Investing in Kansas’ public safety doesn’t cost — it pays us back | Opinion

Public safety is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. Kansans expect — and deserve — that when they call for help, the men and women responding can communicate clearly, reliably and without interruption. That expectation is not partisan. It is a basic duty we owe to residents of our state and to those who protect them every day.

That is why continued investment in KSICS, the Kansas Statewide Interoperable Communication System, is not optional — it is essential.

KSICS is the backbone of public safety communications across our state. It’s a complex, land-mobile radio system that has been instrumental in safety for nearly two decades in Kansas. The state operates 76 radio towers and supports more than 1,400 city, county, state and federal agencies that communicate daily on the system.

From rural sheriff’s offices to state troopers, from emergency medical services to fire departments and the Kansas National Guard, KSICS ensures seamless local, regional, and statewide communication when it matters most.

This system saves lives.

But like any critical infrastructure, KSICS is aging. Technology evolves, threats change and demands on public safety increase. We have reached a point where state-level investment is required to modernize and sustain this system so it can serve Kansans reliably for the next 20 years.

Delaying action does not save money — it costs more. Every year we postpone upgrades, replacement costs rise, maintenance becomes more expensive and the risk of failure grows.

Conservatives understand this principle well: Deferred maintenance is not fiscal restraint — it is fiscal negligence. We have a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of Kansas to invest wisely, efficiently and proactively. We also have a public responsibility to ensure that first responders are equipped with the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

State investment is also the key that unlocks local investment. Cities and counties want to contribute, but they need confidence that the system they rely on will be supported long-term.

When the state steps forward, it creates stability, certainty and partnership — allowing local agencies to plan, budget and invest in their portion of the system with confidence.

Public safety is not where we cut corners. It is where we lead.

If we believe in protecting Kansans, supporting first responders, and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, then the path forward is clear. The time to invest in upgrading KSICS is now — before higher costs, greater risks and lost opportunities force our hand.

Strong systems reflect strong leadership. Kansas must choose both.

Chris Croft is majority leader of the Kansas House of Representatives. He and his wife, Connie, live in Overland Park.