Kansas lawmakers propose $875K increase to send out mailers

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – State lawmakers are asking for a significant increase in funding to send out newsletters to their constituents. It could cost Kansas nearly $1.5 million if they use all that’s budgeted.

On Monday, the Legislative Coordinating Council Committee voted to approve an additional $875,000 for lawmakers to send out the legislative updates.

Currently, the legislature budgets $600,000 for all lawmakers, but Representative Blake Carpenter said additional funds are needed to connect with more constituents.

“Every representative and senator should be able to have enough of a budget to mail their constituents so that they can see what’s going on in Topeka and communication is strengthened,” said Rep. Carpenter.

Tom Day, the Director of Legislative Administrative Services for the State of Kansas, said after the increase, lawmakers should be able to mail newsletters to almost everyone in their districts.

Carpenter said the mailers work better than email.

“It’s either a privacy issue where people don’t want their email out in the world or they just don’t have an email address to begin with,” he said.

Representative Vic Miller opposed the motion during Monday’s meeting. He said the proposal was rushed and needed to be seen by more than just those on the committee.

“First of all, I think the public deserves more notice than what’s been given on an item of this magnitude. Secondly, I don’t know any reason why this decision should be made by this limited number of legislators,” Miller said.

Lawmakers will discuss the committee’s recommendation during the appropriations process of the upcoming session. If approved, there it will take effect in 2025.

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