"Gay people are miserable" is what Rep. Helmer said while looking at me on the House floor while talking about an anti-LGBTQ bill in 2020. Tonight, her district threw her out of office.
#ksleg
Today, a constituent offered to set me up with her daughter.
I never know how to react, but the days of hiding myself are over so I told her that while I appreciated the offer, I am gay, so that wouldn't be a match.
She pauses and says…”okay, my son is hotter anyway."
#ksleg
I'll believe it when I see "unofficial final results," but I have never been prouder to be a Kansan. When Government tries to tell you what to do, Kansans come through and they say no. Ad Astra Per Aspera.
#ksleg
I knocked a door yesterday of someone who told me in 2018 they would be supporting my opponent because they don’t vote for Democrats. This year, that lifelong Republican told me he was voting for every Democrat on the ballot this year. Something is happening in Kansas.
So, kneeling in peaceful protest during the national anthem is wrong, but using a graduation speech to tell women they belong in the kitchen and home is okay?
I support athletes using their platform. But where is the “shut up and play football” crowd now?!
Yall make me tired.
TWO MORE YEARS! I'm honored to be returning to Topeka for another term in the Kansas House. I'm eager to continue our work to expand Medicaid, fund our public schools, and legalize medical marijuana. Let's get back to work!
#ksleg
BREAKING: Governor Kelly's executive order stands, Kansas Supreme Court rules Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) does not have the authority to revoke an executive order.
#ksleg
Thank you, District 108. I am proud to officially be your Democratic nominee for the Kansas House of Representatives. Together, we'll expand Medicaid, fully fund public schools, protect reproductive rights, and much more.
#ksleg
Days like today make the hard work all worth it. Politics these days can seem exhausting, but then there are rays of hope in leaders like
@PeteButtigieg
. Always time well spent when we get to hear from Mayor Pete.
#ksleg
In House Appropriations, we're discussing a $50M proposal that would invest in rural affordable housing. The conversation has turned to "young people are leaving the state because of taxes."
NO, they're leaving because you don't invest in their education and pass bad laws
#ksleg
The 22 Gov election comes down to this:
Kelly (D): Hi, I fixed the broke ass state of KS, brought folx together to fix a bunch of stuff, and I want to keep working to find solutions.
Schmidt (R): OMG one time 2 years ago Laura did a thing I didn’t like so I want her job. 😵💫😵💫
Due to the Senate's obsession with inspecting the genitalia of women athletes to bully trans Kansans, today, I've asked the House Fed & State Affairs Committee to introduce legislation to make it a level 9, person felony for the unauthorized outing of minors.
#ksleg
With the redistricting complete, I’m officially running to be the next State Representative for new District 108 (Lenexa, Olathe & Overland Park). I hope we can continue our work to fully fund public education, provide tax relief for Kansans, and finally expand Medicaid.
#ksleg
This happened over the weekend. Mayor
@petebuttigieg
gave an incredible speech at the
@victoryfund
national brunch. He continues to amaze and inspire so many!
The House has SUSTAINED Governor Kelly's veto of SB 233 (banning gender-affirming healthcare for minors). 82-43. I voted NO to protect the veto.
To our Trans Kansans: I see you. You belong here. And I will never stop fighting for you and our LGBTQ+ community.
#ksleg
I filed my first bill! I believe our
@ksregents
leaders should be allowed to voice their opinions about guns on campus. This bill would repeal the “gag order” preventing university leaders from talking about gun policy.
#ksleg
The City of Overland Park has passed (vote: 10-1) the non-discrimination ordinance, extending protections to LGBTQ residents of
@opcares
.
OP is now the largest city in Kansas to modernize their protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
#ksleg
🏳️🌈
On the same night that Kansas stood up for the rights of Kansans, my moderate Republican friends in the
#ksleg
that have stood up for our rights are losing their elections. The 2023 House is going to be more conservative, which is not good.
Someone DM’d me saying they were attracted to me until I posted that I was voting NO on August 2nd.
1) sorry you want the government to control your body and your bedroom
2) I didn’t ask.
Vote NO.
I’ve had 3 people today congratulate me on not needing to go “find a job” because I won my race.
Friendly reminder. Our
#ksleg
members make $88.66/day only on the days we are in Topeka. I work a full-time job on top of this so I can afford to serve the people of my district.
Thank you to the dozens of you that have reached out about the hateful, and woefully misguided bill pre-filed by Senators Steffen and Thompson to ban gender-affirming care for Kansans under age 21. I will fight these two ineffective Senators to defeat their garbage bill.
#ksleg
The only people who lied and misled voters about this amendment were the "Value Them Both" supporters. You all lost. Kansans saw through your lies.
#ksleg
In a statement the Value Them Both coalition is blaming “an onslaught of misinformation from radical left organizations” spread by the “mainstream media” for their loss.
They blocked several outlets from attending their watch party including
@KCStar
and
@kansasdotcom
#ksleg
I have an "F” rating from the
@NRA
because I support red flag laws, requiring a background check for all new firearm purchases, and want conceal carry gun owners to have a permit and training. The NRA is not the hunting rights org it once was...
