27,000 Kansas are currently behind on their rent, and estimates from Zillow show about 14,600 renters are at risk of eviction.

Federal and state moratoriums have provided temporary relief for those who can prove they are unable to pay rent because of COVID-19 related circumstances, but the narrow scope has left many without protection. Even during the moratorium period, evictions proceeded in some areas.

Where can I learn more?

 

REPUBLICANS DANGEROUSLY THREATEN WITHOLDING FUNDING FROM HOSPITALS WITH VACCINE MANDATES

What’s happening?

(The Topeka Capital-Journal) – Kansas hospitals have indicated they won’t back down from requiring their staff be vaccinated amid a debate over whether such requirements should make them ineligible for potentially millions of federal dollars set aside for worker bonuses.

It comes as legislators voted down such a proposal and delayed action on how to structure the $50 million pot of money, which was given initial approval last week and is an attempt to help health care facilities retain their workers amid an ongoing rush of COVID-19 cases.

Russ Johnson, president and CEO of LMH Health, said in a statement that his hospital had no plans to change their requirement, noting that over 90% of workers are already vaccinated.

Similarly, Steve Stites, chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System, slammed the idea Tuesday, saying it was tantamount to people “trying to tell you how to do your job.”

“Let me stay in my lane, but, by God, you stay in your lane,” Stites said. “And don’t be coming into my lane telling us how to run our hospitals because what you’re really suggesting is we’re willing to support you if you’re willing to let your hospital staff be at risk and that puts patients at risk.

 

KANSAS AG TIED TO GROUP IN JAN. 6 CAPITOL ATTACKS

What’s happening?

(Kansas Reflector) – Two top aides in Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt’s office traveled last year to a summit where staffers of conservative attorneys general participated in “war games” to plan how they might respond to the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Records obtained by Kansas Reflector show the two aides — Clint Blaes and Jeff Chanay — were approved to travel to Atlanta for a summit of senior staff members of attorneys general offices put on by the Rule of Law Defense Fund, a group associated with the Republican Attorneys General Association. The group paid for the two aides’ expenses.

The Rule of Law Defense Fund was established in 2014 as a “forum for conservative attorneys general and their staff to study, discuss and engage on important legal policy issues affecting the states.” The organization has been criticized for its role in the runup to the Jan. 6 mob attack on the U.S. Capitol, the first time the building has been stormed since the War of 1812.

In a robocall, the organization gave out details on the timing and location of the march protesters took from the White House to the Capitol.

 

VOTING RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS UNABLE TO OPERATE DUE TO KANSAS REPUBLICANS’ STRICT NEW VOTING LAWS

What’s happening?

(The Kansas City Star) – National civic engagement groups told a federal judge in Kansas Wednesday that they would be unable to operate in the state under new election laws that go into effect on Jan. 1.

Executives at Vote America and the Voter Participation Center testified in an evidentiary hearing that one of their primary functions, sending advance ballot applications to registered voters, would not be possible in Kansas if a law barring such activity by out-of-state organizations went into effect.

“We may be prohibited from helping voters in Kansas at all,” said Daniel McCarthy, Vice President of Finance and Operations at VoteAmerica.

Where can I learn more?

 

THANKS TO GOVERNOR KELLY AND DEMOCRATS, KANSAS’ ECONOMY HAS REBOUNDED FROM THE PANDEMIC

What’s happening?

(WIBW) – Kansas has seen almost 90% fewer unemployment claims since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the previous year.

WalletHub.com says as the U.S. makes significant progress in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it released its updated States Whose Unemployment Claims Are Recovering the Quickest report. The report looked at changes in unemployment claims for several benchmarker weeks.

According to the report, Kansas ranked as the ninth most recovered state since last week. The Sunflower State ranked fifth for most recovered since the start of the pandemic.

 

BIDEN ANNOUNCED VACCINE MANDATES TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM DELTA VARIANT

What’s happening?

(CBS News) –  President Biden announced the most sweeping COVID-19 vaccine requirements yet on Thursday, which will affect roughly 100 million Americans. The new measures include a vaccine mandate for all federal workers and contractors, and a requirement that large companies must mandate vaccines or regular testing for employees.

“My job as president is to protect all Americans,” Mr. Biden said Thursday. “So tonight, I’m announcing that the Department of Labor is developing an emergency rule to require all employers with 100 or more employees that together employ over 80 million workers to ensure their workforces are fully vaccinated or show a negative test at least once a week.”

Mr. Biden noted that many large companies already require vaccinations. “The bottom line — we’re going to protect vaccinated workers from unvaccinated coworkers,” he said.

 

What’s happening?

Make sure to follow Kansas Dems on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with the latest party news, events, and updates!

Here are some of our top posts from this week.

 

Be sure to view KDP Merch at the Kansas Dems Online Store. Make your voice heard by picking up our new shirt from the KDP Store. And remember each purchase includes a donation to the party to help elect Democrats across the state.

 

 

Onward,

KDP Team

P.S. Did a friend forward this to you? Click here to subscribe!

Paid for by the Kansas Democratic Party, Yolanda Taylor, Treasurer

Kansas Democratic Party
501 SE Jefferson St
Suite 30
Topeka, KS 66607
United States

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please