GOP Thwarts Health Care - Again

Special Letter by Kelm Lear, Chair of the Riley Co Democratic Central Committee.

On February 11, an amendment was introduced in the Kansas State House of Representatives that would have allowed Governor Kelly to expand Medicaid. Unfortunately, the amendment was defeated because 84 Republicans, including four who represent Riley County, voted against it.

The 2026 election is over a year away, but when it comes, remember that Angel Roeser, Megan Steele, Nathan Butler, and Bill Bloom voted against the will of the people. Expanding Medicaid would return $700 million to Kansas every year, enable 150,000 working-class Kansans to gain health insurance, create 23,000 jobs, and provide financial relief to rural hospitals. In Riley County alone, Medicaid expansion would create over 700 new jobs, provide care to 2,000 residents, and introduce an additional $23 million in annual medical spending.

This deal is too good to pass up any longer and Kansans know it. Time and again, over 70% of voters indicate they support Medicaid expansion, including 51% of registered Republicans. I encourage readers to contact Roeser, Steele, Butler, and Bloom and remind them of who they're in Topeka to serve: the people.

Rep. Angel Roeser: 785-296-7402, angel.roeser@house.ks.gov

Rep. Megan Steele: 785-296-7310, megan.steele@house.ks.gov

Rep. Nathan Butler: 785-296-6997, nate.butler@house.ks.gov

Rep. Bill Bloom: 785-296-7654, lewis.bloom@house.ks.gov

Our neighbors need care. (photo by sj objio via unsplash)