Kelly Touts Economic Wins in Final State of the State
Governor highlights Chiefs stadium deal, $30 billion in new investments during last address to Legislature
TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly used her final state of the state address Tuesday to celebrate a historic run of economic development achievements, headlined by the Kansas City Chiefs' move to Kansas and more than $30 billion in new business investments that have created 80,000 jobs across the state over her seven years in office.
Kelly, a Democrat serving her second term, pointed to the Chiefs' planned stadium in Wyandotte County as proof that Kansas has transformed from a "flyover state" to a "touchdown state." The new facility, set to open in five years, will compete to host Super Bowls, Final Fours and major concerts while generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity. The governor credited bipartisan cooperation for landing the deal without a tax increase, singling out Lt. Gov. David Toland as the "economic development wonder boy" who orchestrated negotiations with local officials and Chiefs president Mark Donovan.
The governor highlighted a string of major corporate expansions and relocations, including Panasonic, Boeing, Urban Outfitters and other companies that have invested $30 billion statewide. Kelly said the economic growth enabled her administration to cut more than $1 billion per year in taxes, including eliminating the sales tax on groceries and the state income tax on Social Security benefits. She noted that CNBC ranked Kansas second in the nation for cost of living last year, crediting responsible budget management that turned inherited deficits into surpluses while building a $2 billion rainy day fund.
Beyond economic development, Kelly called on lawmakers to address the state's water crisis with a comprehensive long-term funding strategy, pass a bipartisan proposal to ban cell phones during the school day, and continue investments in mental health services and special education. The governor emphasized civility and compromise as her administration's hallmark, noting she signed 587 bipartisan bills into law while achieving seven straight years of fully funded public schools, record highway investments and crime rates at a 20-year low.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
Brought to you by (click me!)
