Clayton speaks on Tax Fairness and Women’s Issues

Representative Stephanie Clayton (D-Overland Park) updated the Hispanic Caucus on Kansas legislative activities at their February 17 online meeting.

Rep. Stephanie Clayton, D-Overland Park. (photo: KS Legislature)

Clayton has served in the Kansas House since 2013 and is currently the House Minority Whip, with a close understanding of the concerns and priorities of her fellow House Democrats. She currently sits on several key committees, including Commerce, Labor and Economic Development; Federal and State Affairs; Taxation; and Unemployment Compensation.

Among her current priorities has been the restoration of renter eligibility to receive homestead property tax refunds – a critical tax relief measure for rentors who still feel the effect of property taxes that are passed through to their rent. This eligibility was stripped out of the tax code during past budget shortfalls.

Clayton has also introduced bills related to availability and tax relief for feminine hygiene products and diapers. As a tireless advocate for women’s issues, she has been working closely with fellow Representative Susan Ruiz and Rep. Oropeza to advocate for causes. She shared that both were strong advocates against House Bill 2749 which would impose new requirements for medical care providers to report to the state government on a patient’s individual reasons and circumstances given for any abortion performed.

Clayton represents the 19th House District in Overland Park, centered at 95th Street and Nall Avenue. According to census data, 7% of Overland Park residents are of Hispanic or Latino descent.

In other business, the Caucus Chair Juan L reported that fundraising and a membership drive was underway, to increase the Caucus’s impact on the 2024 elections. The Caucus has joined the HarvestBlue website cooperative, and other communication channels are being developed. Candidate recruitment and member engagement on issues of concern continue to be high priorities – including efforts to recruit representation from the community to serve as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention this summer in Chicago. Other upcoming activities include Washington Days will be March 15-16 and the Presidential Primary with voting through March 19th.