Signature Accomplishments
Fully Funding K-12 Education 6 Years in a Row and Increasing Funding for Special Education
Governor Kelly has fully funded K-12 education for six years in a row and increased funding for special education. In addition, Governor Kelly has expanded access to child care and early childhood education opportunities. Governor Kelly believes providing schools with the funding and resources they need will create lifelong learners, who are crucial for Kansas’ strong workforce and future economic growth.
Closing the "Bank of KDOT"
For years, the State of Kansas transferred billions of dollars from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to other parts of the state budget. In 2022, the Kelly administration was able to pay off the debt, effectively closing the Bank of KDOT and saving over $22 million in interest payments.
Axing the State Sales Tax on Groceries
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Kelly has been focused on responsibly providing tax relief for Kansans. Thanks to Governor Kelly’s responsible budgeting, she has cut taxes multiple times without endangering the state’s long-term fiscal health. Governor Kelly axed the state food sales tax to zero, reduced state property taxes, and eliminated the state tax on Social Security income. Governor Kelly is committed to keeping hardworking Kansans’ money in their pockets.
Attracting the Largest Capital Investment Project in Kansas’ History – Panasonic Energy
Governor Kelly secured the largest private investment in Kansas’ history during her time in office. Panasonic Energy's plant in De Soto will be the capstone of more than $20 billion in new capital investment in the state over the past six years. Governor Kelly believes the opening of the $4 billion electric car battery manufacturing plant will revolutionize the region’s economy, lifestyle, and image.
Funding A Water-Secure Future
Governor Kelly believes Kansas’ water challenges must be addressed now, instead of waiting for future generations to solve the problem and has made this a key priority in her second term. During the past few years, the state has increased funding for water for the first time in decades, passed landmark legislation requiring all groundwater management districts to address areas of significant water decline, and improved coordination and collaboration across the various agencies that deal with water issues through the Kansas Water Subcabinet.
Launching the Stepping Up Initiative in Juvenile Justice System for Kansas Youth
In 2023, Kansas became the first state in the country to launch the Stepping Up Initiative in its juvenile justice system. Building off the Stepping Up Initiative’s success in adult facilities, the juvenile initiative aims to reduce the over-incarceration of Kansans with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. By providing Kansas Department of Corrections staff at juvenile justice system facilities with training and technical assistance to identify youth who could benefit from behavioral health support and services to avoid re-incarceration, the Kelly administration is offering a positive path forward for youth in Kansas.
Expanding Access to Reliable High-Speed Internet
Governor Kelly understands the importance of providing reliable internet access to Kansans in every corner of the state. In 2020, Governor Kelly established the Office of Broadband Development, which evaluates and reports on the extent, quality, and affordability of broadband offerings in Kansas. The office has worked diligently to secure and allocate funding to implement or improve the infrastructure needed to get Kansans connected.
Establishing the Office of Rural Prosperity
The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) was one of the first key priority departments established by Governor Kelly in 2019. The foundation of ORP was built around giving rural Kansans a seat at the table. Since then, the ORP has worked hard to advocate for and promote rural Kansas by working with rural stakeholders to identify policy priorities and develop services to meet their needs.
Diversifying Cabinets
From day one, Governor Kelly made it a priority to ensure that talented Kansans have equal access to critical positions in Kansas government. Governor Kelly has made several historic appointments, including appointing the first woman of color, Judge Jacy Hurst, to the Kansas Court of Appeals in 2021, followed by the second, Judge Rachel Pickering, in 2022. Kansas has consistently exceeded the U.S. Census benchmarks for appointing people of color and women to Kansas State boards and commissions.
Modernizing Kansas' Unemployment Insurance Technology
In November 2024, the Kansas Department of Labor launched the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement (UITE) project, a new online system in nearly 50 years for unemployment insurance benefits. The new system uses easy-to-understand language, a modern interface, and offers more robust self-service options. Governor Kelly understands the need for a reliable online system for unemployment insurance.