-
Five issues to watch in Kansas’ 2023 legislative session
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly will begin her second term next week as lawmakers return to Topeka for the 2023 legislative session under the Capitol dome in Topeka. Jill Toyoshiba [email protected] Topeka On the heels of a contentious election cycle, Kansas lawmakers will return to Topeka next week with dynamics largely unchanged from the past two years. The GOP retained its supermajority in both legislative chambers despite losing one seat in the Kansas House, but the party will continue to clash with Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, fresh off a tight but successful reelection bid. As Kelly seeks to push her agenda – increased funding for special education, a food sales tax…
-
School choice in Texas: What you need to know ahead of next year’s session
Sign up for The Brief, our daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. After decades of rejections, state Rep. Mayes Middleton, R-Wallisville, believes this upcoming legislative session is the one where Texas will finally pass a school choice program. Supporters believe they will finally cross the finish line with backing from families displeased with public schools in the last two years over pandemic response rules and about how race and history are taught. Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and the Texas GOP have already listed school choice as a legislative priority for next year. “Parents have truly woken up,” said Middleton,…