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Unified Government adopts 2026 legislative agenda emphasizing Medicaid protection and local control
Summary
The commission approved a 2026 legislative program urging protection of Medicaid funding, revenue flexibility to address local needs, property-tax relief without eroding local control, infrastructure funding and housing/mental-health investments; the measure passed 9–1.
County Administrator David Johnston and lobbyist Paul Davis presented the Unified Government’s 2026 legislative program on Dec. 18, which the commission approved by roll call. The agenda lists multiple priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including protecting Medicaid funding and endorsing Medicaid expansion language, seeking flexibility in local revenue sources, advocating meaningful property-tax relief that preserves local control, funding for transportation infrastructure and stormwater/sewer improvements, support for childcare access, expanded mental-health and substance-abuse funding, and protections for SNAP recipients.
Davis said the UG has worked with regional partners — including the League of Kansas Municipalities, the Kansas Association of Counties and the 'big 5' counties — to narrow priorities and present clear legislative positions. He told commissioners that the UG will track dozens of bills and provide testimony on items that directly affect local governance and services.
Commissioners discussed star bonds, school finance and local impacts of state-level policy changes. The commission approved the legislative program on a 9–1 vote with one dissenting vote recorded. Staff asked commissioners to be prepared to testify or provide local examples during the session when the UG pursues specific bills.
