How can a traffic ticket ruin a life? A traffic ticket for something as simple as a broken headlight or a missing taillight can snowball into a jail sentence in Kansas for low-income people who can’t afford car repairs or fines. And according to some activists and state representatives, it’s more likely to happen to […]
Sedgwick County
Posted inCivic Engagement, Local Government
Did a cost-cutting move reduce voter turnout in 2022?
Is Sedgwick County doing enough to ensure voting in elections is accessible to all? Nancy Brown, a leader of the Wichita League of Women Voters, doesn’t think so. She and other voting rights advocates believe people who have difficulty going to the polls were harmed by the Sedgwick County Commission last year. In the 2022 […]
Posted inKansas State Government
Who represents me in the 2023 Kansas Legislature?
Wichita and the surrounding area account for only a fifth of the state’s population, but the region’s representatives in the 2023 Kansas Legislature include some of the most powerful politicians in Topeka, including House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson. Both men have the power to set the agenda of the entire legislature, […]
Posted inEconomics, Kansas State Government
Kansas lowers sales tax on food, but not everything you eat is eligible for savings
Update: On April 24, Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed legislation that would have accelerated the elimination of state sales tax on food to zero on Jan. 1, 2024. The food sales tax is currently scheduled to fall from 4% to 2% on that date. Though Kelly supported the change, she opposes the larger bill that would […]
Posted inHousing, Wichitans You Should Know
Surviving the winter without shelter: What it’s like for one Wichita couple
Denise and Richard Dodd currently live next to a river in Wichita. We asked the Dodds how they came to live beside the river. This is their story.
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, Kansas State Government
Kansas Legislature asked to focus on life-and-death issues
“You have the power to save lives this upcoming session,” said Lisa Veyda, one of two dozen people who signed up to speak Dec. 13 at a public forum hosted by the Regional Economic Area Partnership of South Central Kansas (REAP).
Posted inLocal Government, Watchdog
A few steps forward, a few steps back: Update on the Cedric Lofton task force recommendations
One notable change is Sedgwick County has launched a pilot program embedding mental health workers among the 911 emergency response team. On the opposite side, Sedgwick County has decided to not include “Stand Your Ground” law reform in its legislative agenda.
Posted inCivic Engagement, Housing
Homeless or fearful of losing your home? Help is available
The United Way’s 211 assistance referral website lists 73 organizations in Sedgwick County providing help for people seeking shelter and housing. These organizations, which rely on a combination of tax dollars, private donations and volunteers, provide a variety of help to all populations.
Posted inCivic Engagement, DIY Democracy, How To, Local Government, Watchdog
Know your rights: How to protest in Wichita
Want to protest to make your voice heard? Before you organize a protest, it is important to know what rights you have and how to use them. It’s also helpful to know what can and won’t get you in trouble with the law. Here is a quick guide on how to protest in Wichita.
Posted inEconomics, Housing, How To, Kansas State Government
Can’t pay your utility bill? There is help for keeping the heat on this winter
Kansas’ “cold weather rule” is in effect from Nov. 1 to March 31. Nov. 1 until March 31. During this time, certain utility companies must do two things: Offer a 12-month repayment plan for those behind on their payments and not shut off any utilities if the temperature drops below 35 degrees.