CAMPAIGN NEWS

Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka raised concerns during debate on a Kansas House bill that would require driver’s licenses to display a person’s citizenship status. According to reporting from KAKE News , the measure was approved by the House and supporters argued it would help ensure only U.S. citizens participate in elections. Critics in the Legislature, including Haskins, questioned whether the change would create unnecessary complications for residents and whether e

Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka , a professor at Baker University, joined other lawmakers questioning proposed cuts to Kansas public university budgets during a House committee debate. According to reporting from Kansas Reflector , the House Higher Education Budget Committee advanced a plan that would reduce funding for need-based student aid and freeze tuition rates while lawmakers review spending across the state’s public universities. The proposal sparked concern amo

According to reporting from Kansas Reflector , Kansas House Democrats criticized a proposed constitutional amendment related to voting requirements, arguing it could be unnecessary and politically motivated. During the debate, Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka questioned whether additional constitutional language was needed given that Kansas law already requires voters to be U.S. citizens. The discussion highlighted broader concerns among lawmakers about how proposed ele

According to reporting from Kansas Reflector , debate over press access in the Kansas House continued as lawmakers discussed rules that changed where journalists can work while covering legislative proceedings. Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka raised concerns during the discussion, warning that restricting traditional press access could create legal and transparency issues for the Legislature. Haskins urged lawmakers to reconsider the rule change and emphasized the impo

During discussions about health-insurance prior authorization requirements, Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka joined lawmakers reviewing concerns about how the process affects patients and medical providers. According to reporting from The Topeka Capital-Journal , Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt told legislators the current prior-authorization system used by insurers is widely considered problematic and often delays care. Lawmakers are examining potential ref

According to reporting from Kansas Reflector , members of the Kansas House debated changes to chamber rules that limited where journalists could work on the House floor during the 2025 legislative session. Representative Kirk Haskins of Topeka proposed an amendment aimed at restoring the longstanding press access that had previously allowed reporters to observe and report more closely from inside the chamber. During the debate, Haskins argued that maintaining transparency he

According to reporting from The Topeka Capital-Journal , members of the Kansas Legislature gathered at the State Capitol to be sworn in for the 2025 legislative session following the November elections. The ceremony marked the start of the new legislative term for all 165 lawmakers who serve in the Kansas House and Senate. Representative Kirk Haskins joined colleagues from across the state in taking the oath of office as lawmakers prepared to begin work on the issues expected

According to reporting from Kansas Reflector , debate over new Kansas House rules included discussion about restrictions on where journalists can work inside the House chamber. Representative Kirk Haskins proposed an amendment that would restore longstanding press access to the chamber, arguing that transparency helps the public stay informed about legislative decisions. House leadership said the change was made to provide additional seating space for staff, but the proposal

According to reporting from The Topeka Capital-Journal , Kansas lawmakers returned to the Statehouse on January 13 to begin the 2025 legislative session, marking the start of the new legislative cycle following the 2024 elections. The session opened with lawmakers preparing to debate major issues expected to shape the year ahead, including the state budget, tax policy, and election laws. As part of the 125-member Kansas House, Representative Kirk Haskins joined colleagues fro

As the new legislative session begins, Topeka-area lawmakers are stepping into key committee roles that will shape policy discussions at the Statehouse. According to reporting from the The Topeka Capital-Journal, Representative Kirk Haskins will serve in several committees, including a leadership role as the ranking minority member on the House Elections Committee. Haskins will also contribute to discussions on insurance, higher education budgeting, and federal and state affa