Lower Costs for Kansans

Find Relief Now
Take My Survey
Rep. Davids reviews manufacturing in the Kansas Third District.

Families are struggling with high prices, including on gas and groceries. I think about how inflation hurts people like my mom, who’s living on a fixed income. No one should have their budget squeezed even more. 

I understand it’s tough for many people right now. Thankfully, we’re also seeing some key progress. Our economy created a record-breaking 14 million jobs over the last two years. And Panasonic’s new electric battery plant in De Soto will mean thousands of new jobs for our region. 

I'm focused on concrete and bipartisan solutions to keep moving forward. My priority is building an economy that works for everyone – especially for folks in the middle- and working-classes.

That’s why I’ve helped pass laws to strengthen American supply chains, boost U.S. manufacturing, and reduce dependence on foreign oil. We need to make more products and jobs here in America – not China. I also pushed back against drug companies by voting to pass a law that lets Medicare cap insulin prices at $35 a month and negotiate for lower prescription drug prices.

As this work continues, please use the below menu to find relief and resources:

• Take My Survey
• Help with Groceries and Gas
• Help with Bills, Finances, and Utilities
• Help with Taxes
• Help with Health Care
• Help for Seniors
• Help for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs


 

 

Help with Groceries and Gas

Rep. Davids at a Roeland Park Price Chopper.

Help with Groceries

On the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, I’m working in a bipartisan way to secure our agricultural supply chains and to support our state’s largest economic sector. I’m also pushing to stop big corporations from taking advantage of consumers and raising prices on everything from meat to bread and eggs. And I joined other Kansas lawmakers in a bipartisan push for investigations into anti-competitive behavior in the meatpacking industry.

Here are some resources that may help you in the meantime.

Save on groceries:

  • Nutrition on a budget: Find a variety of tools and resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that may help you save on your groceries.
     
  • Shop Simple with MyPlate App: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's smart phone app may also be able to help you find healthy food savings in your area and prepare budget friendly meals.

Additional help:

  • Food Assistance: You may qualify for help to put food on the table. This link can connect you with a directory of resources that may help you find what best fits your situation.
     
  • Extra Help for Fresh Food: If you qualify for SNAP, you can double the value of your assistance by shopping at certain farmers’ markets and grocery stores in the Kansas City area.
     
  • Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors (or CHAMPSS): In Johnson County, folks who are over 60 and their spouses may qualify for meals through CHAMPSS at local Hy-Vee grocery stores. 
Rep. Davids at a local gas station announcing her support to suspend the federal gas tax

Help with Gas

Families need relief at the gas pump. I’m pushing for an all of the above approach to get prices down. That includes suspending the federal gas tax to get people relief now. I also helped pass a law that invests in American energy and clean energy production to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and to lower gas prices and utility bills. I've also voted to crack down on price gouging by big oil and gas companies.

Here are some resources that can help you in the meantime:

More Transportation Help:

  • RideKC: KCATA buses are free through the end of 2023. Explore helpful, low-cost transit alternatives.
     
  • RideShareKC: You may be able to lower your commuting costs by carpooling.
     
  • KC Bikeshare: You can also explore RideKC’s bikeshare options, which include both electric-assist bikes and traditional cycling.
     
  • MicroTransit: Low-cost service that can pick you up and drop you off.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.


 

 

Help with Bills, Finances, and Utilities

Rep. Davids at a property in Olathe to see how the bipartisan infrastructure law she helped pass is replacing lead pipes

Help with Mortgages and Rent

It’s frustrating to see the cost of already expensive mortgages keep rising. I'm supporting bipartisan legislation to make housing more affordable. That includes stronger tax incentives to boost the supply of housing, so we can meet demand and get costs down. I’ve also supported bipartisan legislation to help local governments develop sustainable housing plans.

Here are some resources that can help you in the meantime:

Help with Energy Bills

I voted for a law that’s lowering utility bills in Kansas by helping folks make their homes cleaner and more efficient. Many Kansans in the Third District qualify for upfront discounts or tax breaks that could save an average of $500 per year on home energy bills.

Here are some resources that can help you:

  • Home Energy Saver Calculator: See if you're paying more than what's typical for your ZIP Code and find ways to save.
     
  • Efficiency Upgrades:I voted for a new law that’s helping folks save on their utility bills. Kansans may qualify for an average of $5,000 to $12,000 in upfront discounts or tax breaks to help upgrade home energy systems. That includes installing energy efficient appliances and upgrading insulation, which will lead to lower monthly utility bills. This link is a one-stop-shop to learn about all the different savings available to you.
     
  • Lowering Energy Bills: Learn more about how the new law I helped pass can help you pay for more efficient appliances, lower your energy bills, and more.
     
