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Kansas' Progress Towards Policy Change: A Community Engagement Opportunity

Update The Disconnect Between Beliefs and Ballots in KansasThe recent Kansas Speaks survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs has painted a surprisingly clear picture of what Kansans want. The findings show a strong inclination toward progressive policies such as Medicaid expansion, legalization of cannabis, and maintaining abortion rights. Interestingly, while these views are widely supported, there remains a significant gap between what people value and the candidates they choose to support. In the 2020 elections, Kansans favored Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris by a margin of 16 points, illustrating this clear disconnect.Despite the evident public desire for change, the political landscape in Kansas has been formidable for good reason. Michael Smith, a political scientist teaching at Emporia State University, highlighted how many Kansans have a negative perception of the Democratic Party as an organization. Historically, Kansas has leaned toward the Republican party, making it exceedingly difficult for progressive policies to gain traction even when they enjoy popular support. This phenomenon is reiterated by the political leanings of residents who have consistently voted against policies that would have aligned with their preferences, leaving many to question if they are truly satisfied with their choice of representatives.A Closer Look at the Kansas Speaks Survey FindingsThe Kansas Speaks survey sheds light on the public’s views regarding the legislative direction of the state. It shows that around 64.8% of Kansans support legalizing recreational marijuana, while 70% are in favor of medical marijuana legalization, and roughly 70.2% advocate for Medicaid expansion. Shockingly, despite these supportive views, the state government continues to be steered by a supermajority committed to stifling these issues. This enduring allegiance to the GOP is notable considering that many voters express dissatisfaction with various legislative outcomes.As Alexandra Middlewood, chair of the political science department at Wichita State University, noted, "Once you’ve been a Republican, you’re more likely to stay a Republican." This systemic resistance to change highlights a deeper sociopolitical issue where traditional party loyalty takes precedence over the actual policies that impact daily lives. This trend may result from the mechanics of primary elections, where die-hard partisans dominate vote turnout, further perpetuating the challenges faced by moderate candidates who may resonate with the broader public.Why Aren't Progressive Policies Taking Root?An intriguing aspect of this survey is how it showcases the shortages of politicians who can effectively bridge the gap between moderate and progressive views. Although Democratic leaders attempt to advocate for the low-income safety net and social policies, they typically find themselves underfunded and overshadowed by their Republican counterparts. Additionally, moderate Republicans who might champion similar causes have been systematically purged from positions of power within the party. This leaves a notable void in representation for those seeking sensible governance that aligns with their perspectives.Furthermore, as one looks at the rank and file of Republican leadership, there is an observable trend where policies alienate potential progressive voters. Given the continued popularity of Governor Laura Kelly among Kansas residents, it represents a unique niche where some candidates might transcend the negative connotations associated with the Democratic label.Emphasizing Local MattersThis dissonance not only demonstrates the peculiarities within Kansans' political preferences but also highlights the need for local empowerment and activism. Community discussions and local engagements centered around issues such as public health, economy, and civil liberties can foster a sense of agency in shaping politics that align more closely with voters' needs and aspirations. Residents in Kansas City could utilize platforms such as local event calendars or community organizations to galvanize support for candidate forums or town hall discussions, subsequently giving voice to the common concerns that residents share.A Call to Action: Shaping the Future TogetherAs the survey indicates, a substantial segment of Kansas residents believe the state is moving in the right direction — but are we steering towards stagnation? The real question is how can we ensure our elected officials heed and act upon the progressive stances that a significant number of Kansans hold? It’s essential for residents to express their preferences not only during election cycles but also throughout their tenure in office.If you are eager to discuss this topic or have your own experiences to share, Kansas City Thrive would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at team@kansascitythrive.com. Together we get to shape the political narrative and ensure our voices echo in the halls of power down the street.