The Democratic governor’s overture to GOP lawmakers came as Kelly insisted she wouldn’t support any proposal that “robs our schools” of needed funds. Kansas must “stay on the path to prosperity” as it moves through the rest of the 21st century, she said.

"The Kansas our grandkids will inherit is up to us right now," Gov. Laura Kelly told Kansas lawmakers in her 2025 State of the State address.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday announced her annual budget. In a news release from her office, Kelly -- a Democratic governor in her second term in office -- said her fiscal year 2026 budget is balanced and continues to fully fund Kansas’ K-12 public schools.

The Democratic governor is once again proposing the state expand eligibility for Medicaid, but Republican leaders will almost certainly not allow a vote on it.