  • Weatherization Upgrades: Assistance from the state of Kansas can help lower your costs through home upgrades. Check here to see if you qualify.
     
  • If you need immediate assistance paying your home energy bills, check out these resources:
     
    • LIEAP: Some families and seniors may qualify for help lowering costs on staying warm, utilities, and energy repairs. I voted to increase Kansas resources for this program, especially during the pandemic.
       
    • Additional Utility Assistance: The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) regulates many utilities and may be able to connect people with other resources, including weatherization help.
       

Help with Credit Card Bills:

I know many folks often rely on credit cards, which unfortunately can have challenging interest rates and other charges. Thankfully, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has several resources that may be able to help you.

Help for Students

I understand that higher education can be expensive and I’m continuing to pay off my own student loans. Here are some resources that can help:

  • Find Aid at Studentaid.gov: Find student aid options, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

  • Consolidate Loans: Consolidating student loans is an option that some may explore to lower their payments.

  • Pell Grants: Pell Grants may also be an option for some qualifying students, and unlike loans, do not have to be repaid.  
     
  • More Resources: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may be able to connect you with additional help, too.

Other Help with Bills and Finances

  • The Affordable Connectivity Program: The bipartisan infrastructure law I helped pass established the Affordable Connectivity Program. This new initiative helps more families afford high-speed internet – up to $30 a month off their internet bills. Some families may also be eligible for a discount to purchase a desktop, laptop, or a tablet to access the internet.
     
  • Claim Lost Funds: Find old payroll checks that haven’t been cashed, bank savings that may have gotten lost, unclaimed insurance proceeds, and more for free. Over time people can lose track of some funds – and people often have more unclaimed property than you think!
     
  • Consumer.gov: Find tools that can help you protect your identity, manage money wisely, and more.
     
  • When You Can’t Pay Your Bills: Resources for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on how to dispute billing errors, manage debt, and look out for unfair practices.
     
  • Kansas Successful Families: Qualifying families with modest incomes may be able to get help with paying for critical needs such as housing, utilities, and diapers. Child care help may be available, too.
     
  • Explore More Help: Search for more assistance including for telephone bills, utilities, and more.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.

 

 

 

Help with Taxes

Rep. Davids listening to Kansas Third District constituents at their kitchen table.

I know tax season is often a stressful time for many folks. That’s why I’ve voted to cut taxes for folks in the middle- and working-class. I also helped pass a new a law that’s making significant service improvements at the IRS so people can get their refunds and assistance more quickly.

  • Help for Taxpayers: First, please know that my office is here to serve you however we can. That includes helping with any stalled tax refunds you may have with the IRS. In fact, we've now helped recover nearly $13 million from the IRS for local Kansas taxpayers. Visit our Help for Taxpayers page to learn more and see how we may be able to help you too.
     
  • Contact Your Local IRS Office: If you need additional help and need to speak to someone for specific questions.
     
  • Taxpayer Advocate Service: This is an independent service within the IRS that helps ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.
     
  • Find the Status of Your Refund: Refunds are a crucial source of relief for many every year. Find out the status of yours.
     
  • Open An Online Account: My office strongly encourages you to open an online account and file electronically to avoid delays.
     
  • IRS Free File: You may be able to get tax preparation assistance for free or at low cost. See if you qualify.
     
  • Get a Past Refund: You may have up to three years to claim a past refund. Don't miss out!
     
  • Homestead Refund: A rebate for local property taxes paid by homeowners (non-federal).
     
  • Watch our Facebook Live on Tax Resources. Get answers to questions and learn more about the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program, or VITA, which can help some folks with their taxes.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.

 

 

 

Help with Health Care

Rep. Davids greeting patients at a local health care facility.

Everyone should have access to quality, affordable health care, but far too many Kansans can’t get the care they need or are faced with skyrocketing costs. That’s why I’m making it a priority to lower the cost of health care and prescription drugs, fix and strengthen the Affordable Care Act, expand Medicaid, and improve quality of care.

Here are some resources that may help you in the meantime as I keep pushing for progress:
 

Help with Surprise Medical Bills:

I helped pass a new bipartisan law to ban surprise medical billing, which is now in effect. I’m pleased to share the law has already blocked more than 9 million surprise bills. Here’s how you can learn more, and tools you can use to protect yourself.

Find Affordable Health Coverage:

I voted for a law that cuts taxes for people who buy their own health insurance, saving Kansas families an average of $980 a year on health care costs. You can benefit from these savings and other resources by using some of the options below:

  • Shop for Affordable Health Insurance Plans: Open enrollment is here through December 15th! Visit to find and compare health insurance plans. Coverage can be more affordable than you think.
  • Find Local Help: You may also be able to get in-person assistance to find affordable health insurance. You can also access help over the phone or via email.
     
