We keep telling legislators not to harm Kansans. They keep ignoring us | Opinion

An open letter to the members of the Kansas Legislature:

As we close out the fourth week of the 2026 legislative session, I find myself exhausted and disheartened by the relentless pace at which harmful, hateful bills are being introduced. Each day, I open the general order update with a knot in my stomach, bracing myself for the next attack on our communities “above the line.” I wish this were hyperbole. It is not.

This week marked the third time I have submitted testimony pleading with you not to harm Kansans — to protect education, food access and health care for the most vulnerable among us, who are overwhelmingly children and older adults. Three times, I have asked you to choose care over cruelty, dignity over division. And still, the bills keep coming.

So, I ask you plainly: What are you doing?

What is the victory in introducing bill after bill that strips vital services, erodes long-standing protections and “others” Kansans who make this state stronger? What is gained by limiting children’s ability to belong or continue their education? What satisfaction comes from pushing families off already meager health care coverage and food assistance — supports that, in Kansas, are among the lowest in the nation? How does any of this make our communities healthier, safer or more prosperous?

Has dignity left the Kansas State Capitol? Do facts no longer matter? Does the voice of the people carry no weight?

Across our state, people are taking time away from their jobs, their families and their lives to show up — writing testimony, traveling to hearings and speaking from lived experience about what these policies mean in real life. They bring data. They bring stories. They bring truth. And too often, what do they receive in return? Committee chairs bending rules, cutting off public comment and forcing bills through without meaningful debate or proper process.

Is that what you were elected to do? To overreach? To silence? To abuse your power in service of an agenda that does not reflect the will or well-being of the people you represent?

That is not leadership. That is not democracy.

So instead of submitting yet another piece of testimony destined for a stack you may choose to ignore, I will end with this: What are you doing with the power you hold? What kind of Kansas are you fighting so hard to create? One where children are punished for circumstances beyond their control? One where families are pushed deeper into crisis? One where difference is treated as a threat instead of a strength?

When will enough be enough?

When will you turn your attention toward legislation that uplifts rather than harms, that protects rather than violates, that expands opportunity rather than restricts it? Kansans deserve leaders who are willing to govern with integrity, compassion and courage — not fear, punishment and cruelty.

Do right by your communities.

Do right by this state.

Do the work you were elected to do.

Erica Andrade is president and CEO of El Centro, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating for communities directly impacted by state policy decisions in Kansas.