Will Governor Kelly Protect Our Children?
KANSAS CAPITOL NEWS, ANALYSIS AND THE WEEK IN REVIEW
By Chuck Weber, Kansas Catholic Conference
What a week.
The Kansas Legislature kicked into high gear, holding hearings on important issues, voting on bills and sending child protection legislation to the Governor for her signature or veto.
Additionally, three of the Kansas Catholic Bishops were in Topeka, doing what they do best--praying, celebrating Mass and encouraging elected officials to fight hard for the common good. The annual Kansas March for Life featured a stunning display that dramatized the lives that have been lost in Kansas to abortion. Our friends from the Knights of Columbus were in town, as were hundreds of Catholic school students for the annual School Choice Rally on the steps of the Capitol.
It was a good week, but not without great sadness. There are no words to convey our sorrow after a devastating plane crash in Washington, D.C. claimed the lives of 64 airline passengers and crew who were arriving at Reagan International Airport on a flight from Wichita. We also mourn the lives of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter crew lost in the crash.
Here is a look back at the past week, a peak ahead and more.
HELP NOT HARM NOW ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK
The end to the scourge of gender manipulation and mutilation of Kansas children may at long last be here.
SB 63 is the Help Not Harm bill that will prohibit chemical and surgical manipulations on Kansas children for the purposes of attempting to change genders. This legislation passed both the Senate and House this past week, and it is now up to the Governor to sign this legislation into law--or issue a veto.
The Kansas Catholic Conference has been front and center in our advocacy of this legislation and our defense of the human person.
Chloe Cole
In some ways, it is a tragedy of our culture that this is even an issue. We fully acknowledge that some children have become confused about their biological sexuality. Some girls and boys do in fact "think" they were born in the wrong body, and vice versa. There is such a condition as "gender dysphoria." But this psychological or mental issue is not cured or addressed through chemical or surgical means. The story of Chloe Cole is a must-see for anyone who believes a double mastectomy and life-changing hormone injections are the answer for a young, sexually confused girl. It's not.
It can be painful to witness, but we encourage you to try and take time to watch how the debate and vote unfolded this past week. Watch the SB 63 Help Not Harm Senate Hearing, or the HB 2071 House Help Not Harm Hearing (same legislation, different name). Chloe Cole's House Committee testimony can be found at about the 10:00 mark, immediately followed by fiery testimony from Missouri whistleblower Jamie Reed--the woman widely credited with shutting down the Show Me State gender mutilation industry. The KCC's Lucrecia Nold testimony can be found at the 20:28 mark.
The SB 63 Senate Help Not Harm Floor Debate and Vote and the House Floor Debate and Vote on Help Not Harm are fascinating but painful to watch.
The Help Not Harm Senate Vote 32-8 included all Republicans yes, and Democrat Senator David Haley from Kansas City. All other Democrat Senators voted no. The Help Not Harm House Vote 83-35 included all Republicans present voting yes, except Rep. Schreiber of Emporia, who voted no. All House Democrats voted no.
Three House Democrats were absent and did not vote; Alcala from Topeka, Ohaebosim from Wichita and Louis Ruiz from Kansas City.
Four House Republicans were absent: Bergkamp from Wichita, Collins from Mulberry, Turner from Leawood and White from Ashland.
These four Republicans are expected to vote to override the expected veto from the Governor, giving the override more than enough of the 84 needed votes. We hope and pray these votes come to pass and will keep you updated on when the Governor makes a decision.
(L-R) Lucrecia Nold of the Kansas Catholic Conference, Bishop Jerry Vincke of the Diocese of Salina, Archbishop Joseph Naumann of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita, and Chuck Weber of the Kansas Catholic Conference.
THE RED MASS FOR LEGISLATORS, JUDGES AND ALL ELECTED OFFICIALS
We are grateful to those who took time to attend the annual Red Mass this past Tuesday, January 28th, at St. Joseph's Church in Topeka. Here is a pretty good overview of the history and tradition of the Red Mass: Red Mass History and Tradition
Nearly 1,000 school choice supporters rallied at the Kansas Statehouse
EDUCATIONAL CHOICE RALLY PROMPTS VITRIOLIC COMMENTARY
Students, parents, teachers, administrators and others gathered this past Tuesday on the south side of the Kansas Statehouse for a rally in support of school choice. Participants included Catholic school supporters, Christian school supporters and others. School choice is growing in popularity as an issue among Kansas voters. Polling shows widespread support across rural, suburban and urban areas.