Thank you, District 108. As of the official filing deadline, I do not have a Republican opponent in the 2022 election. It’s been an honor serving for the past four years. On to two more!
#ksleg
No matter where you vote NO from, do it by Tuesday, August 2nd. Say NO to opening the door to abortion bans in Kansas. Keep Kansas the Free State, reject the outright LIES from
@kansansforlife
, and vote NO.
#ksleg
Once again,
@kansansforlife
is LYING about the constitutional amendment. Voting YES will allow them to ban abortion, voting NO protects women’s health. KFL is a fraudulent terrorist organization.
#ksleg
This morning, I cut my own hair. In case any of my colleagues demand for the license number of my hair stylist, I took photos of the “evidence” that I did it, because apparently that matters?! But, I’m a dude, so I probably won’t get asked like
@GovLauraKelly
did.
#ksleg
A representative that constantly attacks public education and our public teachers just asked, in committee, why teachers are leaving the profession.
#ksleg
Kansas GOP candidate for Governor Derek Schmidt is proposing to eliminate the state sales tax on diapers & feminine hygiene products. He & running mate Katie Sawyer (center) toured the Giving the Basics facility in KCK Tuesday. Campaign photo.
#KSGOV
@kmbc
This morning in House Federal & State Affairs, I introduced
@GovLauraKelly
's bill that would legalize medical marijuana and finally pass Medicaid expansion.
#ksleg
Outgoing Senate President Susan Wagle is saying the “quiet” part out loud about the Kansas GOP’s plans to gerrymander Kansas. We can stop this and pass fair legislative maps if we break the Republican supermajority.
🚨 Gerrymandering Alert 🚨
Kansas Senate President Susan Wagle (R) told donors that Republicans must maintain their
#ksleg
supermajority so they can create gerrymandered state & federal districts to undermine the will of voters & ensure complete Republican control of the state.
The “Pray the Gay Away” people are in the Statehouse today. Thanks for the
#OnceGay
‘Changed’ booklet you dropped off. Instead, I’ll keep fighting for banning child abuse (conversion therapy).
#ksleg
The people of Kansas, including the LGBTQ Kansans, won today.
#ksleg
🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Thank you to the bipartisan group of Kansas Senators who said NO to discrimination, bullying, and hate today.
The
@CityofOlatheKS
council has passed a non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) to extend protections to LGBTQ Olathe residents and patrons on a vote of 4-3. Thank you, council.
#ksleg
#OlatheProud
Today's debate on SB 55, attacking trans athletes, was the most difficult legislative debate I've sat through in Topeka. I'm discouraged by the defeat, and disappointed in the affirmative votes; however, I will never stop standing up for LGBTQ Kansans.
#ksleg
A friendly reminder. No, you're not a constituent of mine if you live in Western Kansas. I am elected to represent, and be the voice for, the 23,000 people in District 30. You're not "my boss" and no, I won't vote to make vaccines illegal. Have a great Friday though!
#ksleg
I’m seeing a lot of chatter about polling and speculating about Nov 8th. Enough.
I’m from Kansas. If you’d read Twitter or listened to pollsters ahead of the August 2nd Election to
#VoteNO
, you would’ve believed the amendment would pass.
Let’s focus on doors, not polls. 💪🏻
Y’all the DNC is no joke. It’s constant meetings, briefings, trainings, and work from about 7am until 11pm (not considering after parties).
I need a nap, but I’m so fired up and excited to keep this momentum going until Election Day!
How are y’all feeling?
#ksleg
President
@JoeBiden
just told young trans kids that he has their backs. A sitting
@POTUS
just told American children that he will fight for them and stand up against the extremists attacking their rights. That is huge.
#SOTU2022
Good morning! Today, the House LGBTQ caucus introduced our first slate of bills. HB 2177 and HCR 5006 repeal the constitutional and statutory ban on same-sex marriage, and HB 2178 would add LGBTQ people and veterans to the KS Act Against Discrimination. All means ALL 🌈
#ksleg
US Secretary of Education: no books on her bookshelf, never worked/attended a public school, never sent her family to a public school. This November, our Federal Government — not just the White House — is on the ballot. We need a real education advocate leading Dept of Ed.
#ksleg
Some days are tougher than others, especially when the LGBTQ community is under attack. I will always stand up and fight for the trans community. I see you. You matter. And you belong in Kansas.
#ksleg
As we start to wrap things up for the 2021
#ksleg
session, it’s amazing to reflect on the fact that the Johnson County Democratic delegation went from 2 members in 2014 to 13 members in 2020. Its an honor to serve with these history-makers and hard-working badasses.
This is my hometown. This is what happens when political leaders normalize hateful rhetoric against LGBTQ folks. This behavior is vile, all because a beer company partnered with a trans person.
This shit is getting exhausting.
One year ago, Kansas made history by sending its first two openly-LGBTQ legislators to the Kansas House, while also sending the amazing
@sharicedavids
to Congress. It’s hard to believe it’s only been one year. Here’s to protecting these seats in 2020!
