Welcome to April, fellow Indivisibles!

Just four short months until the primary elections of 2018. And as the Kansas legislature works into the final month of the session, with many major issues still in need of resolution, things are really heating up now!

On Tuesday this past week, the House Insurance committee held a hearing for the "SAFER" Act, which would restrict the ability of insurance companies to charge more to school districts that arm teachers, and create a standard of negligence for districts that don't. No vote has been held or scheduled on the measure, but thousands of people signed Representative Parker's petition in opposition, and hundreds wrote opposing testimony. Thank you to everyone who made the effort to oppose this bill.

In other news, the House rejected the Senate's version of a bill that "would have allowed adoption and foster care organizations to refuse placements to gay and lesbian couples based on religious beliefs" (Wichita Eagle). The bill will now go to committee.

Catch up on all the week's events in Topeka with the Loud Light recap for March 26 - 30 (4:00).

In Washington, Trump continues to fire top officials, this week dismissing VA Secretary Shulkin and nominating his personal physician. Administration turnover has set a 100-year high (NPR).

Been hearing about the citizenship question that will be on the 2020 bill? Read up on Politifact's investigation of the issue. As calls to action become available, we'll keep you informed.

Also, catch up on NPR's in-depth analysis of last week's omnibus spending bill.

Ready to take action?

Calls to Action  

Take action on your own schedule! Use your phone and computer to make your voice heard.

Call your Kansas House Representative to express your support for SB 264. The bill provides support for permanent advanced voting for all voters and creates accommodations regarding signatures for disabled voters. For more information, check out the ACLU's testimony in support.

Upcoming Events

Take action with others! Build energy and connection among like-purposed people.

Tuesday, April 3rd

At 2:00 pm, join the Alliance for a Healthy Kansas and other health coverage advocates from across the state for a Rally at the Capitol for Kancare Expansion. Click here for more information and to RSVP.

And while you're in Topeka, join advocates for Kansas schools at 3:30 for a hearing on HCR5029, a proposed Constitutional amendment that would remove the Kansas Supreme Court from ruling on the school funding process. Read Game on for Kansas Schools' discussion of the proposed amendment. Follow Kansas Association of School Boards for more details on the hearing.

Friday, April 6

Are you in House district 28 or Senate district 11? (Not sure? Find out here.) Just interested in hearing the latest out of Topeka? Join Representative Koesten and Senator Skubal at a Happy Hour event for constituents. Find out more here.

Looking for a different time or different legislators? Also check out League of Women Voters' Legislative Coffee series - upcoming events on April 14 and April 28.

Saturday, April 7

A busy day of activism with something for everyone!

Were you energized by the March for our Lives KC? Continue to build momentum with Town Hall for our Lives, a project inviting every Representative in the country to speak with their constituents. Kevin Yoder has been invited to this town hall, starting at 3:00pm, but has not accepted at this time. However, all of his 2018 challengers have accepted, so you can hear from them. Click here for more details!

In June, Mainstream Coalition will sponsor Walk the Vote, a fundraiser for election activities in 2018. Interested in getting involved in the planning? RSVP to attend one of these upcoming planning meetings: April 7th (10:00-11:30am) in Kansas City , Kansas or April 13th (5:30 - 7:00pm) in Lenexa.

As campaign season hits full swing, more of us will be getting involved with campaigns and candidates. Join Swing Left from 12:15 - 2:00pm to learn how to canvass and phone bank - two simple, but essential activities for any campaign. Click here to RSVP and get more information. And check out Swing Left's other upcoming events here!

There's a lot, but there's energy building. We're thick in it now, and there's no time to back off. Find your way to get involved. We'll see you out there!

In solidarity -

Indivisible KC