The race for the Kansas 40th District Senate seat features incumbent Republican Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Democratic challenger Larry Dreiling, D-Hays.
For the following Q&A, both candidates were asked to submit responses to the same nine questions, with one additional question specific to the candidate.
The answers here are presented as submitted.
What is it that better qualifies you for a seat in the Kansas State Senate than your opponent?
First and foremost I am honest, I have integrity, I am well respected on both sides of the aisle and I get things done. I am a life long resident of the 40th district. I have over 30 years of public service experience. .. not as a career politician, but as a public servant at the local and regional level ... that is in addition to running a business, running a first-generation farm operation, raising a family and serving my community as my civic duty. Over that time, I have a great track record and reputation for working hard for all citizens that I represent.
In my experience of running my business, I personally know how property tax, payroll and everyday expenses affect business owners and all employees. I also know what red tape is created as a result of excessive regulation, government over-reach and excessive legislation. My first-hand understanding of how detrimental these factors can be to business and their workers makes me the ideal voice for western Kansas.
In my time representing western Kansas at the state level I am proud to have worked to save our county fairs, been integral in getting roads, highways and infrastructure approved and funded in our district, addressed critical water issues, as well as helping pass The Farm Bureau Health Care Option. Additionally, we were successful in getting funding for youth mental health in Western Kansas. All of these affect all of my constituents and I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of all citizens on priorities such as these.
I have proudly served as the Chair or Vice-Chair on important committees such as Building and Construction, Budget, Ways and Means, Financial Institutions, Insurance and Benefits. I have also served on the Agriculture Committee.
I have 40 years of business, farming and leadership experience, which makes me the ideal candidate to continue to work on behalf of Western Kansas to tackle the issues that face us today as well as in the future. I believe in working to improve the quality of life for all Kansans, especially those who are our most vulnerable citizens.
In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue facing the people of western Kansas and how best should the Kansas State Senate address that concern?
The biggest issue facing our district is property tax, which is highly correlated to the biggest issue facing our state, the budget. Last year I helped to pass a legislative bill, which would have eliminated the tax lid, and put a more transparent approach to this process. Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Governor. This upcoming term I plan to pick up right where we were stopped to push for a more fair and transparent process to property tax and the overall budget.
As water rights continue to be a growing concern in western Kansas, how would you strike a balance between the needs of ag producers and cities in their use and conservation and distribution of the resource?
We have to continue to work with Ground Water Management Districts. I do not think we need to legislate water rights; the best approach to this important issue is to give appropriate support and resources to the local Ground Water Management Districts.
Access to good local healthcare is an extremely important part of life for many in western’s Kansas rural communities. What is the best way to ensure rural hospitals and medical providers can continue to survive as populations decline and grow older?
The key to rural hospitals and rule health care is telemedicine. We need to continue and improve upon initiatives that support first responders, doctors and access to traditional approaches. As we look to the future we must make sure the laws and infrastructure, such as expanding broadband internet access, is in place to implement additional virtual health care in the 40th District. Furthermore, we need to work on enhanced reimbursements to rural hospitals and medical centers; supporting these rural hospitals to have flexibility on services offered as well as bed size while maintaining full Medicare reimbursement rates. We need to add additional primary care options for all Kansans.
Three out of four states that border Kansas now allow some form of the sale of Marijuana. Is it a good time for Kansas to follow suit, and do you support such an action?
I am open to the specific and limited medical use of Marijuana and would welcome reviewing such legislation.
Initially, COVID-19 hit the more urban areas of Kansas harder than in the more rural parts of the state. Now that has shifted and western Kansas towns are dealing with some of the highest infection rates per capita in the country. If elected (or re-elected), what action would you support to further limit the infection rate and subsequent deaths?
I support helping local leaders with all the resources this state has to offer. It is key for these local municipalities to have access to the most relevant and reliable information, training, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is essential that we help our local leaders make the best decisions for their communities.
Do you support Medicaid expansion in Kansas and why or why not?
Yes, I have supported expanding Medicaid. It is very important revenue for our rural hospitals and those who do not qualify for insurance on the exchange. However, there are key elements of Medicaid expansion that need to be clarified such as:
• What will the taxpayers have to pay? This needs to be budget neutral to taxpayers.
• What are the work requirements or pathways to work?
• If someone who has income between the 100% - 138% of the defined poverty level, would these individuals still have the right to stay on their current private insurance plan if they have such coverage or would they be forced onto Medicaid?
• Will there be established covenants regarding the future of federal matching?
• How many individuals are expected to enroll in the program?
• Who will be responsible for administering the expansion of this program?
• Will there be an income-based premium?
• Will this expansion of the program include enhanced reimbursements to hospitals?
As Kansas emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, what actions would you support to ensure a full economic recovery in western Kansas?
I support protection from liabilities for businesses, prohibiting surprise medical bills for patients treated in hospitals and ERs, and advocating for the expansion of Telehealth with expanded broadband access.
With energy production a substantial economic driver in Kansas, what measures would you support that can continue to ensure energy sector jobs remain in the area but also addresses the diminishing amount of oil in the region and climate change concerns?
I support Oil and Gas as well as the great opportunities for work that these industries bring to the 40th District. I think it is important to point out that these businesses follow all rules and regulations and are doing a great job at protecting our environment while supplying us with the needed energy for our infrastructure. Although natural resources are gradually being depleted, I am confident that these business leaders will continue to operate in a manner which will safely innovate on the best new methods and technologies. The last thing we need to do is create more barriers to stand in the way of their innovation.
During a protest in the capital, you were captured on video trying to block footage from being taken after a fellow Republican senator pushed an elderly protestor causing him to fall. The high school senior that captured the video said at the time that you had “a smirk on his face as he's doing it like he's getting pleasure trying to take away my First Amendment rights." Can you explain what happened and how you would handle similar incidents in the future?
Back in March, I was at the Capital when a group of protesters illegally blocked the entrance to the chambers and surrounded us. However, the events as depicted by your description as well as the original media reporting are not accurate. As I stated after the incident, I do not believe my colleague, Senator Eric Rucker, pushed or shoved anyone that day. As concluded by both Democratic and Republican leadership, the video circulated was clearly manipulated. Other video accounts from that day not only show what really happened, but I want to note that Senator Rucker helped the man who fell stand back up. Furthermore, I am a staunch proponent of the First Amendment.