ICYMI: Governor Kelly Calls for Bipartisan Support to Expand Medicaid

TOPEKA –– Yesterday, Governor Kelly called for bipartisan efforts to expand Medicaid. 

After public disapproval of a new license plate design, Governor Kelly halted production of a new plate design until more public input is gathered. And now she’s asking Republican legislators to use that same open-mindedness and responsiveness to pass Medicaid Expansion. 

In a letter responding to criticism over the plate design from Wichita Republican Nick Hoheisel, the Governor’s Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of listening to Kansans. Hosheisel had previously called on the Governor to reconsider the plate design, writing that it was “imperative” to consider the concerns of Kansans. 

“If Republicans can prioritize public opinion about a license plate, then it’s long past due for them to come to the table and work with Democrats and Governor Kelly to get Medicaid expansion done in order to provide health coverage for up to 150,000 Kansans, support our rural hospitals, and boost our economy,” said Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass. 

Recent polling shows that Kansas residents overwhelmingly support Medicaid expansion, despite consistent Republican efforts to block it. 

Over 67 percent of Kansans and 55 percent of Republicans support expansion. Republican leaders in the state legislature have blocked hearings and votes on Medicaid expansion proposals for the past three sessions, continuing to ignore the will of their constituents.