Kansas Appleseed Center for Law and Justice

(4/4) "Many Kansans are also quietly holding together fragile, complex systems of care for their families. Policies like those proposed in SB 363 work best when life fits neatly into categories. My life doesn't fit in neat categories." We urge Committee to oppose SB 363! #ksleg

(3/4) "I spend my days rearranging my life when something falls through, and something always falls through... I understand how these systems work, and even I know that one difficult week could cause something critical to slip through the cracks." #ksleg

(1/4) Haley Kottler, Senior Director for Kansas Appleseed, testifying on SB 363: "My life right now illustrates something important about the policies you are considering today... The decisions proposed in SB 363 land in the middle of Kansans' complicated lives." #ksleg

Claims that expanding SNAP work requirements will boost employment overlook research on food assistance recipients. Most SNAP participants who can work are already employed, and stricter requirements primarily cut benefits rather than promote job placement.

Data show that fraud in programs like SNAP is rare, with most errors stemming from paperwork issues or administrative mistakes. SB 363's approach of treating routine discrepancies as fraud conflates errors with intentional misconduct.

The provisions of SB 363 would place an undue burden on social service workers in the state, who already face high caseloads, creating delays & increased errors. Kansans who need food assistance to feed themselves & their families will carry the burden of delays & inefficiencies.

Before the hearing, some of our staff participated in a Rally for Health Care held at the Kansas Statehouse in the 2nd-floor rotunda. The proposed SB 363 would significantly complicate the process for individuals with Medicaid to obtain and maintain their coverage. #ksleg

(2/2) SB 363 would codify some of the most onerous parts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read more about our research on what the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' really means for Kansans here: kansasappleseed.org/wp-content/upl…

(1/2) The House Committee on Welfare Reform is holding a hearing on SB 363, which we oppose because it makes it harder for Kansans to access food and medical assistance through new verification rules and limits agency flexibility. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=QI0C82… #ksleg

"Against this backdrop, limiting legal accountability is concerning... Instead of a proposal to regulate insurance industry, they're asking you to be their defense against children who were harmed & are seeking justice. Will you defend them at the expense of KS children?" #ksleg

"In Boone v. TFI Family Services, it was discovered that a child was removed from their mother’s home and placed in their father’s custody despite strong objections of the mother, and fear that the father would abuse the child. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened." #ksleg

Mike Fonkert, Deputy Director at Kansas Appleseed, testifying in opposition to HB 2521: "Kansas’ child welfare system has a history of glaring performance and safety concerns that have led to trauma, harm, and tragedy among foster youth..." #ksleg

(2/2) HB 2521 designates Child Placement Agencies as government entities under the Kansas Tort Claims Act, offering liability protections to private contractors responsible for foster care. Foster youth should not suffer the costs of protecting these contractors from liability.

(1/2) The Senate Committee on Judiciary is meeting now. We oppose HB 2521 as it shields Child Placement Agencies from accountability. Foster care kids deserve safety, stability, and meaningful access to justice when harm occurs. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=-wYtgK… #ksleg

SB 387 has passed out of committee with amendments and now moves to consideration by the chamber. #ksleg

"We are pleased to see this amendment pass, as it clarifies that the Community Eligibility Provision does not belong in this bill." - Haley Kottler, Senior Campaign Director at Kansas Appleseed #ksleg

Representative Steele has proposed an amendment to strike all language on the Community Eligibility Provision from SB 387. Motion passes. #ksleg

Decisions about how to feed students should be left to schools and communities, without heavy-handed legislative intervention. School officials know which families need meals. Kansas should focus on optimizing federal nutrition funding for children, families, and local economies.

The Legislature has prioritized efficiency & spending cuts. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) supports these goals by allowing high-poverty schools to provide free breakfast & lunch to all students, reducing barriers to learning. Learn more on CEP: kansasappleseed.org/wp-content/upl…

The House Committee on Education is currently meeting. SB 387 would add unnecessary paperwork and costs, create stigma in cafeterias, and limit local schools' decisions on feeding students. Watch here: youtube.com/watch?v=socHeu… #ksleg