Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly is an American politician currently serving as the 48th governor of Kansas, a position she has held since her inauguration in January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented the 18th district in the Kansas Senate from 2005 until she assumed the governorship. Kelly's political career has been marked by her focus on reversing fiscal policies from previous administrations and addressing public health and welfare issues.

Early life and career

Laura Jeanne Kelly was born on January 24, 1950, in New York City. Growing up in a military family, she experienced a childhood characterized by frequent relocations, which exposed her to various cultures and communities. This upbringing likely influenced her later commitment to public service and community engagement.

Kelly pursued her higher education at Bradley University in Illinois, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1971. She furthered her studies at Indiana University Bloomington, obtaining a Master of Science degree in therapeutic recreation. Her academic achievements have been recognized by Bradley University, which awarded her the Distinguished Alumna honor and inducted her into the Centurion Society in 2021.

Before entering politics, Kelly worked as a recreation therapist at Rockland Children's Psychiatric Center in New York. She later became the director of physical education and recreation therapy at the National Jewish Hospital for Respiratory and Immune Diseases. In 1988, she moved to Kansas, where she served as the executive director of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association until 2004. This role allowed her to advocate for recreational and public health initiatives, laying the groundwork for her future political career.

Kelly's political journey began in earnest when she was elected to the Kansas Senate in November 2004, representing northern Topeka. During her time in the Senate, she held various leadership positions, including Minority Whip and Assistant Minority Leader. She was actively involved in several committees, including the Ways and Means Committee and the Public Health and Welfare Committee. Her legislative work focused on issues related to budgetary concerns, health care, and community services. In late 2009, she briefly considered running for Kansas's 2nd congressional district but ultimately opted to continue her work in the state Senate.

Governorship

Laura Kelly announced her candidacy for governor of Kansas on December 15, 2017. She ran in the Democratic primary against notable figures such as former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and former Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Josh Svaty. Kelly selected State Senator Lynn Rogers as her running mate, and together they campaigned on a platform focused on reversing the fiscal policies of the previous administration. On August 7, 2018, she won the Democratic primary with a significant portion of the vote.

In the general election held on November 6, 2018, Kelly faced Republican candidate Kris Kobach, who was then serving as the Secretary of State. Throughout her campaign, Kelly received endorsements from various political figures, including former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and numerous current and former Republican officials. Her campaign emphasized the need to address the "disasters" of the previous administration's policies, particularly in education and fiscal management. Kelly was elected governor with 48% of the vote, defeating Kobach, who garnered 43%.

Kelly was inaugurated as governor on January 14, 2019. She was reelected on November 8, 2022, defeating Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. Her second term began on January 9, 2023.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Laura Kelly has focused on several key policy areas, including budget management, education, and public health. One of her primary objectives has been to address the fiscal challenges that arose during the administration of her predecessor, Sam Brownback. Kelly has been critical of the budgetary policies enacted under Brownback, which she argues led to significant cuts in education, infrastructure, and public safety. She has sought to reverse these changes and restore funding to essential services.

In her early tenure, Kelly vetoed two Republican bills aimed at cutting state income taxes, arguing that such measures would exacerbate budget deficits and lead to a fiscal crisis. Her administration's approach to fiscal management has been characterized by a commitment to balancing the budget without raising taxes. By the start of the 2020 budget year, Kansas had achieved a cash reserve of $1.1 billion, which Kelly aimed to utilize for debt reduction and pension system payments. In May 2022, she signed a bill that gradually reduces the sales tax on food, with plans to eliminate it entirely by 2025.

Kelly's response to the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a significant aspect of her governorship. She implemented various public health measures aimed at controlling the spread of the virus and protecting the health of Kansans. Her administration's handling of the pandemic has been a focal point of her leadership, reflecting her commitment to public health and safety.

Throughout her time in office, Kelly has maintained a focus on bipartisan cooperation, often working with legislators from both parties to advance her policy goals. Her administration has faced challenges, particularly in navigating a politically divided legislature, but she has emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the state's needs.

In summary, Laura Kelly's governorship has been marked by her efforts to address the fiscal and social challenges facing Kansas. Her background in public health and recreation, combined with her legislative experience, has informed her approach to governance. As she continues her term, her policies and leadership will likely shape the future of Kansas in significant ways.