Last Tuesday, a hearing was held in the Senate Education Committee on SB 75 Educational Opportunity Act. You can watch what happened here: Senate Education Committee Hearing on SB 75
This coming week, there will be hearings on HB 2136 Low Income Tax Credit Scholarship Program designed to make sure this effective school choice program remains funded--with private dollars--so more students can participate and attend the school of their choice that meets their specific needs. The Kansas Catholic Conference will be front and center in support of this legislation.
The KCC wishes to be clear about educational choice. It's all about the mission. That means we support the educational choice that best fits the needs of the individual student. We are NOT "anti-public education." In fact, it's just the opposite. We acknowledge that we need strong public schools, and that most Catholic children do not attend a Catholic school. That being said, if parents and families desire a Catholic education for their children, they should have access to a Catholic education if at all possible.
New testing data released just last week shows the slow downward trend in student achievement continuing. Student Achievement Scores Continue to Decline in Kansas
The Catholic Church in Kansas has a special focus on high risk students. Many come from low income households with a high percentage of minorities. Again, let's be clear, these students have the same ability to achieve and succeed as any other student, IF given the proper resources and instruction.
When school choice advocates gather to promote educational opportunities, it is an authentic effort to engage elected officials for more help. Regrettably, anti-Catholic school, anti-school choice zealots resort to over-the-top "commentary" that is indicative of the raw sewage that has infiltrated public discussions on education. Here is one such example that we offer, just so you know what some think of our efforts to promote educational opportunity for all Kansans. TRASH TALK DISGUISED AS POLITICAL COMMENTARY
We conclude with encouraging news from Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, President Trump released an Executive Order related to school choice. Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families.
This past Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee heard a bill that would provide financial support to women in unplanned pregnancies from the moment of conception. The idea is to bring more responsibility to men who father children and try to abandon women. Hearing on HB 2062 the Stop Deadbeat Dads bill
President Trump pardoned prolife activists who were convicted of protesting at abortion clinics. Trump Pardons Prolifers
The annual Kansas March for Life took place under sunny skies and a big crowd. Wednesday began with an IGNITE RALLY at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, followed by Mass and a stirring homily from Bishop Vincke of Salina, and then a march to the steps of the Statehouse. Archbishop Naumann gave the departing prayer.
Kansans for Life offered a stirring display dramatizing the more than 19,000 lives lost to abortion this past year. You can click on a link and see part of it here: More than 19,000 abortions in Kansas last year
CANCEL CULTURE, THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND KANSAS POLITICS
There has been a quiet but important struggle happening in and around the Kansas Statehouse. The central question--or at least one important question--is this: What is the role of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission?
You can learn more about this little known agency here: Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission.
The Commission's current director is resigning under a cloud of what some call questionable investigations for questionable reasons. I personally know of several lobbyists and legislators who have been subpoenaed to release massive numbers of texts and emails over a broad period of time, with no reason given for the request. Questions have been raised about the reach of the Commission. The concerns call into question First Amendment and Religious Liberty rights. This can all be connected to the cancel culture where there can be a chilling effect on speech when Big Brother with the force of law is watching too closely.
We invite you to watch this hearing where questions about the role of the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission are explored. It is fascinating testimony.
Hearing asking questions about the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission
We ask for your prayers as the Kansas Legislative Session continues. We begin virtually every day of the session by leading a Rosary early in the morning. A nice gathering of legislators, lobbyists and others take part. The mission of the Kansas Catholic Conference is rooted in the Eucharist--the "source and summit" of our Catholic Faith. We seek justice in public policy. It's not easy.
Pray for our elected officials, that they may have the courage of their convictions.
Until next time, we persevere.
Chuck Weber
Kansas Catholic Conference
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