Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | December 4, 2024
Leadership Elections
On Monday morning, Dec. 2, 2024, newly elected House and Senate Republican and Democrat members met to elect their respective new leadership teams. Candidates for the respective leadership positions have been quietly visiting with colleagues since the November general elections.
Kansas Senate
Senate Republicans elected three new leaders, with veteran Sen. Tim Shallenburger (Baxter Springs) becoming Senate vice president and Sen. Chase Blasi (Wichita) defeating incumbent Sen. Larry Alley (Winfield) for the position of majority leader. Shallenburger won with an 18-12 vote, replacing former Sen. Rick Wilborn (McPherson), while Blasi defeated Alley 19-10. Sen. Caryn Tyson (Parker) also won as assistant majority leader, defeating Sen. Beverly Gossage (Eudora). Sen. Ty Masterson (Andover) and Sen. Rick Kloos (Berryton) were re-elected as Senate president and majority whip, respectively.
In the Democrat caucus, Sen. Dinah Sykes (Lenexa) and Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau (Wichita) were re-elected as the top Democrats in the Senate. In addition, Sen. Cindy Holscher (Overland Park) was re-elected as Senate minority whip, Sen. Marci Francisco (Lawrence) as agenda chair, and Sen. Ethan Corson (Prairie Village) as caucus chair. The leadership changes were characterized by a strong emphasis on actively listening to members and faithfully representing the voices of their constituents.
Kansas House of Representatives
Both Democrats and Republicans have finalized their leadership teams for the 2025 Kansas legislative session. On the Democratic side, Rep. Brandon Woodard (Lenexa), was elected minority leader, defeating Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton (Overland Park) 24-13. His leadership team includes Rep. Jo Ella Hoye (Lenexa) as minority whip and Rep. Dan Osman (Overland Park) as policy chair. In addition, Rep. Mike Amyx (Lawrence) defeated Rep. Valdenia Winn (Kansas City) for assistant minority leader; Rep. Jerry Stogsdill (Prairie Village) defeated Rep. Melissa Oropeza (Kansas City) for agenda chair; and Rep. Barbara Ballard (Lawrence) was re-elected without opposition as minority caucus chair.
Meanwhile, Republicans re-elected most of their leadership unopposed, with House speaker Dan Hawkins (Wichita), majority leader Chris Croft (Overland Park), and speaker pro tem Blake Carpenter (Wichita) all returning to their posts. In addition, Rep. Nick Hoheisel (Wichita) was elected House majority whip and Rep. Kristey Williams (Augusta) was re-elected House majority caucus chair, both without opposition. The one contested race saw Rep. Kyle Hoffman (Coldwater), narrowly win (44-42) the assistant majority leader role after two rounds of voting over Rep. Barb Wasinger (Hays). Rep. Clarke Sanders (Salina) was also on the ballot but fell out after the first round of voting.
Newly elected legislators in each Chamber spent the early part of this week in orientation sessions.
Now that the leadership has been selected for each caucus and each Chamber, those new leaders will begin appointing committee chairs. The composition of the committees will be completed by early January 2025. The 2025 Legislature convenes on Jan. 13, 2025.
Kansas Revenue Forecast - Growth With Challenges
The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group met Friday, Nov. 15, for the final time before the 2025 legislative session. Kansas’ latest revenue forecast shows modest growth, with a projected 1.2% increase for fiscal year 2026, bringing total receipts to $9.8 billion. However, the state anticipates spending outpacing revenue by $1.3 billion in 2025 and $416 million in 2026. Corporate tax receipts are declining, and challenges in agriculture persist, though job growth and reduced inflation offer some stability. The state’s ending balance is expected to shrink to $1.5 billion by 2026, even with a $1.8 billion rainy-day fund.
While Republican lawmakers are pushing for additional property tax cuts, Governor Laura Kelly has urged caution, citing the need to fully assess the impact of recent $2 billion tax cuts. The upcoming 2025 legislative session will likely focus on balancing tax reforms with fiscal responsibility amid mixed economic signals and ongoing global uncertainties.
The full report can be viewed here.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the Government Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and government relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session and periodically when the Legislature is not in session, it focuses on issues involving healthcare, insurance, public finance, taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, energy, real estate & construction, environmental, agribusiness, employment, and workers compensation. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s Government Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group leader, C. Edward Watson, II, at 316.291.9589 or cewatson@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:
C. Edward Watson, II
Editor and Government Affairs & Public Policy Law Team Leader
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local government bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional government affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
Susan (Sue) Peterson, PhD
Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
785.341.6717
speterson@foulston.com | View bio
Sue, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Government Affairs & Public Policy practice group, is a strategic advocate, advisor, and connection to the Kansas Legislature, government agencies, and elected officials. She has built a robust and well-established network of state and federal lawmakers, corporate/academic leaders, and policymakers nationwide. She earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Kansas State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas, and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from KSU. Before joining Foulston, Sue served as Kansas State University’s chief government relations officer for 34 years; her experience also includes staff positions in Kansas’ executive and legislative branches.
Eric L. Sexton, PhD
Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553
esexton@foulston.com | View bio
Eric, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Government Affairs & Public Policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and government relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal Government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a masters in public administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.
This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.