Gov. Kelly, Rep. Davids push for emergency relief for Kansans; State Finance Council to vote on statewide emergency disaster declaration

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly and Rep. Sharice Davids of the Third Congressional District are both pushing for emergency relief for Kansas.

Kelly testified before the House Financial Services Committee on the need for federal relief for the Kansas state budget. Following the governor's testimony, Davids released a statement thanking the governor for "advocating on behalf of the needs of all Kansans today."

"It's clear that Kansas needs emergency relief to avoid severe cuts to our public schools, roads, fire departments, public health agencies, and other essential services Kansans depend on," Davids said. "That would hurt our economy even more and make the damage last longer."

Davids noted that Kansans "have been down this road before," after former Gov. Sam Brownback made significant state budget cuts during his time in office.

"This is a national emergency and it requires a national solution – states and local governments can't be expected to address these challenges on their own," Davids said, noting that she will continue to push Congress and the Trump Administration to pass another coronavirus relief bill that provides aid to state and local governments. "That legislation also needs to include support for workers and small businesses, widespread and rapid testing, and personal protective equipment so we can control this virus to save lives and save our economy. Other nations around the globe have done a much better job of controlling this virus – and we should expect nothing less from ours."