Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly restores protections for LGBTQ state employees

In her first full day in office, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly reinstated protections for LGBTQ employees at state agencies and expanded the original executive order to apply to state government contractors.

“Laura Kelly has reaffirmed that discrimination has no place in Kansas," DNC LGBTQ Media Director Lucas Acosta said. "After years of prejudicial leadership from Republican Governor Sam Brownback, Kelly’s tenure is a welcome reprieve for all state employees who can now live freely without fear of retribution from their employer.

“Last November, Kansans voted for progress when they flipped the governor’s mansion from red to blue. Today, Governor Kelly is following through on her promise to make Kansas more just and equal for all, no matter who you love or how you identify.”

Gov. Kelly was a long-time leader of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, advocating for public parks across the state. She was elected to the Kansas Senate in 2004. She immediately built a reputation as a no-nonsense leader who could work with anyone to get things done. After just two years, she was asked to serve as the Ranking Minority member of the important Ways and Means Committee.

She has advocated for fiscally responsible, balanced budgets that still reflect the priorities of Kansas communities, like schools, health care, roads and public safety. Laura was a key player in the establishment and funding of the Early Childhood Development Block Grants, which have helped thousands of Kansas children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Her promise to Kansans: “As governor, Laura will bring people together to rebuild Kansas and increase the efficiency of state government. She will work to expand early childhood education and public school funding to give all Kansas kids - no matter where they live - the opportunity to succeed. She will work with lawmakers to expand Medicaid to make affordable healthcare more accessible and support rural hospitals and clinics. And she will balance the budget without new taxes.”

In 2015, her predecessor as governor, Republican Sam Brownback, rescinded protections for LGBT state workers that have been put into place by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Gov. Kelly was inaugurated January 14, and signed the order reinstating LGBTQ protections on January 15, her first full day in office.

Copyright The Gayly – January 15, 2019 @ 5:55 p.m. CST.