Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed proposed tax breaks for anti-abortion counseling centers and a bill to increase penalties for killing a law enforcement dog or horse, calling it “political pettiness.” She also rejected two election measures influenced by baseless election conspiracies. Kelly allowed restrictions on college diversity initiatives to become law without her signature, despite concerns from GOP legislators. This new law prohibits universities from requiring students to make statements on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, effective July 1. Kelly’s veto of the bill supporting anti-abortion centers was expected due to her support for abortion rights.
In about two dozen states, Republicans have sought to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, arguing they are discriminatory and enforce a liberal political orthodoxy. The Kansas Board of Regents adopted its own narrower ban on these practices, while the new law allows fines of up to $10,000 for violations. Backers of DEI programs argue they are being misrepresented and are crucial for fair treatment and participation of minority groups. Kelly emphasized the need to focus on making college more affordable and providing students from all backgrounds with the tools to succeed. Republicans immediately pledged to try to override the vetoes upon legislators’ return from spring break.
The abortion measure Kelly vetoed aimed to provide tax breaks to anti-abortion centers that offer free services and income tax credits to donors, totaling up to $10 million annually. Kelly stated that it is inappropriate to divert taxpayer dollars to largely unregulated crisis pregnancy centers. The bill also included provisions to financially help parents who want to adopt children. Abortion opponents criticized Kelly for siding with the profit-driven abortion industry and not vulnerable Kansas women, children, and families. Despite opposition to severe abortion restrictions, Kansas protects access to abortion as a fundamental right under the state constitution.
Kelly has repeatedly clashed with Republicans on voting rights issues, vetoing bills that would shorten the period for returning mail ballots and restrict the use of federal funds for election administration. Republicans justify these measures by responding to constituents’ concerns about the integrity of election results, fueled by misinformation from former President Trump. Kelly urged lawmakers to focus on real issues impacting Kansans instead of creating problems that do not exist. She also vetoed a bill to increase penalties for killing a law enforcement dog, arguing that further study was needed and the new penalties were disproportionate without justification, despite bipartisan support for such measures nationwide.
The Kansas Legislature is set to wrap up its work for the year in six days, with Republicans vowing to attempt overrides of Kelly’s vetoes. The new law restricting diversity initiatives at colleges, universities, and technical schools will have significant implications for higher education institutions in Kansas. The ongoing political battles between Kelly and Republican legislators highlight the contentious issues surrounding abortion, voting rights, and law enforcement in the state. Republicans continue to push for measures that align with their conservative agenda, while Kelly remains committed to upholding her priorities and principles as governor.