#ksleg
1) You’re* ☝🏻
2) Discrimination and slurs against LGBTQ Kansans happen every day. Representation matters. 🌈
3) Canvassing is not “soliciting” 🙅🏼♂️
4) This doesn’t deter me, it makes me more determined to fight for ALL Kansans. 💪🏻
#ksleg
On Final Action, the Kansas House passes SB 355: the Ad Astra 2 Congressional Map passes 79-37-2. I voted NO.
Unlike the
@KansasGOP
, I do not support gerrymandering or cheating.
#ksleg
My heart goes out to the students, teachers, victims, and families of
@OlatheEastHawks
as they deal with yesterday’s events.
As the ONLY member of the Olathe delegation that has ever introduced common-sense gun legislation, I know the time to act is now.
#ksleg
Currently, a Representative is saying teachers are just getting drunk because they don't have to teach in-person and that they're on vacation instead of teaching....
WTF? No, they're literally not.
#ksleg
In ‘05 my hometown paper reported that Kansas voted to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.
13 years later, marriage equality is the law of the land and Kansas is sending 2 openly-LGBTQ members to the Kansas House
Dream your life, then live your dream
#ksleg
Being "prayed for" and also called a "faggot" in emails by the same constituent in under 4 hours is wild.
These alleged "Christians" who have never actually read the very Scripture they cherry-pick from are exhausting.
On Thursday I tested positive for COVID-19. I am fully vaccinated (3 doses), so fortunately my symptoms have been incredibly mild.
I share this to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as you can to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, or worse.
Breaking Republicans’ supermajority in Kansas is one of
@DLCC
’s top priorities this year.
It will take just:
✅2 seats in the House
✅3 seats in the Senate
to make it happen, and protect
@GovLauraKelly
’s veto power in the state.
I know
@DLCC
can get it done.
Your hateful, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is what incites acts of violence like this. Your “thoughts and prayers” are shameful and meaningless until you stop attacking the LGBTQ community with your words and your votes. Be better.
The news out of Colorado Springs is absolutely awful.
This morning the victims & their families are in my prayers.
This lawless violence needs to end and end quickly.
This is disappointing. While
@GovLauraKelly
is saving lives, House Majority Leader
@DanHawkinsKS
is making baseless claims and actively attempting to block anti-COVID-19 efforts. Be better. I know you can be. Let’s save Kansans, not spread quite literally made-up news.
#ksleg
.
@staceyabrams
is proof that running for office and organizing is hard, but when you get knocked down, you get back up and strategize, train, organize, mobilize, and deliver results. We owe her and the organizers of Georgia SO much. Let's do it in Kansas.
#ksleg
A week from today, I'll be packing my bag to go back to Topeka for veto session. I'm hoping we can get a fair K-12 funding plan passed, sports wagering, medical marijuana, and
#AxeTheFoodTax
. What're you hoping the
#ksleg
works on?
To the LGBTQ+ community: you are loved, you belong here, and you have a bipartisan group of people standing up for you in Kansas. The only “filth” is the opportunistic Senator.
As
@taylorswift13
said, “trash takes itself out every single time.”
#ksleg
Headed out to meet more of the residents in new District 108 with
@brabec_levi
to make sure Lenexa, Olathe, and Overland Park are ready to vote NO on August 2nd.
#ksleg
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the GOP tax plan this afternoon.
She's vowing to call a special session if Kansas lawmakers do not pass a plan she finds acceptable by the time they adjourn for the year.
#ksleg
Johnson County voters. Go to to request your advance ballot for the August 2nd, 2022 special election. Vote NO on the so-called 'value them both' amendment, which opens the door to banning abortion rights in Kansas.
#ksleg
The Supreme Court has voted to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito and obtained by POLITICO.
“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” Alito writes.
Two members of
#SCOTUS
want to undo marriage equality, but they’re not alone. The KS Republican Party platform, as well as the National Republican Party platform both oppose marriage equality. This election isn’t “political,” it’s personal. Vote. Our lives depend on it.
#ksleg
Unofficial final results. I'll be watching the final mail and provisional vote count, but feel good about where we're at tonight. Thank you for everyone who believed in this campaign and voted for us.
#ksleg
I’m fired up and ready to break the Republican supermajority in the
#ksleg
. Today I filed to run for a fourth term in the Kansas House. Are you with me? Chip in a few dollars if you can:
Serving as the representative for District 30 is an absolutely honor. Today, I filed for re-election to continue our work to give the people of Kansas something to vote FOR. We need to expand Medicaid, eliminate the grocery tax, and fund our schools! Let’s do this,
#TeamWoodard
In 2020 I was told that voting against the
#ValueThemBoth
amendment would make me "vulnerable" in my re-election campaign. I voted NO anyway because it was the right thing to do. The people of my District sent me back to the
#ksleg
Fighting for what is right is worth it.
#ksleg
Making Kansas cool again will require legal sports betting, medicinal marijuana, expanding Medicaid, relieving student debt, and fully funding our public K12 schools, universities, community colleges, and technical education programs.
#ksleg