DonateA record and a plan
As a father raising a family in southwest Wichita, I feel the affordability pinch, too. Groceries, prescriptions, utility bills, housing, and property taxes all affect the choices families make around the kitchen table.
That is why I have worked to lower taxes, control spending, and remove barriers to building homes families can afford.
See what we've accomplished
What we have accomplished
I supported ending the state sales tax on groceries and voted to fully exempt Social Security benefits from Kansas income tax.
We expanded the exemption from the statewide school property tax and eliminated two additional state building levies.
The building funds continue through the State General Fund.
I helped write and pass SB 418, the HOME Act, to streamline approvals and make it easier to build single-family homes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units.
Read about SB 418I voted for SB 20 to rein in pharmacy benefit managers. The new law bans spread pricing, passes drug rebates through to health plans, and strengthens state oversight. It is a step toward fairer prescription pricing and protecting local pharmacies.
Read about SB 20We've made progress. But families are still feeling the squeeze, and there is more work to do.
The plan ahead
Tax relief has to keep pace with rising costs. Here is where I will focus next.
Increase the residential exemption from the statewide school property tax, pursue further reductions in the state's 20-mill levy, and give taxpayers clearer notice when local governments plan to collect more property tax.
Set firm, reasonable permitting deadlines, cut unnecessary lot-size and parking mandates, and help communities extend the infrastructure needed for new housing.
Limit spending growth, review programs for results, and return excess revenue to taxpayers instead of turning temporary surpluses into permanent expenses.
Keep the state sales tax on groceries at zero, preserve the full state income tax exemption for Social Security benefits, and resist shifting costs onto working families and retirees.
Support reliable, affordable energy and scrutinize policies and mandates that would unnecessarily raise household utility bills.
I will work to ensure Kansas's new PBM law is enforced and keep pushing for prescription savings to reach patients. I also support clearer prices for medical care and more choices for families, while protecting access to local pharmacies.
Affordability starts with listening
No two household budgets look alike. Tell me which costs are putting the most pressure on yours.