More Kansas views (June 4, 2017)

Legislature Kansans don’t need silly theatrics and intransigence right now — they need lawmakers to stop vacillating and get something accomplished. Last week, Senate President Susan Wagle said the Legislature would be “out of money” by June 2 — a date that’s now upon us. While a bill can be introduced to allocate more funding, this situation is indicative of the Legislature’s repeated failures to pass another bill since HB 2178 was vetoed by Gov. Sam Brownback. HB 2067 was the first bill to succeed in either chamber since February, and the session is rapidly coming to an end. Sen. Tom Holland, D-Baldwin City, pointed out that Kansans are getting restless: “It’s the 102nd day of the session, people (are) wondering what the heck is going on.”

The Topeka-Capital Journal

Voter participation Encouraging voter participation shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Kris Kobach and his radical-right camp, however, believe otherwise. Of course, there’s been little opportunity to improve voter registration policies here, with the Kansas Legislature instead consumed by a financial mess created by the same ultraconservatives out to rig the election process. Kansas, as soon as possible, should reject the self-serving attack on our democracy and follow states determined to improve voter turnout.

The Garden City Telegram

This story was originally published June 5, 2017 at 7:45 PM with the headline "More Kansas views (June 4, 2017)."