In his race for state representative, Democrat Ed Hammond has been critical of the support of the Kansas Chamber PAC for Representative Barb Wasinger. The Kansas Chamber is an enthusiastic and dedicated supporter of Representative Wasinger because she shares our commitment to “continually strive to improve the economic climate for the benefit of every business and citizen and to safeguard our system of free, competitive enterprise.” Representative Wasinger held this perspective before she ran for office and her votes in Topeka have stayed true to this worldview.
Like she was when she served as Ellis County Commissioner, Representative Wasinger is a thoughtful legislator who has gained the respect of her colleagues across the state for her willingness to dig into issues on behalf of her constituents. As a member of the House Tax Committee last year, Representative Wasinger was critical to the passage of SB 50 which provided $284 million in tax relief to middle class families and job creators across the state. This bill would allow Kansans to fully benefit from the Trump tax cuts. Unfortunately, Governor Kelly vetoed this tax relief and the Democrats in the legislature voted in lock step to sustain the veto. A veto override requires 84 House votes and Representative Wasinger was one of the exactly 84 Representatives to override the Governor’s veto. Without Representative Wasinger in Topeka, Kansas families would have a higher tax burden today.
Along with President Reagan, Representative Wasinger understands that “as government expands, liberty contracts.” That is why she works tirelessly to fight bureaucratic red tape. She knows that entrepreneurs and small businesses can flourish when they are able to focus on providing products and services and not on unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. As a leader on this issue, Representative Wasinger was asked to carry HCR 5014 on the House floor. This legislation was supported by groups ranging from the Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas Agribusiness Retailers to the Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Livestock Association as a key step to promoting a healthy regulatory environment. Additionally, Representative Wasinger was a driving force in the passage of SB 34 that requires state agencies to review all rules and regulations every five years and allows them to “fast track’ the repeal of outdated or unneeded regulations.
When Representative Wasinger sees a problem, she searches for a limited-government solution. This is why she was a strong advocate for HB 2279 bi-partisan legislation that allowed Advanced Practice Registered Nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training. Representative Wasinger was not afraid to take on well-connected special interests to pass this legislation. This reform has been critical to increasing affordability and access to health care in the twenty-five other states that have adopted it.
The Kansas Chamber represents small, medium and large employers across the state of Kansas. Because of her commitment to fighting for a fair tax structure, a healthy regulatory environment and free-market solutions, the Kansas Chamber PAC is pleased to support Representative Wasinger. With her, Hays is represented by a strong and respected leader in Topeka.
Christie Kriegshauser, Kansas Chamber Senior Director of Political Affairs