Governor Kelly launches budget listening tour across Kansas

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gov. Laura Kelly announced Oct. 6 the launch of a statewide listening tour to gather public input on Kansas' budget priorities ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

The Democratic governor will visit eight communities this fall for town hall events as part of "The People's Budget" tour, which begins Thursday in Salina. Kelly will be joined at each stop by Adam Proffitt, director of the budget and secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration.

"Today, I'm launching The People's Budget tour, because Kansans should know and have a say in where their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are going," Kelly said in a statement. "My administration has been laser-focused on building a strong fiscal foundation for our state."

The tour comes after the Republican-controlled Legislature this year disregarded Kelly's budget proposal and crafted its own spending plan. Kelly said the Legislature's budget, passed in April, leaves Kansas facing severe shortfalls, with projections showing the state will spend $300 million to $700 million more than it receives annually in coming years.

"In the months ahead, it's critical that we continue down the path of responsible budgeting to ensure Kansas does not return to the days of reckless fiscal mismanagement," Kelly said.

The governor annually presents a balanced budget proposal to the Legislature outlining investments in education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.

The tour schedule includes stops in Salina, Hays, Garden City, Kansas City, Leawood, Emporia, Pittsburg and Wichita between Oct. 9 and Nov. 12. Attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis due to venue capacity limits:

• Thursday, October 9: Salina
• Wednesday, October 29: Hays
• Wednesday, October 29: Garden City
• Monday, November 3: Kansas City, Kansas
• Wednesday, November 5: Leawood
• Thursday, November 6: Emporia
• Monday, November 10: Pittsburg
• Wednesday, November 12: Wichita