  • KanCare: Our state's version of Medicaid, which helps ensure people with modest incomes or other eligibility criteria can have coverage for little or no cost. In the House of Representatives, I'm pushing to help expand Medicaid so another 165,000 Kansans can access more affordable health care.
     
    • Keep KanCare Coverage: Eligibility reviews for KanCare were halted during the pandemic, but they have resumed as of April 2023. Some Kansans may be at risk of losing their KanCare coverage without proper preparation. To prevent that from happening, please update your address and contact information at kancare.ks.gov or by calling 1-800-792-4884.
       
  • Children's Health Insurance Program: Affordable and quality health coverage for children or teens.
     
  • Community Health Centers: People can access several different local health centers for the care they need, including those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.

 

 

Help for Seniors

Rep. Davids chatting with Kansas Third District seniors.

After working hard and contributing to their communities their whole lives, seniors deserve a dignified retirement with quality health care. Unfortunately, many older folks like my mom are living on fixed incomes and are having a hard time with inflation. That’s why I voted for a law that finally stands up to Big Pharma and lets Medicare negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. The law also caps the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare at $35 a month.

As I keep pushing for solutions, here are some resources that can help you:
 

Help with Medicare and Health Care:

  • Lower Insulin Costs: I helped pass the new law that’s capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare, which is now in effect. I'm pleased to see major insulin producers are following suit by expanding this protection to more people on private insurance, thanks to the pressure this law helped bring.
     

Help with Social Security:


More Help for Seniors:

  • Verify Investment Advisors: This Securities and Exchange Commission website can help you verify information on different investment advisors to help seniors and consumers protect their retirement savings.
     
  • Employment Services for Seniors: Seniors who’d like to keep working may be able to find help through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

  • Wyandotte County Senior Tax Rebates: Seniors in Wyandotte County may qualify for tax and utility rebates.

  • Property Tax Relief for Qualifying Seniors: Some Kansas seniors may also qualify for tax relief through the state of Kansas.
     
  • Help with Reverse Mortgages: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has resources to help homeowners understand home equity and how it can be used to take out loans. It also has tips for navigating reverse mortgages while avoiding scams and high-risk plans.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.


 

 

Help for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs

Rep. Davids with employees at a small business in the Kansas Third District.

I understand it’s tough for many people right now. Thankfully, we’re also seeing some key progress. Our economy created a record-breaking 13 million jobs over the last two years. And Panasonic’s new electric battery plant in De Soto will mean thousands of new jobs for our region.

If you’re looking for a new job or a higher-paying job, here are some resources that may be able to help:
 

Find a Job:

  • Kansas Job Hiring Portal: Created by the Kansas Department of Commerce. More than 34,000 job openings are currently available in our state.
     
  • Career One Stop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this website connects people with employment, job training, resume help, and a variety of other resources.
     
  • USAjobs.gov: Apply for employment with the federal government. Good-paying jobs are available in fields as wide ranging as computer engineering, biologists, acquisitions and contracting, and much more.
     
    • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Jobs: The bipartisan infrastructure law I helped pass is also creating thousands of jobs across the country, including many that don’t require a college degree. Learn more about it and see how you can apply.
       

Help for Small Businesses

I understand many folks are going through a hard time right now. Thankfully, though, we’re also seeing important progress at the same time. In fact, 2021 and 2022 were the strongest on record for new small business applications. As a member of the Small Business Committee, I’m working to build on this progress and ensure small businesses have the tools they need to thrive.

Here are some resources that can help local businesses in our region.

Job Help for Veterans

My mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. I learned so much about service, sacrifice, and dedication to country through her. After all our Servicemembers and Veterans have done for us, we must have their backs.

Here are some resources that can help local veterans find jobs:

  • Fedshirevets.gov: This website helps connect veterans with job opportunities throughout the federal government.

  • Veterans' Employment and Training Service: A U.S. Department of Labor initiative that’s focused on connecting veterans, service members, and military spouses with meaningful careers.

  • Kanvet.org: A website from the state of Kansas to help make it easier for veterans to access resources, including for employment.

  • Help for Veterans: My office’s web page also contains additional resources for Kansas veterans. We may also be able to help veterans cut through red tape at the Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies.

Click here to go back to the main menu.
Click here to take my survey to share your views.

 

 

 

Click here to go back to the main menu.

 

 

Issues:Jobs, Economy & Small Businesses

Office Locations

Washington DC Office
2435 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-2865
Overland Park District Office
9200 Indian Creek Parkway
Suite 562
Overland Park, KS  66210
Phone: (913) 621-0832